Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Other names: Fawn Brittany Basset

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is more commonly seen in France than elsewhere in the world. The breed is thought to have originated in Brittany, France’s north-westernmost region (hence its name). The breed was introduced into the UK in 1983 and was registered as a rare breed in 2007. 

Key facts about the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Life expectancy :

8

20

13

15

Temperament :

Playful Calm Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

The breed is thought to have arisen from various crosses with the extinct Grand Fauve de Bretagne. Originally bred in Brittany, France, the dog’s skills of hunting were put to use first by the gentry of the Revolution and later by the commoners. The breed was brought to the UK in the 1980s. Its popularity, although risen since then, remains relatively unexceptional. 

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Adult size

    Female : Between 13 and 15 in

    Male : Between 13 and 15 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 31 and 35 lb

    Male : Between 31 and 35 lb

    Coat colour

    Red

    Type of coat

    Short
    Hard

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    A short-legged dog and long in the body; the head of the Bretagne is domed, longish and well-proportioned. The Bretagne’s ears are quite long, end in a point and turn inwards towards the cheek. When active the dog’s thick tail is carried up and over its top line.

    Good to know

    A hound such as the Bretagne is unlikely to be obedient all of the time. Bretagnes are independent dogs that require a firm (but fair) and consistent training regime. An owner that affords a dog of this breed too much behavioural leeway will eventually be challenged by the Bretagne for Top Dog position. 

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      Cheerful and confident, the Bretagne is a loving and loyal companion of people of all ages.  

    • 100%

      Playful

      Bretagnes are playful and like to be the centre of attention; they have a tendency to be mischievous and cheeky. 

    • 100%

      Calm

      A stable and even-tempered dog, the Bretagne is not easily upset or made nervous. 

    • 66%

      Intelligent

      The Basset Bretagne is reasonably intelligent.

    • 100%

      Hunter

      This dog was originally bred to hunt small game and its prey instinct is still piqued by the scents of rabbits, squirrels and foxes. It is a courageous and wily dog. 

    • 33%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      The Bretagne tends to be welcoming of new people.

    • 33%

      Independent

      This is an independent dog that has its own agenda and won’t be swayed by owners who lack confidence and firmness. 

      Behaviour of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

        The Basset Fauve de Bretagne does not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

      • 100%

        Easy to train / obedience

        To train the Basset Bretagne requires the owner to deliver consistent and confident training. This is a dog that is easily distracted and quick to boredom. 

      • 66%

        Barking

        This dog has a tendency to bark to excess. According to some owners its bark is ‘deep and musical’. 

      • 100%

        Tendency to run away

        The Basset Bretagne is hard to recall. It may not hear your command if it is focused on a particularly interesting scent. Reinforcing the recall command is useful and may be an effective strategy with some dogs, but the words ‘come here’ are not normally found in a Bretagne’s vocabulary. 

      • 66%