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Characteristics, History, and Health
Basset Fauve De Bretagne
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small hound breed originating from France. These dogs were originally bred for hunting, particularly for tracking and chasing small game. The name ""Fauve de Bretagne"" translates to fawn-colored Brittany, which describes the dog's unique, wire-coated, fawn-colored fur. The breed dates back to the 19th century in the region of Brittany, France. These dogs are believed to descend from the now-extinct Grand Fauve de Bretagne, a larger hound used for hunting boar and wolves. When boar and wolves became less common, hunters needed a smaller dog capable of hunting smaller game. Hence, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne was developed through selective breeding for their tracking abilities and smaller size.
Main Info
- Origin
- France
- Alternate Names
- Fawn Colored Brittany Basset
- Life Expectancy
- 13-16 years
- Average Male Height
- 12.5-15.5 inches
- Average Female Height
- 12.5-15.5 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 23-39 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 23-39 pounds
- Coat Length
- Medium
- Coat Type
- Double, Wiry
- Coat Colors
- Fawn, Red Wheaten, Wheaten
- Coat Pattern
- Solid/None
Genetic Predispositions and Health
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, also known as the Fawn Colored Brittany Basset, are typically associated with longer lifespans (up to 16 or more years of age). They may be prone to skin allergies and age-related thyroid issues. Genetic testing for conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, and cardiomyopathy can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.
Personality and Behavior
Basset Fauve de Bretagne dogs are known for being intelligent, friendly, and sociable. They make excellent family pets because of their affectionate nature. Despite their small size, these dogs are energetic and require regular exercise. They are also characterized by their stubbornness, which may require patience during training. Their keen sense of smell can lead them to be easily distracted, and they have a natural tendency to follow their noses, which should be considered when they are in an unfenced area.
Fun Facts
According to the AKC, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is considered an old French hound, with roots dating back to the 1500s when Francois I had a pack of Breton hounds called Grand Fauve de Bretagnes. These hounds became extinct, but their DNA still runs in the lines of the modern rough-coated Griffons and Bassets, including the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.
In the French language, "basset" derives from the French adjective "bas", which means "low thing" or "dwarf". This part of their name speaks to how close this hound's body is to the ground.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/basset-fauve-de-bretagne/ https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/036g06-en.pdf
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