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Dr. Sergey Uhanov Last updated: 21st February 2026

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Dr. Sergey Uhanov Last updated: 21st February 2026

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small and stocky hound dog known for its hunting instincts and energetic nature. It is intelligent, adaptable, and eager to please, making for an excellent companion and great with children.

It gets its name from the now-extinct breed Grand Fauve de Bretagne. The word “bas” in French means “low,” and thus “Basset” means “low-set.” Short and sturdy with a thick, wiry coat, floppy ears, and beady eyes, this breed is as happy cuddling with its master as it is frolicking in an open field.

Quick Information

Other names	Fawn Colored Brittany Basset, Fawn Brittany Basset
Coat	Medium long, wiry double coat
Color	Fawn, wheaten, or red-wheaten
Breed type	Purebred
Group	Hound
Life expectancy	13-16 years
Size	Small
Height	12.5-15.5 inches
Weight	23-39 pounds
Litter Size	5-6 puppies
Behavioral Characteristics	Affectionate, sociable, adaptable, intelligent, can be stubborn
Good with children	Yes
Barking Tendency	Moderate; they tend to bark and howl when excited.
Climate compatibility	High; they are best suited for colder climates due to their dense coat but can live in warmer temperatures easily with proper grooming
Apartment compatibility	High
Do they shed	Very little; they shed seasonally
Are they hypoallergenic	No
Trainability	Poor; they can be stubborn and unwilling
How much do they cost	$1,200 – $1,500
Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information	AKC – American Kennel ClubFCI – International Canine FederationUKC – United Kennel ClubACA – American Canine AssociationSCC – Central Canine SocietyBFdBCA – Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of AmericaCFB – Club du Fauve de Bretagne DRA – Dog Registry of America
Country	France

Other Similar Breeds

History and Origin

French aristocrats originally bred this dog from the now-extinct Grand Fauve de Bretagne as early as the 1500s. Primarily used as a hunting dog to accompany horseback, it gained popularity during the French Revolution as the common folk could now own breeds formerly reserved for the aristocracy. Since most people did not own a horse, it was likely bred to be smaller and smaller, resulting in the current Basset breed. By the 19^th century, hunting packs were made exclusively of Bassets.

During WWII, rumors arose of it nearly becoming extinct along with the larger Grand Basset. However, a French expert dispelled this, and the breed quickly gained household popularity all over Europe. The Kennel Club officially registered this breed in 1991 and it is now becoming popular in the US.

Temperament and Personality

Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are cheerful, energetic, and enthusiastic dogs. Since they were initially hunting dogs, they love outdoor exercise and need an owner to keep up with them. While generally friendly, they can get protective of their owner and family in front of strangers; however, their small size means that they don’t make good watchdogs, despite their protectiveness. They are excellent as apartment dogs for all kinds of families. Still, you should be careful around cats and smaller animals as their hunting instincts might get triggered.

Despite their small size, they are very wilful and stubborn dogs and might be troublesome to handle for inexperienced owners. They suddenly get distracted by smells and sounds and are known to run off and get lost while chasing a scent. A gentle hand and early training will ensure you have a dog who is playful, dependable, and loyal to the core.

Care

Exercise

Being a high-energy breed, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne requires daily hour-long walks supplemented with shorter walks and regular play sessions. Though they are good apartment dogs, a house with a small fenced yard is ideal for them to play apart from scheduled walks. They are intelligent and must be given mentally stimulating play by their owners. Some good examples are chasing a ball rolling on the floor, hide-and-seek, and teaching them new tricks. They are also popular as show dogs, and you can train them for sports involving agility, rally, and obedience.

Grooming

Their dense, thick, and wiry coat makes them easy to groom. Though their coat repels dirt and matting naturally, it might need to be hand-stripped if the hair is long enough. They do not need regular baths but should be combed through weekly with a fine-toothed comb, followed by a stiff bristle brush.

As with most dogs, you must trim their nails and check their ears periodically. Special care should be taken with oral hygiene, as small dogs are more prone to dental issues. You should brush your dog’s teeth every day under the guidance of your veterinarian.

Health Problems

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a relatively healthy breed of dog, with common ailments being progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cardiomyopathies, epilepsy, skin allergies, and age-related thyroid issues. Responsible breeders ensure the prevention of primary open angle glaucoma in puppies by screening for carriers.

Feeding

Their diet should be prepared, considering a small, high-energy breed. They do well on high-quality dog food, but you should not overfeed them as they can become obese. You should also give them treats in moderation for this reason. Clean, fresh water must be provided for them at all times. A dog’s diet must be appropriate to its age and growth, so consult your veterinarian about food choices before feeding.

Training

Basset Fauve de Bretagnes can be somewhat stubborn when training but respond well to gentleness and patience. Correct training will result in a lovable, fun-loving, and courageous pet.

Socialization: You must start socializing your Basset early to adjust to strangers and other animals properly. Otherwise, it can become mischievous. Being a hunting dog, its need to track a scent may overpower its obedience to you, so you must train your pup to control its instinct from the start.

Leash: You should keep your Basset leashed in an open area, as they will chase after scents and might ignore your calls. Off-leash play should be allowed only in safe, fenced areas.

Interesting Facts

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has been part of the Foundational Stock Service since 2015.
It is still used for hunting foxes, deer, rabbits, and boars.
Any white or black patches on its coat can reduce its ability to camouflage during hunts.

FAQ’s

What is the average lifespan of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

The average lifespan of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is between 13 and 16 years. This is a relatively long life expectancy for a purebred dog of its size. Providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent veterinary care are key factors in ensuring the dog’s long-term health.

How much does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppy cost?

A Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppy typically costs between $1,200 and $1,500 from a reputable breeder. This initial price can fluctuate based on the dog’s lineage, the breeder’s reputation, and geographic location. Prospective owners should also factor in the ongoing costs of care, food, and veterinary visits.

Are Basset Fauve de Bretagne good with children?

Yes, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is generally considered good with children. Their affectionate, sociable, and adaptable temperament makes them a suitable family companion. As with any breed, proper socialization and supervision are recommended to ensure positive interactions between the dog and young children in the household.

Does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne shed a lot?

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne sheds very little for most of the year. Their wiry double coat experiences more significant, yet still manageable, shedding seasonally. While they are low-shedders, it is important to note that this breed is not considered hypoallergenic and may still affect individuals with allergies.

Why is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne difficult to train?

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne can be difficult to train due to its stubborn and independent nature. While intelligent, their strong hound instincts can sometimes override their willingness to follow commands. Consistent, patient training sessions that utilize positive reinforcement are most effective for this particular breed’s temperament.

What does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne look like?

A Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small, stocky hound with a low-set body, standing 12.5 to 15.5 inches tall. They have a distinctive medium-long, wiry double coat that comes in shades of fawn, wheaten, or red-wheaten. Their appearance is characterized by floppy ears and expressive eyes.

Can a Basset Fauve de Bretagne live in an apartment?

Yes, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne can adapt well to living in an apartment. Their small size and adaptable nature make them suitable for smaller living spaces, provided their exercise needs are met. Daily walks and opportunities to run in a secure area are essential to manage their energetic disposition.