Basset Fauve de Bretagne

The ancestor of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is the 'Grand Fauve de Bretagne', used in packs such as that of Anne of Beaujeu, daughter of Louis XI. The Grand Fauve de Bretagne has now become the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne. Crosses with the Basset Vendéen were subsequently carried out. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was very popular in 19th century Brittany. The Club of the Fauve of Brittany was created in 1949 under the impetus of some passionate Bretons. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne gained national fame in the last thirty years of the 20th century. Many French Cups for rabbit hunting have been won by Basset Fauve de Bretagnes. Approximately 12,000 subjects are registered in the French breed register and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne represents the first rank of French basset breeds in number of registrations.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is described in the International Cynological Federation standard as passionate about hunting, sociable, affectionate and balanced. When hunting, it is a courageous, resourceful and stubborn dog. It is very kind to children regardless of age. Never aggressive, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne poses no behavioral problems whether with humans or with other dogs. Very easy to raise, its simple training poses no particular problem, but must be done from the earliest age. When hunting, progressive learning in the field must begin before one year of age. In groups, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is sociable. Conflicts between dogs are generally very rare.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small dog of basset type. Carried slightly in a sickle shape, the medium-length tail is thick at the base and tapers well at the tip. In action, the tail is carried above the back line and describes regular lateral movements. The skull is elongated with a marked occipital protuberance. The stop is a little more pronounced than the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne. The muzzle is tapered rather than square, with a black or dark brown nose. Neither prominent nor too deep-set in the orbits, the eyes are dark brown in color. Attached finely at the level of the eye line, the ears barely reach the tip of the nose and end in a point. The coat is very hard, dry and fairly short. The face is not too bushy, with very short hair on the ears. The solid fawn coat varies from golden wheat to brick red. A few black hairs scattered on the back and ears are tolerated. A small white star may be present on the chest but is not a desired criterion.

Regular but non-daily brushing of the coat is sufficient. It is advisable not to use a metal brush, rather a hair brush or comb.