How much are Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppies?

Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppies are relatively rare in the U.S., so the biggest challenge is finding one. When you do, expect to pay around $3,000. The important thing is to find a reputable breeder who has completed recommended health tests for the breed.

Does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne bark a lot?

As a hound, Basset Fauve de Bretagne dogs bark as a means of communication, but they’re not often nuisance barkers. “They will alert-bark and may bark when on a scent,” says Chism. She points out that a Fauve that receives enough exercise and mental stimulation is less likely to bark excessively.

Is a Basset Fauve de Bretagne hypoallergenic?

No. Although they have a wiry, low-shedding coat, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is not a hypoallergenic dog breed . These dogs do produce dander, and some shedding is normal.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Updated May 19, 2026

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a compact dog with a big heart. These hounds are happy and affectionate, but plucky in the face of a challenge. By instinct, they follow their nose and enjoy adventures. Relatively easy keepers, they require dedicated time for daily exercise and training.

Temperament

Jovial, Determined, Adaptable

Weight

23–39 pounds

Height

12–16 inches

Life Expectancy

13–16 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Fawn, Red Wheaten, and Wheaten

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You’re likely to meet a lot of new people with a Basset Fauve de Bretagne by your side. As you explain that they’re not a Dachshund (a frequent guess when people first meet the breed), your Fauve will be soaking up the admiration of their new friends. These sociable dogs know no strangers and have a confident but easygoing personality.

This breed is relaxed enough to join you for a stroll around the neighborhood but driven enough to compete in dog sports—especially ones that involve scent work. As a hound dog, a Basset Fauve de Bretagne loves to use their sniffer, so don’t be surprised if they get distracted on walks or track down your stash of treats (no matter how well you hide them!).

Basset Fauve de Bretagne Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Barking Tendencies

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Basset Fauve de Bretagne Appearance

A Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a compact dog who’s frequently described as sturdy and robust. These dogs are just a little longer than they are tall, with stocky legs and a muscular build. The light-colored coat has a tousled look that matches the breed’s unfussy, ready-for-anything demeanor.

Ears
Like other hounds, the breed’s large ears are folded and hang down next to the head.
Eyes
The eyes are usually round and dark in color, with an expressive brow.
Nose
A black or dark brown nose is typical. The muzzle is long and rectangular, rather than short and pointy.
Coat Length
These dogs have a short coat that is typically coarse and wiry.
Coat Color
The solid-color coat is a shade of fawn or wheaten, ranging from light tan or golden to reddish in color.
Tail
The medium-length tail is slightly curved upward and usually carried erect.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne Temperament

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is social and adaptable, which makes these dogs good-natured companions to people and pets alike. Because of this, they can make a great family dog.

Like any dog, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne benefits from early socialization. But many of these dogs are naturally people-oriented, according to Alexis Chism, breeder at Afterhours Kennels.

Because Fauves are bred to hunt, they’re energetic and can have a one-track mind when their instinct to follow a scent takes over.

“They are true scent hounds with an independent streak,” Chism says. “When their nose turns on, it can be hard to turn it off.”

You’ll need to give your Basset Fauve de Bretagne a daily opportunity to stretch their little legs and use their brain. Patience pays off with everything from basic obedience training to specialized tasks like nose work.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

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How to Care for a Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Basset Fauve de Bretagne dogs aren’t fussy or high-maintenance. But while the breed is easygoing, they still require daily exercise, weekly brushing, and a commitment to consistent positive reinforcement-based training.

The wiry coat of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is low-maintenance, but it does require some upkeep.

One special consideration is hand-stripping, a process in which fur is removed by the root instead of clipped. This protects the Fauve’s wiry texture, and it should be done by a professional groomer a few times every year.

Because some Fauves have a thinner, smoother coat while others have a more dense and wiry coat, the frequency of these visits will vary.

“There are some Fauves who require very little hand stripping, and then there are some with more coat that require it on a more frequent basis,” says Claire Stretch, breeder at BC’s Basset Fauve de Bretagne kennel.

