Basset Fauve de Bretagne is truly a versatile scenthound. Known to be smart, the breed possesses a strong hunting instinct and hardiness.
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The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is truly a versatile little scenthound. Known to be wicked-smart, the breed possesses a strong hunting instinct and rugged hardiness, and they are biddable. There are Basset Fauves competing in many dog sports such as Obedience, Rally, Agility, and Dock Diving, though it can be a challenge working with a nose-driven hound. With patience, persistence, and a sense of humor, these scruffy little brown dogs often have a fan club at ringside cheering them on and rejoicing with the owners when they receive a perfect score!
The breed excels at Scent Work, Barn Hunt, Hunting Performance Tests, and Tracking. These are all sports where this hound uses its keen nose. Fauves have also been successfully trained for therapy dog work, search and rescue, medical (peanut allergy and diabetic) alerts, agricultural contraband detection, and blood trailing for wounded game.
If you are not into Performance events, Basset Fauves can be wonderful companions. They are great with children and readily adapt to a variety of situations. They can be the only pet in the home or just as easily co-exist with other dogs, cats, birds, or other animals in the household. They have even proven to know the difference between the wild rabbits they hunt and the family’s pet rabbit.
Fauves do not cope well with being placed in the backyard alone and unattended—unless you want the yard re-landscaped. The breed prefers to be with their people and they can live in an array of environments. Currently in the US, Fauves can be found in big metro cities like New York and Chicago, on farms in the Midwest, on large mountain ranches, and in suburbs all over the country. Fauves do not look back when faced with a new adventure, and they are always ready to see what life is
offering next.
Basset Fauves require recall training to be introduced at a young age—and maintained for their lifetime. Being a hunting dog, they need to be obedient off-lead. Knowing that this scenthound is driven by its nose and a keen sense of adventure (and with perseverance and consistent
positive training), the expectation that they will return when called is achievable.
Who is the ideal person for a Basset Fauve to own? The breed prefers people who are as smart as they are, fair, fast, consistent with reinforcement, and positive with their training approach. Fauves are sensitive canines and respond best to people who say what they mean and mean what they say, but do not say it mean!
Fauves love to be the center of attention, and their adorable faces frequently draw a crowd. There is always banter about the breed’s name and how difficult it can be to pronounce or remember, but the dogs prove to be unforgettable. These delightful, versatile little dogs are hardy, healthy, and long-lived. With an average lifespan of 16 years, Fauves can be a sweet best friend for many years.
Basset Fauves require recall training to be introduced at a young age—and maintained for their lifetime. Being a hunting dog, they need to be obedient off-lead. Knowing that this scenthound is driven by its nose and a keen sense of adventure (and with perseverance and consistent
positive training), the expectation that they will return when called is achievable.
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Read and learn more about the smart Basset Fauve De Bretagne dog breed with articles and information in our Basset Fauve De Bretagne Dog Breed Magazine.
Agility
Watch the inaugural AKC Agility Team Challenge on ESPN2 as six cities compete in a fast-paced team Agility competition.
