Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
Also known as Fauve de Bretagne
- Height at the withers
- 48 to 56 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 24 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A medium-sized scent hound with a fawn coat of very harsh, dry hair, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a rugged, brave and resourceful hunter that handles hare and fox as well as roe deer and wild boar. Very gentle with people, sociable, affectionate and well balanced, it remains a hunting dog that needs wide open spaces and plenty of activity.
History and origins
It is one of the oldest French scent hound breeds: as early as the 14th century, a certain Huet des Ventes owned a pack of this type. Widely used until the 19th century to hunt wolves in Brittany, it declined as that predator disappeared. The Club du Fauve de Bretagne, founded in 1949 by Marcel Pambrun, saved the breed and its smaller offshoot, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, with the motto “chasse d’abord” (hunting first). Recognized by the FCI under no. 66, the Griffon has about 300 puppies a year registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF).
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Hunting injuries (cuts, grass awns)
- Weight gain if it lacks exercise
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, harsh coat. Low shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: fawn, from golden wheaten to 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
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 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
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne FAQ
How big does the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne get?
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne stands 48 to 56 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 24 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are ear infections and hip dysplasia.
