History of breed




The breed was developed in France as a hunting dog from the larger Grand Fauve de Bretagne, a breed that is now extinct. There was a rumor that the Basset Fauve de Bretagne was also close to extinction after the Second World War, and the breed was recreated using the remaining examples of the breed and crossing in Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and standard wirehaired Dachshunds. However, the French club denies this, and says that Basset Fauve numbers were never so low. The middle breed, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, still exists but it is certainly rarer than the Basset. In the UK, the breed is mainly seen as a show dog and family pet, finally coming off the Kennel Club's rare breed register in 2007. It can also be found in other parts of Europe where it is used to scent trail and also as a family pet. They are loving, happy, outgoing dogs and are good with children, but it must be remembered that they are scent hounds and do retain their love of the hunt so may not suit every family. Some Fauves are born with black in the coat; this may or may not go with maturity. It is less common to see them with white patches but when they do occur it is generally confined to the chest and top of the head. However, even though the black ticking and white patches are not accepted colors, of course it does not interfere with their hunting ability, which is their prime job, and so these colour Fauves are still seen and occur fairly often in litters. The correct color for a Fauve is anything from fawn to red but it should be solid with darker shaded ears.

Another Breed History Version

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne originated near north-west France in Brittany. Also known as the Tawny Brittany Basset, this breed was created from crossbreeding the Basset Griffon Vendeen and other short-statured basset breeds. Although there have been speculations made as to the true origins of this breed and how it actually came to be. Some written information states this is a descendent of the Grand Fauve de Bretagne, a now extinct breed, and others claim the lineage traces to the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne.
A group of Basset Fauve de Bretagnes was raised by Francis I of France during the early to mid 1500s but by the 19th century, their numbers had declined to very few. However, the decline in the numbers has also been disputed. The only true detail to this breed's history is that there are plenty of presumptions and no well-documented facts.
This breed has an elongated body similar to that of the Dachshund, although not as short legged. The average shoulder height ranges from 13 to 15 inches and average weight is 30 to 40 pounds. This breed has been described in appearance as having a " scruffy hound look" with rough coat and pendulous ears. Coat colors are golden, wheaten, or fawn and a white spot on the chest area is acceptable. The correct coat is easy to care for and requires only regular grooming or weekly brushing.
This breed's general appearance includes a head shape that is rather long with broadest ears. The ears should set low and will just reach the end of the nose when pulled forward. The ends of the ears will taper and then turn inward. The muzzle should be the same length as the skull and the hair over the mouth (beard/moustache) is moderate in length. The eyes are dark brown with dark pigmented rims and the expression should be sparkling.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has been expressed to be courageous, headstrong, and affectionate. This is a hunting breed and requires ample amounts of exercise and decisive training. Those of this breed that do not receive sufficient space are prone to behavioral issues due to the pent up energy. Owners of this breed praise this dog as being loyal and family-friendly. Its hunting instincts are profound but its personality can adapt to different lifestyles.
This breed is recognized by the UKC, FCI, KC (GB), ARBA and Kennel Club USA, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne club was registered with the Kennel Club (GB) in 1991 and was granted Championship status in 2007. Each club or organization may have their own standards for this breed set and should be reviewed before showing. Mainly seen in its native country, this breed has started to show a presence in the British show ring but is seen much less often in many other countries.