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Basset Fauve De Bretagne – A Hidden Gem

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Whether you’re an experienced dog owner or if this is your first foray into owning a four-legged companion, Basset Fauve de Bretagne should be high on your list of considerations. With their distinctive look and unique personality, it’s easy to see why many people choose the Basset Fauve de Bretagne for their canine family members. 

In this guideline, we’ll provide an overview of this popular breed, from their physical characteristics to temperament and history, to help you decide if a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is the right choice for your household.

Overview Of The Basset Fauve De Bretagne Breed 

Basset fauve de bretagne Single adult female dog laying Studio

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, also known as the Brittany Basset, is a dog breed native to France. It originated in Brittany and was bred for hunting small game such as rabbits and hares. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was created in the 19th century by crossing Bassets and the now-extinct Grand Fauve de Bretagne breed. It wasn’t until 1898 that the French Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.

  • Temperament

Basset Fauve de Bretagne is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. This breed loves humans and gets along well with children and other pets. Working dogs have a strong prey drive and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy. They are also known for being independent thinkers, so early training and socialization are essential.

  • Size And Coat

Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small to medium-sized breed weighing between 33 to 44 pounds and standing approximately 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a stocky build with short legs and a long, narrow head. Their coat is coarse and wiry to the touch and comes in shades of red and golden.

  • Care

The coat of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne requires moderate maintenance. Regular brushing will help keep the coat clean and free from mats and tangles. This breed is prone to ear infections, so keeping their ears clean and dry is essential. In fact, they are also prone to obesity, so a balanced diet and regular exercise are necessary to keep them healthy.

Essential Care Tips For Your Basset Fauve De Bretagne

Taking care of your Basset Fauve de Bretagne is an essential responsibility of any pet owner. These dogs are known for their playful nature, energy, and love for their owners. However, you must ensure they receive the appropriate nutrition, exercise, grooming, and training to keep them healthy and happy. Here are some of the essential care tips you need to consider:

  • Nutrition: A well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential for your Basset Fauve de Bretagne to lead a healthy life. High-quality dog food containing protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids should be included in their diet. Avoid feeding your dog with table scraps, processed foods, or foods with high-fat content. Overfeeding your Basset Fauve de Bretagne can also lead to obesity, so portion control is crucial.
  • Exercise: Basset Fauve de Bretagne is an active breed that requires exercise to stay healthy and engaged. Regular exercise can help your Basset Fauve de Bretagne avoid obesity and prevent boredom-related behavioral problems. You can take your dog for walks, jogs, runs, play fetch, or other interactive games they enjoy.
  • Grooming: Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a short and dense coat that requires regular grooming to keep them healthy and parasite-free. Regular brushing, bathing, and properly trimming their nails are important for their hygiene. Moreover, it is also essential to clean their ears to prevent any infections.
  • Training: Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a social breed that requires proper behavioral training. They can be stubborn at times, but consistent and positive training can help you establish control over your dog. Obedience training can help them learn basic manners, socialize, and control barking habits.

Toilet Training Basics – How To Create An Effective Routine

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Toilet training is one of the essential aspects of owning a Basset Fauve de Bretagne. Basset Fauve de Bretagne is trainable but can be stubborn. Here are some toilet training basics that can help you create an effective routine:

  1. Set a routine: It helps your dog understand when they are expected to litter. You should take your Basset Fauve de Bretagne out first thing in the morning, after every meal, before bedtime, and at regular intervals throughout the day.
  1. Choose a designated spot: Select a specific spot where you want your dog to discharge. Pick a quiet place in your yard or a nearby park without distractions. Take them simultaneously to help them understand where they should go.
  1. Use positive reinforcement: Praise your Basset Fauve de Bretagne whenever they litter at the designated spot. Use treats, toys, or a simple pat on the back to reinforce the habit.
  1. Be patient: It might take a while for your Basset Fauve de Bretagne to get used to the routine. Be patient and consistent in your training; they will eventually understand where and when to perform the littering.

Common Health Concerns For The Breed

While the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is generally a healthy breed, there are a few conditions that they may be prone to. It’s important to be aware of these potential health concerns so that you can identify any signs early and take preventive measures to keep your dog healthy.

  1. Hip Dysplasia

This genetic condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit together correctly, causing pain and stiffness. Signs of hip dysplasia in Basset Fauve de Bretagne include lameness, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, and difficulty rising after resting for a long time. To prevent this condition, purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for hip dysplasia.

  1. Ear Infections

Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to ear infections. Signs of an ear infection include redness, discharge, and odor. Clean your dog’s ears regularly with a vet-recommended solution to prevent ear infections and keep them dry after baths or swimming.

