Miscellaneous Class
16-18 kg
32-38 cm
10-14 years
Looking for a courageous little dog who loves nothing more than long walks and lots of affection? In that case, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne could be the ideal companion for you.
Check out our guide to see if you could benefit from the charms of this intelligent and loyal dog breed.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was first bred in France and is related to the larger Grand Fauve de Bretagne, which is now no longer in existence. Originally trained as hunting dogs, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne now enjoys being a popular household pet.
A Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a friendly, warm, and intelligent hunting dog who loves nothing better than to spend time with its owners. They are cheerful and eager to please, which makes them wonderful companion dogs, but they also make adaptable and reliable hunting dogs too.
They are small and stocky and pack a lot of courage into those tiny little bodies. In fact, people often say that the Basset Fauve de Bretagne forgets what size it is!
They are energetic and fast, and any rabbits it sees are considered fair game. This is due to the dog’s genetic makeup, but with the right training, these hunting instincts can be decreased but never completely eradicated.
The dog breed is best for those families who not only love exercise but also have the time to exercise. These little dogs have bundles of energy to expel, so they need at least an hour of physical exercise per day, preferably two.
They make a great family pet as they love kids, but if you have other animals, then the scent hound instinct can at times kick in, and they chase animals smaller than they are, so they generally aren’t ideal for those with other pets in the household.
Like other Basset breeds, these dogs are just as happy tramping over fields and hills as they are curled up with their family in front of a warm fire.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a great option for those who don’t want the hassle of a high-maintenance coat, which can often be costly at the dog groomers. That doesn’t need that they do not require grooming, however!
These dogs will shed a lot, so it’s important to brush their thick, wiry coat with a fine-toothed comb to release excess dead hair, dirt, and other debris at least once a week.
Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are not vocal dogs and will seldom bark in general. However, this always depends on the dog’s mood, general happiness, and genetic tendencies.
A Basset Fauve de Bretagne usually weighs between 16kg and 18kg and measures between 32 and 38 cm in height.
As scent hounds originally, they were used to catch rabbits. And, with a nose so close to the ground, their sense of smell can completely overpower the brain if the dog is not trained from a very early age.
Socialisation from as young as possible is a must. This will get them used to people and other dogs, which can be invaluable as the dog grows up, giving them an excellent foundation for the rest of their lives.
Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a lot of energy and therefore needs a lot of exercise. But, just as importantly, these little dogs need mental stimulation too. As hound dogs, they are inquisitive and love having a task to perform, making them excellent at dog sports. Being so intelligent, having fun games and exciting toys are a must.
Initially, they can be a little difficult to train due to their lightly stubborn nature, but they respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle praise, which should have them enjoying training in no time!
They are friendly dogs, although they can be slightly wary of strangers. Once they know they aren’t a threat, however, they will treat them with love and affection. If they do sense a threat, they will do everything they can to protect their family.
They are great with children too, but they aren’t always the best with other pets, particularly smaller animals in the household. This is because they have an instinct as scent dogs to chase, and chase they do! If you have cats or rabbits, in particular, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is probably not going to be the best dog for you.
While most Basset Fauve de Bretagne are healthy dogs and able to enjoy a long, sickness-free life, they do have an increased chance of developing certain health conditions due to their breed and genetics.
Responsible dog ownership means that it’s your task to ensure your dog receives regular checkups with a vet to diagnose any of these conditions as soon as they start developing.
The average life expectancy of a dog of this kind is anywhere between 10 – 14 years of age. A dog’s age depends on a variety of factors, including any health concerns, lifestyle, and living conditions.
A Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s diet should consist of food formulated especially for active breeds so they won’t gain weight.
In order to burn off this food, they will require an ample amount of exercise, or they run the risk of the dreaded weight gain. They should have a regular feeding routine with no food left out during the day or night, which will lead to overeating. While a reward now and again is perfectly fine, try to limit treats for the same reason.
To raise a healthy dog, it is important to recognise how their dietary requirements will change from when they are puppies to adult dogs, progressing into senior years.
To give the dog the very best chance of a long, healthy, and happy life, you should consult your vet for expert recommendations regarding your Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s diet. This is because there is a lot of variation from dog to dog, including energy levels, general health, and weight, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all diet programme.
The price of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne will vary but expect to pay in the region of upwards of $1500 for a pup. Of course, it’s always best if you adopt and don’t shop, so why not try your local animal shelter first? Rescue Basset Fauve de Bretagne makes excellent and loving pets too!
If you have decided you want to approach a breed club, always source a responsible breeder, and never purchase a dog if you think it has come from a puppy mill.
Yes, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a great option for a first-time dog owner! They are easy to care for, provided they get a lot of daily exercise. This means long treks and lots of games to keep them fit and adequately stimulated. They are excellent companion dogs and love a cuddle and lots of affection, which, of course, they will reciprocate!
Yes, like many dog breeds, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne can suffer from separation anxiety, a mental health condition that can be very distressing for both the dog and owner. Early training can help eliminate the risk of this developing, but it’s important that your dog is not kept for extended periods on its own.
Sadly, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is not a hypoallergenic dog breed. These dogs have dense coats and will shed a lot, so they are not suitable for those who are severe allergies in many cases.
A Basset Fauve de Bretagne will not necessarily require professional grooming, as long as you are happy to maintain their coat. They will require regular brushing and perhaps the odd trim, but they are quite low maintenance compared to many other dogs.
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