Basset Fauve de Bretagne breed guide

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne gets along well with children and other pets and is as happy romping in the field as curled up next to the family on the sofa. It is not a nuisance barker, but when a rabbit runs through the yard it gives the hound voice and chases.

Training and socialization are a must or Basset Fauves de Bretagne get into mischief. Intelligence makes mental stimulation as important as physical exercise.

Basset Fauves de Bretagne live 13 to 16 years. Many reach 16 and beyond. Breeders screen for progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, cardiomyopathies, skin allergies and age-related thyroid issues.

A gene test for primary open angle glaucoma lets breeders identify carriers and avoid producing that eye anomaly.

The coarse wiry coat repels dirt and resists matting, which makes the Fauve almost wash-and-wear. Longhaired dogs may be hand-stripped and all need a weekly grooming with a fine-toothed comb followed by a stiff brush, with shedding seasonal.

Basset Fauves de Bretagne are energetic and love to play. Walks need a leash because they can run off and follow their nose at a moment's notice and play areas should be fenced for the same reason.

The breed traces to the 1500s, when Francois I hunted regularly with a pack of Breton hounds. Those Grand Fauve de Bretagne dogs became extinct, but their DNA runs on in the modern rough-coated Griffons and Bassets.

The larger Grand Fauves reached the French court around 1520 through Admiral d'Anneboulde and a stud dog named Mirraud in the king's pack was used extensively by royalty.