  1. Obesity

Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are prone to obesity, leading to various health problems such as diabetes, joint issues, and heart disease. To prevent obesity, monitor your dog’s calorie intake, feed them a healthy diet of high-quality food, and provide regular exercise.

Traveling With Your Pet

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Whether planning a road trip or flying to a new destination, ensuring your Basset Fauve de Bretagne is safe and comfortable during travel is important. Here are some traveling tips to help you and your pup make the most of your journey!

  1. Car Travel: When traveling by car, secure your dog with a harness or crate to prevent them from roaming freely in the car. Bring plenty of water and food, and take frequent breaks to let your dog stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
  1. Air Travel: If you’re flying with your Basset Fauve de Bretagne, choose an airline that allows pets and check their requirements for pet travel. Most airlines require a health certificate from a veterinarian and a crate that meets specific size and ventilation requirements. It’s also a good idea to acclimate your dog to its crate a few weeks before the flight.
  1. Accommodations: When booking accommodations, choose pet-friendly hotels or vacation rentals with adequate space and amenities for your dog. Bring their favorite toys, bedding, and food bowls to make your dog feel comfortable during the trip.

Tips On Finding A New Basset Fauve De Bretagne Puppy 

Basset Fauve de Bretagne dog walking directly at the camera in the forest with paw up

Finding the perfect new addition to your family can be daunting, especially when choosing a Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppy. To ensure you get the right puppy for your family, it is important to consider the breeder or rescuer you get your puppy from. A responsible and reputable breeder or rescuer will provide a healthy and well-socialized puppy and may be able to give you insights into its temperament. 

When considering breeders, research their history and ask for references. Look for warning signs, such as breeders that have multiple litters available at one time and those that sell their puppies to pet stores. Rescue organizations also have a lot of great dogs looking for forever homes. When choosing a rescue, consider the organization’s policies and procedures and whether they are dedicated to addressing the needs of the dogs in their care. 

Following these considerations, you will surely find the perfect Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppy to welcome into your family.

FAQs

  1. What Is The History Of The Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne originated in France during the Middle Ages and was bred for hunting small game such as rabbits and hares. They are descendants of the larger Griffon Fauve de Bretagne and were developed to have shorter legs to hunt in dense vegetation. The breed nearly disappeared after World War II but was saved by a group of dedicated breeders.

  1. What Is The Temperament Of The Basset Fauve De Bretagne?

Basset Fauve de Bretagne is known for being friendly, outgoing, and affectionate dogs. They are highly social, enjoy spending time with their family, and are generally good with children and other pets. They are also known for being intelligent and trainable, though they sometimes have a stubborn streak.

  1. What Are The Grooming Needs Of The Basset Fauve De Bretagne?

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a short, dense coat that is relatively easy to care for. They require regular brushing to remove loose hair and occasional baths to keep them clean and smelling fresh. Their floppy ears should also be checked regularly for signs of infection.

Key Points

AspectDescription
Breed NameBasset Fauve de Bretagne (also known as the Brittany Basset)
OriginFrance (specifically Brittany region)
Breed RecognitionOfficially recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1898
SizeSmall to medium-sized; weighs 33 to 44 pounds and stands 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
CoatSet a routine, choose a designated spot, use positive reinforcement, and be patient.
TemperamentCoarse and wiry, it comes in shades of red and golden
Exercise NeedsFriendly, outgoing, and affectionate; good with children and other pets; independent thinker; requires early training and socialization
Grooming NeedsModerate maintenance; regular brushing and ear cleaning required; prone to ear infections
Common Health ConcernsHip dysplasia, ear infections, obesity
Toilet Training TipsActive breed with a strong prey drive; needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Traveling With Your PetSet a routine, choose a designated spot, use positive reinforcement, and be patient
Finding A New PuppyResearch and choose a responsible and reputable breeder or rescue organization

Wrapping Up

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The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a lively dog with many unique attributes. If you are searching for a four-legged family member who is playful, easy to train, loyal, and curious, then take the time to learn more about this amazing breed. While no pet should be evaluated as being better than the other, it’s clear that the perks of owning a Basset Fauve de Bretagne easily outweigh any potential drawbacks. 

So if you’ve done your research and are ready to embark on being a canine parent, add Basset Fauve de Bretagne to your list of top contenders! Whether you’re looking for a loyal companion or an active exercise partner, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne will fit your lifestyle perfectly.

Check out other interesting animals: Abyssinian DogAmerican FoxhoundAmerican CoonhoundAmerican Cocker Spaniel, Discover the Majestic Akbash Dog – Guardian of Herds, and American Eskimo Dogs.

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