Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Also known as Fauve de Bretagne, Basset Fauve
- Height at the withers
- 32 to 38 cm
- Weight
- 15 to 18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A small, stocky and vigorous scent hound with a very harsh, dry coat in fawn shades ranging from golden wheaten to brick red, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a brave, resourceful and tenacious hunter. Passionate about hunting but sociable, affectionate and well balanced, it also makes an excellent family companion, as long as you respect its need for exercise and its stubborn streak.
History and origins
It descends from the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, an old Breton scent hound whose coat and abilities it kept. Very popular in its home region in the 19th century, it gained national fame in the last thirty years of the 20th century, thanks to its many wins in the Coupe de France rabbit hunting trials. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 36), it hunts rabbit, hare, fox, roe deer and even wild boar, alone or in a small pack. Today it is one of the French scent hounds with the most LOF registrations (690 in 2025), and it has also won many fans abroad, especially in the United Kingdom.
Health
Life expectancy is 11 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections
- Skin problems (dermatitis)
- Epilepsy
- Corneal ulcers and cataracts
- Digestive disorders
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, wiry coat. Low shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: golden wheaten, fawn, brick red.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Basset Fauve de Bretagne FAQ
How big does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne get?
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne stands 32 to 38 cm at the withers and weighs 15 to 18 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the Basset Fauve de Bretagne live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne live?
Life expectancy is 11 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are ear infections and skin problems.
