Griffon Fauve De Bretagne
Description
What makes the Griffon Fauve De Bretagne stand out? This small scent hound from Brittany, France, carries a wiry, rough coat that’s short and dense, perfect for navigating thick brush. Weighing between 27 and 35 pounds, it’s sturdy yet compact. Its coat colors range from fawn to golden fawn, red, and red fawn, often marked with a distinctive white star on the chest. This breed was bred for hunting rabbits and hares, so it’s naturally curious and alert. While it’s friendly and social with families and other pets, it has a strong prey drive that means small animals might trigger a chase. It’s a lively companion that thrives on interaction and mental challenges. Would you expect anything less from a dog with such a rich hunting heritage?
Grooming
How do you keep that wiry coat in top shape? The Griffon Fauve De Bretagne’s coat sheds very little, but dead hair tends to cling, so regular grooming is key. Card your dog’s coat weekly to remove loose hairs and maintain that rough texture. A light slicker brush can be used gently to avoid damaging the coat. Every 8 to 12 weeks, handstripping is recommended to keep the coat’s texture and color vibrant—this means plucking dead hairs by hand or with a stripping knife. - Card coat weekly - Use light slicker brush gently - Handstrip every 8–12 weeks - Check for dirt in the wiry coat after outdoor adventures Pro tip: Focus on the white star on the chest, as lighter areas can show dirt more easily—wipe clean with a damp cloth after walks to keep it bright.
Learn the Wiry routine:
→ Complete Wiry Grooming Guide
Walking
How much exercise does a Griffon Fauve De Bretagne need? Plan for about 65 minutes of walking daily, ideally in one solid session. This breed enjoys sniffing and exploring, so mix in some scent games or varied routes to keep walks interesting. Because of their hunting background, they might pull toward small animals, so a secure leash is a must. Example routine: A 10-minute warm-up walk around the block, followed by 45 minutes of brisk walking with scent breaks, and finishing with a 10-minute cool-down stroll. This keeps your dog physically and mentally satisfied without overwhelming them.
Boarding
What should you know when boarding a Griffon Fauve De Bretagne? A crate size between 36 and 42 inches works best to give them enough room to stretch comfortably. They’re playful but not overly rambunctious, so staff should provide two active play sessions daily, plus scent or brain games to engage their sharp noses and minds. Avoid small-animal toys since their prey drive might kick in, and ensure fencing is secure to prevent escapes. Staff should note this breed’s vocal nature; they tend to bark more than some dogs, so regular attention and mental stimulation help keep barking in check. A calm, consistent routine with plenty of enrichment will make boarding a positive experience for this spirited hound.