GROUP 4 - HOUNDS

History

This little basset has the same qualities as the breed from which it is derived, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne. Very popular in its region of origin in the nineteenth century, it earned a national reputation in the course of the last 30 years of the twentieth century.

Its exceptional aptitude for hunting has allowed it to win the French Cup hunting trophy on rabbit a number of times and it has become very popular. (1)

Appearance

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, is a small, stocky hound, lively, rapid for its size. It benefits from enormous energy coupled with excellent hardiness.

He is a scent hound used for hunting rabbit, hare, fox, roe deer and wild boar. (1)

Temperament

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne are impassioned hunters but are also excellent companions of man, sociable, affectionate and equable. They adapt themselves easily to all terrains, even the most difficult, and to all quarry. When hunting they reveal themselves to be courageous, wily, and obstinate, which makes them very successful. (1)

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a neat looking hound, free from exaggeration and lively and friendly; as a scenthound, though, he has the usual failing of becoming absorbed with what he's scenting. He is agile enough to trouble any rabbit he scents. Where the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is still used for hunting it is either singly or in pairs. (2)

Overall a very sound dog they do not appear to suffer from any particular hereditary defects. However, like all hounds they are of an independent turn of mind, and early training in puppyhood will reap dividends later. It is never realistic to expect a hound to be obedient, as they have their own agenda much of the time, but they should become fairly co-operative. The coat is easy to care for; a regular brush will keep it smart, but, like a terrier he will need stripping two or three times a year. This is not a difficult task though you may prefer to leave it to a grooming parlour. A cheerful and equable breed, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is of a size to make a handy housedog, though he has a great taste for exercise and thoroughly enjoys getting out into the fields. (2)

They are loving, happy, outgoing dogs and are good with children, but it must be remembered that they are scent hounds and do retain their love of the hunt so may not suit every family. (2)

Sizes

Height: 32cm (12.6 ins) minimum to 38cm (15.5 ins) maximum with a tolerance of 2cm (0.8 ins) for exceptional specimens. (1)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Basset Fauve de Bretagne you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

1. Dogs Australia
2. Wikipedia.org
   
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