Basset Fauve de Bretagne Breed Guide

Nov 29, 2024

Meet the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, a small but sturdy hound with a lively personality and a heart full of love! This French breed is known for its cheerful, tenacious nature, making them perfect companions for active families or anyone who enjoys a good outdoor adventure. With their wiry coats and soulful eyes, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a wonderful mix of charm, athleticism, and loyalty. Don’t be fooled by their small size—they’ve got the stamina to keep up with even the most energetic families!

THE BASICS:

Category: Hound
Size: Small (16-18 kg)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
Grooming: Low maintenance, regular brushing
Coat: Harsh, wiry, dense coat
Shedding: Moderate
Health Issues: Ear infections, obesity, back issues
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Home Needs: Medium to large home with a secure garden
Sociability: Friendly with other dogs, good with children, but can be independent

HISTORY: FROM HUNTING HOUNDS TO FAMILY COMPANIONS

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a long history dating back to Brittany, France. Originally bred for hunting small game like rabbits and hares, this breed is a descendant of the larger Grand Fauve de Bretagne. While the Grand Fauve was used for hunting big game like wild boar, the Basset version was developed in the 19th century to provide hunters with a more compact, efficient pooch that could navigate dense underbrush and track game on foot.

Their name comes from the word fauve, which means tawny in French, referring to their lovely reddish-brown coat. These little hounds were prized for their endurance, intelligence, and ability to track game with ease. Today, while some Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are still used for hunting, most are now loving family companions who enjoy plenty of outdoor fun.

PERSONALITY: SPIRITED, TENACIOUS, AND AFFECTIONATE

If you’re looking for a dog with a big personality packed into a small body, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is your perfect match. This breed is known for being cheerful, friendly, and always up for a good time. They love being part of family activities and are great with kids and other dogs, making them an excellent choice for homes with multiple pets.

While they’re friendly and affectionate with their family, Basset Fauves also have a streak of independence. Thanks to their hunting background, they’re used to making decisions on their own in the field, so they can be a little stubborn at times. However, their intelligence makes them quick learners during training sessions—especially if treats are involved!

Despite their independent streak, Basset Fauves love being with their people and will happily snuggle up for a cuddle after a day of running around.

EXERCISE NEEDS: READY TO RUN

Don’t let their short legs fool you—Basset Fauves are full of energy and need 1-2 hours of exercise a day to stay happy and healthy. Long walks, hikes, and playtime in a secure garden are ideal for keeping this little hound entertained. They have strong scent hound instincts, so they’ll spend a lot of time with their nose to the ground, following scents wherever they lead.

Because of their strong prey drive, it’s important to keep them on a lead during walks unless you’re in a secure, enclosed area. These dogs are known for their single-minded determination when following a scent, which can make recall training a bit of a challenge!

For keeping them fuelled up for all their adventures, Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Scrumbles Wet Dog Food provide the perfect balance of nutrients to support their active lifestyle and keep them fit.

GROOMING: LOW MAINTENANCE, HIGH DURABILITY

One of the best things about the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is their low-maintenance coat. Their harsh, wiry fur was designed to withstand the elements while hunting, and it doesn’t need too much upkeep. A good brush once a week is usually enough to keep their coat in top shape, removing loose hair and preventing matting. They don’t shed excessively, but regular brushing helps keep shedding under control.

Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat doesn’t hold onto dirt as much as some other breeds. However, after a particularly muddy walk or hunting session, a rinse might be in order!

Because of their long ears, regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent infections. Basset Fauves love sticking their noses into everything, and their floppy ears can trap moisture and dirt, leading to ear problems if not cleaned regularly.

To keep their coat healthy and their skin in top condition, Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food, packed with Omega 3 and 6, will help keep them looking sleek and shiny.

HEALTH: TOUGH BUT WATCH THOSE EARS AND WAISTLINES

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a generally healthy and sturdy breed, but like all dogs, they have a few health concerns that owners should keep an eye on. Ear infections are common in breeds with long, floppy ears, so regular cleaning and checks are essential to avoid discomfort or infections.

