A Happy Dog Who Needs Lots of Exercise and May "Forget" To Obey While Pursuing a Scent!

This old breed of hunting dog first originated in Brittany, France. Small and somewhat like the Basset Hound , the Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a leaner build with proportionately longer legs. Definitely a Hound with a lively, friendly personality, this breed is quickly becoming popular as a companion dog but is rare to the United States.

History

Prior to the Revolution, hunting was popular in France but was a privilege of the aristocracy. After the Revolution, the right to hunt was extended to all classes, but most ordinary people didn't have horses, and needed smaller and slower dogs as hunting companions. Thus the Basset Fauve de Bretagne was born. Developed in France from the Grand Fauve de Bretagne, a larger and now nearly extinct breed, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne was reported close to extinction after World War II. However, it was revived with a probable crossing of the standard Wirehaired Dachshund and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen .

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is also known as the Tawny Brittany Basset and may have other short stature breeds in its blood. It is generally believed that the breed was raised by Francis I of France during the early to middle 1500s. By the 19th century, however, many say that the breed had become very scarce. Today, the breed is popular in France and Britain as both a show and companion dog but not yet in the U.S., and has not yet been accepted by the American Kennel Club.

Appearance

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a miniature Hound, with a deep and broad build and a somewhat proportionally shorter back than the typical Basset Hound. With short legs typical of a Hound, its coat is short, dense, harsh and wiry, perhaps because of the incorporation of the Wirehaired Dachshund into the breed, a fact which is still disputed. The ears are long and floppy as with most Hounds, but end below the jaw line. Coat colors are variations of fawn or red-wheaten, sometimes with white on the chest.

Temperament

Cheerful and affectionate, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is every bit a Hound, with excellent tracking, scenting, and flushing instincts. Lively and easy-going, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne makes an excellent companion for children and adults alike including most of your other pets, as well – although "game" animals like rabbits are unfortunately considered prey and should not be kept in the same household. Although obedient and generally cooperative, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is also very independent and accustomed to working alone. Therefore, don't expect this dog to obey you under any circumstances.

This breed may become obsessed when on a "scent." Focused and determined, these Hounds are not easily deterred once they begin pursuit, even when you command them to do so. Therefore, it is advised that you keep your pet leashed for safety so you retain control in the event of some enticing olfactory influence.

Beyond such forces of instinct, this dog will be exceptionally obedient, particularly if you train with consistent boundaries and gentle discipline, using a kind tone of voice and positive reinforcement.

Training

Although naturally inclined to follow the "pack leader," the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is most definitely a Hound, and is bred to work independently with a mind of its own. It's a good idea to get your puppy into formalized obedience classes as soon as possible to ensure a successful relationship. Always remember that positive reinforcement and clear guidelines supported with plenty of praise and consistency will work best, while harsh words and punishment will harm this very tender soul and destroy the bond you would otherwise have. Your pet is happy by nature, but will become suspicious and fearful instead if abused, so avoid crossing those boundaries.

Proper Environment

This is a dog that needs a lot of exercise – although puppies should be restrained from very strenuous exercise while they are still growing which can damage young joints and bones that are still forming. Discourage activities like excessive jumping or running up and down stairs at this time.

Once past the puppy stage, however, this is a dog that is both tough and nimble, and loves to explore. Whenever possible, give your pet a secure place to go explore on its own without the possibility of running into dangerous traffic. If you're a hiker or jogger, your pet will also make an excellent companion, as long as you keep him on a leash. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was bred to traverse rough terrain, especially once grown.

Health

This still rare breed has no recorded health problems, and has a general life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. Notably, the one small sample size that has been done as of 2004 by the UK Kennel Club shows the most significant cause of death to be road traffic accidents. This underscores the need for owners to keep their dogs on leashes unless in an entirely enclosed environment, as they quickly forget themselves (and any obedience training they've undergone) once they detect a scent.

Grooming

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a very easy breed to take care of, with regular brushing and combing of the coat once a week, and then stripping twice a year. The coat should never be trimmed but any excess hair around the ears should be removed. Shedding is minimal.

References

Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basset_Fauve_de_Bretagne

Retrieved October 12, 2013.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

http://www.breedia.com/dogs/basset-fauve-de-bretagne

Retrieved October 12, 2013.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

http://www.purina.com.au/owning-a-dog/dog-breeds/Basset-Fauve-de-Bretagne

Retrieved October 12, 2013.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America: History of the breed.

http://www.bassetfauveclub.com/breedhistory.htm

Retrieved October 12, 2013.

Breed Information Centre: Basset Fauve De Bretagne.

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=1177

Retrieved October 12, 2013.