Basset Fauve De Bretagne
Description
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a compact French hound with a wiry, medium-length coat in solid fawn or wheaten shades. Originally bred for tracking small game, this breed combines a sturdy frame with a keen nose, making it a dedicated scent hound. They weigh between 23 and 39 pounds, carrying a distinctive low-slung body that stays close to the ground. Known for their friendly and sociable nature, these dogs thrive in family settings but can be stubborn during training. Their sharp sense of smell often leads them to follow scents with single-minded focus, so secure spaces are essential when off-leash. Expect a vocal companion, as they tend to bark frequently to alert or communicate.
Grooming
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s double wiry coat requires weekly carding to remove dead hair and maintain texture. Use a light slicker brush gently to avoid damaging the coat’s natural roughness. Handstripping every 8 to 12 weeks preserves the coat’s color and wiry feel, preventing it from becoming soft or dull. This breed sheds minimally since dead hair tends to cling to the coat rather than fall out. Color care is straightforward due to their solid fawn or wheaten hues, with no pattern-specific maintenance needed. Regular checks for debris caught in the wiry coat help keep skin healthy. Grooming checklist: - Weekly carding to remove dead hair - Gentle slicker brushing - Handstrip every 2–3 months - Routine ear and nail care Pro tip: Handstripping yourself can save grooming costs and keeps the coat in prime condition between professional sessions.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Plan for a single daily walk lasting about 65 minutes to meet this breed’s moderate exercise needs. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne enjoys sniffing and exploring, so allow time for scent investigation during the walk. A consistent route helps with training and focus, but occasional changes keep the dog mentally engaged. Example routine: Start with a 10-minute warm-up walk to settle the dog, followed by 40 minutes of varied terrain sniffing and light trotting, then finish with 15 minutes of calm walking to wind down. This structure balances physical activity with mental stimulation. Keep a secure leash as their tracking instinct can lead to sudden pulls toward interesting scents. Regular walks help reduce their tendency to bark from boredom or alertness.
Boarding
For boarding, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches to comfortably accommodate the Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s low, sturdy frame. This breed enjoys moderate exercise, so daily play sessions with calm decompression periods are essential to prevent stress. Staff should offer scent-based enrichment like hidden treats or tracking games to engage their natural instincts. Their vocal nature means staff must be prepared to manage barking without causing anxiety. Socialization with other calm dogs is beneficial, but supervision is necessary due to their tracking focus and occasional stubbornness. Quiet downtime after activity helps them relax in a new environment. Bottom line: A well-sized crate, scent enrichment, and patient staff create the best boarding experience for this scent-driven hound.