Basset Fauve de Bretagne
A small, wiry-coated French basset scenthound bred for tough Breton terrain. Lively, friendly and courageous, with a keen nose, plenty of stamina and the usual hound tendency to follow scent and bark.
Overview
A small, wiry-coated French basset scenthound bred for tough Breton terrain. Lively, friendly and courageous, with a keen nose, plenty of stamina and the usual hound tendency to follow scent and bark.
Good to know — a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is best with a garden and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a vocal / alert barker, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Homes with a secure garden
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Basset Fauve de Bretagne typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is easy-care and shedding is moderate. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, lively and robust
- Compact size yet hardy and capable
Things to consider
- Determined nose can override recall
- Energetic and vocal for its size
Similar breeds
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View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Basset Fauve de Bretagne needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Basset Fauve de Bretagne is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.