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Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Hound breed from Brittany, France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Basset Fauve de Bretagne
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a medium-sized scent hound from Brittany, France, with a wiry coat in fawn or golden-red. It is described as friendly, energetic, intelligent, courageous, alert, happy, outgoing, loyal, and affectionate. Its energy level is rated 4 out of 5, suggesting it is quite active. Trainability is rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate ease of training. Grooming needs are low (2/5), and shedding is also low (2/5). It is rated 4 out of 5 for suitability with children and 3 out of 5 for compatibility with other dogs. Apartment suitability is low (2/5), implying it may not be ideal for small spaces. Estimated adult weight ranges from 12 to 18 kg for both sexes, and height ranges from 32 to 39 cm. Estimated lifespan is 11 to 15 years. Note that all measurements are modelled estimates and may vary.
Quick facts
Basset Fauve de Bretagne at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginBrittany, France
Lifespan11–15 years
Male weight12–18 kilogram
Female weight12–18 kilogram
Male height32–39 centimetre
Female height32–39 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was developed in Brittany, France, as a downsized version of the larger Grand Fauve de Bretagne (also known as the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne). It was used for hunting small game such as rabbit and hare. The breed faced near extinction after World War II but was restored by crossing remaining dogs with other breeds, including the Basset Griffon Vendeen. Its exact history is not fully documented, and the timeline of its development is uncertain. The breed's recognition status varies by registry, so it is not universally recognized.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
12–18 kilogramAdult weight32–39 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesWiryCoat colorsFawn, Golden-redRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyenergeticintelligentcourageousalerthappyoutgoingloyalaffectionate
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Basset Fauve de Bretagne-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight12–18 kilogramAdult female weight12–18 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?
Estimated adult weight is 12 to 18 kg for both males and females, and height is 32 to 39 cm. Estimated lifespan is 11 to 15 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of this breed?
The breed is described as friendly, energetic, intelligent, courageous, alert, happy, outgoing, loyal, and affectionate. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits.
How much exercise does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne need?
Its energy level is rated 4 out of 5, indicating it is quite active and likely needs regular exercise. It was originally bred for hunting small game, so it may enjoy activities that allow it to use its scenting abilities.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming needs are low (2/5) and shedding is also low (2/5). The coat is wiry, so occasional brushing and perhaps hand-stripping may be needed to maintain coat texture.
Is this breed good for families with children or other dogs?
It is rated 4 out of 5 for child suitability, suggesting it can be good with children, and 3 out of 5 for dog compatibility, indicating it may get along with other dogs but individual temperament varies.
Can a Basset Fauve de Bretagne live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 2 out of 5, meaning it may not be ideal for apartment living. It likely needs space to move and a yard to explore.
Where does this breed originate from?
The breed originates from Brittany, France. It was developed as a downsized version of the larger Grand Fauve de Bretagne and used for hunting small game. After near extinction following WWII, it was restored by crossing with other breeds like the Basset Griffon Vendeen.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.