Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Other names: Fawn Brittany Basset

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
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
These dogs are usually seen of fawn or wheaten colours and sometimes of ‘red brick’.
Type of coat
Rough, short and wiry.
Eye colour
Dark 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.