Orlovia
As the name Basset Fauve de Bretagne suggests, this breed originated in France. It originated from the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, which has been known since the early Middle Ages and belongs to a very old breed of hound that also originated in France. According to the FCI standard, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is one of the smaller hounds.
Story
After the end of World War II, the larger Griffon Fauve de Bretagne was almost extinct, and very few specimens remained. However, some enthusiastic lovers of this breed provided enough offspring, so these extraordinary dogs accompany us to this day. The residents of Brittany bred the slightly smaller, rather agile Basset Fauve de Bretagne from the rather large Griffon Fauve de Bretagne. Why did this happen?
Well, the landscape in Brittany is a bit rough, hilly, and covered with numerous bushes. The 32 cm – 39 cm large or small Basset Fauve de Bretagne can move much better there than its bigger brother, who can be between 48 cm and 56 cm high. Due to the slightly shorter legs, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne appears slightly stocky compared to the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne.
Look
Like the landscape in which it lives, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a robust appearance. Its fur is rough and hard, not particularly long, but very dense to protect it from the strong winds there. It is neither woolly nor curly. The coat may be wheat-colored to reddish blonde or brick red. It happens that within a single litter, the offspring have both different colors and different hair lengths.
Overall, the appearance of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is characterized by a strong, broad chest, deep dark eyes, and lop ears tapering downwards. Its tail is sickle-shaped and of medium length.
Height Weight
With a size of 32 cm to 39 cm, these dogs can weigh between 16 kg and 18 kg.
Use
In the meantime, the Fauve has found more and more followers outside of France. He is particularly popular with hunters because he is said to have an above-average hunting instinct. It is mainly used in very small packs of little more than 5 dogs.
When training these animals, particular value is placed on obedience, and the most obedient animals are mainly used for breeding since observing commands is essential for a successful hunt. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has amazing stamina and is ideal for use in dense undergrowth. In his home country of France, he is therefore mainly used as a hunting dog.
Nature & Temperament
But he is also popular as a family dog, and especially in Germany, he is seen more and more frequently as a companion for families with children. He is patient without lacking temperament. His high stimulus threshold ensures that he is particularly tolerant toward children.
But he is also appreciated for his lovable cheerfulness and indestructible robustness. You can also keep him very well together with other dogs because he is very compatible. This breed is also not very susceptible to diseases and has a surprisingly long life expectancy.
The character of these dogs is reflected in a high level of intelligence, which – combined with a great deal of joy in learning – makes them an ideal companion for agility. If these dogs feel comfortable in their family – and they almost always do, they are the ideal house dog or family dog. Aggressive behavior is almost alien to them, they love to be praised and are happy about any form of recognition.
Many Fauves show a strong tendency to sleep a lot, yes, they seem like real late risers. However, this should not hide the fact that they like to move. They are not suitable for “couch potatoes”. On the contrary: the Fauve is happy to do something outdoors with his family; you can jog with him, go on bike rides or play Frisbee with him. You can hardly find a family dog that is easier to care for.