Basset Fauve de Bretagne
bah-SAY FOHV duh bruh-TAN-yuh
Friendly, Determined, Hardy, Sociable. A French scent hound with a rough, wiry coat and a cheerful disposition.
An adult Basset Fauve de Bretagne weighs 27-35 lbs (male) or 27-35 lbs (female), needs 550-850 calories daily, and lives 12-14 yrs. This medium-sized breed balances well between manageable size and robust health. The breed's primary health watch is ear infections. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Basset Fauve de Bretagne needs 550 to 850 calories per day. An average adult (31 lbs / 14.1 kg) needs around 700 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Basset Fauve de Bretagne. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a generally healthy, hardy breed with relatively few documented genetic conditions. Their working heritage has maintained a robust gene pool. Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
Exercise and activity
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was bred to hunt in the rough terrain of Brittany, France, and retains good stamina. They need 45-60 minutes of daily exercise, including walks and off-leash time in secure areas. As scent hounds, they will follow their nose relentlessly, so a fenced yard or leash is essential. They enjoy nose work, tracking games, and rural walks over varied terrain.
Care and traits
Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have a rough, wiry, dense coat that is naturally weatherproof. Origin: Brittany, France, developed in the 18th-19th century.
Their wiry coat needs hand-stripping or professional grooming every few months to maintain texture. Regular ear checks are essential because their drop ears trap moisture and debris, creating a prime environment for infections. They are sociable dogs that get along well with other dogs and children. The breed thrives in active households and does not do well with long hours alone.
Tools for Basset Fauve de Bretagne owners
Frequently asked questions
Most adults need 550 to 850 calories daily, with the average around 700 kcal for a 31-pound dog. Active dogs that get regular hunting or vigorous off-leash exercise may need the higher end. The breed tends to be food-motivated, so measure portions carefully and avoid leaving food out for free-feeding.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne standard is 27-35 lbs (12.2-15.9 kg) for both males and females.2-15.9 kg). They should appear sturdy and muscular without excess fat. As a low-to-ground breed, extra weight strains their spine and joints. You should see a defined waist when viewing from above and feel ribs without pressing hard.
Veterinarians most commonly identify ear infections in Basset Fauve de Bretagnes. Check and clean ears weekly, especially after swimming or rainy walks. Epilepsy occurs in some lines. Skin allergies can cause itching and coat problems. The breed is otherwise notably healthy for a purebred dog.
Most Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are content with 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. They were developed in Brittany as a smaller, more affordable hunting hound when the larger Grand Fauve de Bretagne became scarce. The breed has long been popular in France and the UK, and is now gaining recognition in the United States.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026