At a glance the quick version
The FCI and UKC standards set no weight; Wikipedia gives 36-40 lb (about 16-18 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
rough, harsh wire coat
A dense, wiry coat of moderate length that should feel coarse, never soft, woolly or curly, with only light furnishings on the face.143
Personality what they are like
A lively, friendly little hound that is easy-going and affectionate with its family, then turns bold, clever and persistent once it picks up a scent in the field.145
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic breed for its size: The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. Its hunting nose means secure areas are best for off-lead running.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The harsh, fairly short coat needs a weekly brush, and it sheds. Keeping the coat's rough texture is part of the breed look, so it is not trimmed into a smooth finish.21
Company who they like around
Traditionally hunted in couples and small packs, so it is used to working alongside other dogs and enjoys company.2
The story where it all began
The breed comes from Brittany and descends from the larger, now vanished Griffon (Grand) Fauve de Bretagne. It was a popular local hunting dog through the 19th century and became known across France in the last decades of the 20th century as a top rabbit hound.143
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
'Fauve' refers to the fawn colour; the standard allows shades from golden wheaten to a brick red.1
- 2
The breed has won the French Cup for rabbit-hunting hounds on several occasions.1
- 3
In Brittany these hounds were traditionally worked in pairs ('couples') or small packs.2
- 4
A 2006 study cited by Wikipedia found it had the second-lowest inbreeding coefficient (3.9%) of nine French breeds studied.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 36, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.3 Small-sized hounds; standard dated 05.05.2003, country of origin France.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Hound group. Wikipedia notes it left the UK rare breed register in 2007.2
- UKC
- Scenthound Group; recognised 1 January 1996.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Basset Fauve de Bretagne. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and at what times?
Feed your adult Basset Fauve at least two meals a day, ideally at set times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should a Basset Fauve de Bretagne eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these.7
How often should I bathe a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep its harsh coat in good condition.8 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne need brushing?
Brush your Basset Fauve weekly to keep its rough, wiry coat tidy and reduce shedding. This also helps maintain the breed's natural texture.21 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Basset Fauve de Bretagne's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.8 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne need?
This energetic breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily. Because of its strong hunting nose, use secure areas for off-lead runs.2
How do I look after a Basset Fauve de Bretagne's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly ear checks.8 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne live?
Lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 10. For specific longevity, ask your breeder or vet. Furry Diary plan
Is a Basset Fauve de Bretagne good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is lively, friendly, and affectionate with family. It is used to working with other dogs and enjoys company, so it generally gets along well with children and other pets.1452
Can a Basset Fauve de Bretagne be left alone?
This breed enjoys company and may not like being left alone for long periods. It varies by individual, so ask your breeder or vet for advice.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 36 Basset Fauve de Bretagne fci.beused for recognition, origin, size, coat, colours, temperament, history, facts
- The Royal Kennel Club: Basset Fauve de Bretagne royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, social, facts
- Wikipedia: Basset Fauve de Bretagne en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, history, facts
- UKC: Basset Fauve de Bretagne ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, temperament
- AKC: Basset Fauve de Bretagne akc.orgused for temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.