Originating in France as a hunting dog, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne -- or Tawny Brittany Basset -- almost went into extinction after World War II. However, it was successfully crossed with the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and Dachshunds. In France, this dog is now mainly a show dog and family pet, but it's also popular in other areas of Europe. They have a keen hunting ability characterized by strong noses, commitment, dedication and attention to detail.
This dog weighs between 35 and 40 pounds and grows to a height of 13 to 15 inches. They are born with a coat that is dark black, but this can get lighter as they grow. Some have white patches on the top of the head. Overall, coat coloring is fawn and red with dark ears. It is characterized by an elongated body, short legs, scruffy rough coat, low pendulum-like ears, moderate muzzle, and dark brown eyes, with a coat that is golden, wheaten or fawn colored. Some dogs feature a white spot on the chest.
Personality
Tawny Brittany Bassets are loving, active, happy and outgoing dogs. They are scent hounds, so they need lots of opportunities to run about. Because they're hunters, they will lock on a scent and follow it anywhere if not fenced in within a medium to large size yard. They do very well with children but this is a headstrong breed. Therefore, it needs to be taught who's the master very early on. Behavioral issues such as barking and biting could result if your dog is not taught his place in the pack. This dog is also courageous and affectionate, making for an easy-to-train pet that does well with other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 9 - 15 years |
| Nicknames: | Basset Fauve de Bretagne |
Tawny Brittany Basset Build Information
This dog weighs between 35 and 40 pounds and grows to a height of 13 to 15 inches. They are born with a coat that is dark black, but this can get lighter as they grow. Some have white patches on the top of the head. Overall, coat coloring is fawn and red with dark ears. It is characterized by an elongated body, short legs, scruffy rough coat, low pendulum-like ears, moderate muzzle, and dark brown eyes, with a coat that is golden, wheaten or fawn colored. Some dogs feature a white spot on the chest.
| Size: | Medium - Large |
Behaviour and Personality
Tawny Brittany Bassets are loving, active, happy and outgoing dogs. They are scent hounds, so they need lots of opportunities to run about. Because they're hunters, they will lock on a scent and follow it anywhere if not fenced in within a medium to large size yard. They do very well with children but this is a headstrong breed. Therefore, it needs to be taught who's the master very early on. Behavioral issues such as barking and biting could result if your dog is not taught his place in the pack. This dog is also courageous and affectionate, making for an easy-to-train pet that does well with other dogs.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
Thanks to its rough, short coat, minimal grooming is required for this breed. All you need to do is take a brush to the coat once per week to remove the dead hairs. The coat should also be plucked twice a year. This is a low shedder and therefore does not adversely affect anyone with allergies or asthma.
| Shedding: | Little |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Tawny Brittany Basset Common Health Conditions
This breed has a top-notch health record, with no documented outstanding health issues to report at this time. No hereditary conditions are known. Keep up with regular veterinarian checkups, exams and vaccinations to ensure your dog lives a long, happy life.
Tawny Brittany Basset Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Tawny Brittany Basset needs at least one hour of outdoor physical activity per day. Because it's so energetic and athletic, a simple walk won't do. You'll need to let it loose within a fenced-in yard to play and hunt. The Tawny Brittany Basset is also known as Basset Fauve de Bretagne. The Tawny Brittany Basset has a life expectancy of nine to 15 years.
| Training: | Hard to train |