Additionally, because of their stocky build, Basset Fauves can be prone to obesity if they’re not exercised enough. Their love of food means you’ll need to be careful not to overfeed them, even when they give you those irresistible puppy eyes! Regular walks and a balanced diet, like Scrumbles Adult Wet Dog Food or Scrumbles Chicken Dry Dog Food, will help keep their weight in check.

Lastly, because they’re a long-bodied breed, back problems can sometimes occur, especially if they become overweight. Keeping them fit and active will reduce the risk of strain on their spine.

If your Basset Fauve struggles with dental health, Scrumbles Gnashers are perfect for keeping their teeth clean and gums healthy while giving them a tasty treat.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BASSET FAUVE DE BRETAGNE

A Rare Breed: The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is still relatively rare outside of France, though their popularity is growing thanks to their affectionate nature and adaptable size.
Prey Drive Strong: Don’t underestimate their small stature—Basset Fauves are serious hunters with a strong prey drive. They’ll happily chase after anything that catches their nose!
Stubborn but Smart: While they’re clever and quick to learn, their independent streak means they can be a little stubborn at times. A patient, reward-based training approach works best.

LIVING WITH A BASSET FAUVE DE BRETAGNE: PLAYFUL PALS

Living with a Basset Fauve de Bretagne means having a playful, spirited companion who loves a mix of activity and relaxation. They thrive in homes where they can get plenty of exercise, attention, and opportunities to sniff around. While they’re active outdoors, they’re just as happy lounging around with their family once they’ve burned off their energy.

They’re generally good with children and other dogs, making them a great fit for family homes, but their strong prey drive means they might not be the best match for households with small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs.

For keeping them entertained and rewarding good behaviour, Scrumbles Softies Treats are perfect for training sessions or as a special snack after a long walk.

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Scrumbles is the perfect choice for Basset Fauve de Bretagne owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are an active breed that thrives on natural, high-quality ingredients. That’s why we avoid artificial additives and fillers, ensuring your dog gets premium nutrition in every meal to fuel their energy-filled lifestyle.
Coat and Skin Health: With their rough, wiry coat, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes need a diet that supports skin and coat health. Scrumbles’ recipes, enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. For a glossy, healthy coat, try Scrumbles Chicken Dry Dog Food or Scrumbles Chicken Wet Dog Food—both are packed with ingredients to keep your dog looking and feeling great.
Digestibility: Like many active breeds, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne may sometimes experience digestive sensitivity. That’s why all of Scrumbles’ recipes are formulated with prebiotics, postbiotics, and probiotics to support healthy digestion. If your dog has a more sensitive stomach, Scrumbles Sensitive Stomach Dog Food is a great option to help maintain healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Sustainability: As a certified B Corp and a member of 1% for the Planet, we’re committed to eco-friendly practices. Our packaging is recyclable, and we source ingredients responsibly to care for the planet. With Scrumbles, you can feel good about the choices you're making for your dog and the environment.
Trustworthy Nutrition: Scrumbles has earned over 5,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, making us a trusted brand that owners rely on for premium pet nutrition. With Scrumbles, your Basset Fauve de Bretagne will get the nutrients they need to thrive in every stage of life.

All our recipes are suitable for all breed and lifestages, so pawfect for your Basset - the question is, which will you go for?

IS THE BASSET FAUVE DE BRETAGNE THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a small but sturdy dog with a big personality, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne might be your perfect match. They’re friendly, playful, and full of energy, but also have a laid-back side that makes them great companions for families who want a dog that can keep up with outdoor adventures but also relax at home.

They’re fairly easy to care for, with minimal grooming requirements and a generally healthy constitution, but they do need regular exercise and a bit of patience when it comes to training. If you’re ready for a tenacious, loving hound who’s always up for fun, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne could be the dog for you!