Basset Hound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · France's golden short-legged hunter — a low-riding fawn-colored scent hound with exceptional nose, bred for hunting rabbits with tireless determination and joyful spirit
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, or Fawn Brittany Basset, is a small, short-legged French scent hound from Brittany. It descends from the larger Griffon Fauve de Bretagne and was bred down in size to hunt rabbit and hare at a pace hunters could follow on foot through the region's dense cover.
Compact and sturdy with a harsh, wiry fawn or wheaten coat, it is built low to the ground with the strength and drive of a much bigger dog. Cheerful, tenacious, and equipped with an excellent nose, it has grown popular as both a working hound and a lively family companion. It is recognized by the FCI in Group 6 (Scent Hounds).
Real Basset Fauve de Bretagne photos — showcasing their unique appearance and character.
Friendly, lively, and affectionate, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a cheerful and courageous little hound that bonds well with its family. It is sociable with people and other dogs, though its strong prey drive and famous stubborn streak are always present. Its happy, determined character makes it engaging company for owners who enjoy a spirited hound.
More energetic than its short legs suggest, it needs around an hour of daily exercise — walking, sniffing, and exploring — to stay fit and content. It loves following scent trails but should be kept leashed or securely fenced, as its nose readily leads it astray. Regular activity also helps prevent the weight gain the breed is prone to.
The harsh, dense coat needs brushing once or twice a week and occasional hand-stripping to keep its texture and shed dead hair; it should not be clipped. Check and clean the drop ears regularly, trim around the eyes and feet, and keep nails short. It only needs bathing when dirty.
Bright but strong-willed, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne responds best to patient, positive, food-motivated training and early socialization. Housetraining and recall take persistence, and its nose will always compete for attention. Kept short, fun, and consistent, training brings out a well-mannered and delightful companion.
A generally sturdy breed with a lifespan of around 12–14 years, though its long back and low build warrant care. Concerns include back and disc problems, ear infections from the long ears, eye conditions, and a tendency toward obesity. Keeping the dog lean, discouraging jumping, and routine ear care are the key preventive steps.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 1½–2½ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Feed measured meals rather than free-feeding to keep this breed at a healthy weight.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 1½–2½ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener found in some gums and peanut butters), macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne from a responsible breeder typically costs around $800–$2,000, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $90–$160 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $15,000–$22,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.