Along with professional appointments, this breed needs at-home care, including:

Brushing: In terms of routine grooming, a weekly brushing is all that’s needed to keep the coat tangle-free and minimize shedding. A slicker brush like the Safari Curved Slicker Brush is usually best for gliding through the Fauve’s coat and removing loose hair.
Bathing: These dogs only need to be bathed as needed—like if your pup rolls in something stinky or splashes in the mud.
Dental care: Brush your dog’s teeth to ward off bad breath and dental disease. Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppies who are introduced to teeth brushing at an early age will be more comfortable with a regular dental care routine.
Ear care: During brushing sessions, inspect your dog’s ears to make sure everything looks clean and healthy. Because the folded ears of this breed can trap dirt and oils or conceal irritation and developing ear infections, routine ear checks are especially important. Ask your vet if they recommend routine ear cleaning.
Nail care: If you can hear your dog’s nails tapping on the floor, it’s time for a nail trim. You can do it at home, but some pet parents prefer to bring their pup to the groomer or vet for this task.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne dogs have a reputation for being independent and intelligent. This means they learn new cues quickly, but they can also become bored quickly. So don’t turn training sessions into practicing the same tricks and cues on repeat.

These dogs respond well to a training approach that’s consistent and engaging, says Chism. She adds that praise and rewards (like dog toys and training treats) are great motivators for the breed. Keep training sessions short and fun.

At the same time, don’t let this pup’s charm trick you into letting undesirable behaviors persist. “For the first-time dog parent, they are so cute that sometimes you let them get away with bad behavior when you know you should not,” Stretch says. Set clear expectations and boundaries when training your Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

Make sure your Basset Fauve de Bretagne is getting the right balance of nutrients by feeding them a dog food that meets AAFCO nutritional guidelines. These diets are nutritionally complete for specific life stages (puppy, adult, and senior). Your vet can recommend the best dog food for your specific pup.

Most Fauves will benefit from a twice-a-day feeding schedule. Give your dog half of their recommended daily portion in the morning and feed the other half later in the day.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was originally bred to cover a lot of ground in pursuit of rabbits, so these dogs need daily exercise—about one to two hours each day. But don’t think you need to go for high-intensity sprints to wear out a Fauve. Usually, a few long walks each day, plus at-home playtime, will be enough.

You’ll also need to challenge your dog’s brain.

“Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity,” says Chism. “They especially enjoy scent work, tracking, hiking, and nose-focused activities.” Try new parks and let your Fauve enjoy a “sniffing safari” that gives them a chance to use their keen sense of smell to explore whatever suits their fancy.

Other doggy boredom busters that may work especially well for the Fauve are puzzle toys or a treasure hunt for your pet’s favorite treats.

You can also get involved with dog sports with a Basset Fauve de Bretagne. Because these pups are sturdy and surprisingly quick, you might find success competing in agility or rally classes. Be mindful that Fauves should be leashed during outdoor activities or kept in a secure, fenced area. The breed’s prey drive is so strong that they will be tempted to chase whatever catches their eye (or nose).

Adaptability is part of the appeal of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne. These dogs are compact and relaxed enough to live in small spaces but will also be right at home in suburban neighborhoods or rural areas. Just remember that you shouldn’t let these dogs roam off-leash.

“Secure, fenced-in areas are important, as their prey drive can override recall,” Chism says.

The best home for a Fauve is an active household that will show these dogs plenty of attention and affection. They make a great partner for a single person but excel as a family dog, too. “This breed loves children,” says Stretch.

Fauves also generally get along with other dogs and even small pets, but consistent socialization and training, along with good supervision, are essential for coexistence.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne Health

Basset Fauve de Bretagne dogs are often described as hardy and aren’t known for experiencing many health problems. Despite the fact that they are slightly longer than they are tall, back and neck issues are also not especially common for the breed.

“They are more balanced in structure than some longer-backed basset breeds, so severe back problems are not common,” says Chism. However, it’s important to make sure these dogs maintain a healthy weight and to use caution regarding high-impact strain and excessive jumping activities, cautions Chism.

Keeping up with routine veterinary care is the best way to ensure a Fauve enjoys a long life, typically 13–16 years. One common health consideration is progressive open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a form of glaucoma in dogs that causes blindness and pain.

Because POAG is a genetic mutation, DNA testing can determine if a dog has POAG or is a carrier for the disease. Responsible breeders will test dogs prior to breeding to ensure they are clear of the genetic mutation.

Breeders should also test their dogs for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, heart disease, and thyroid issues.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne History

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a French hound dog bred for hunting game. According to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America, these dogs were an attractive alternative for hunters on foot who needed a shorter-legged dog they could more easily keep up with compared to bigger hounds with a larger gait.

The breed’s hunting abilities made them mainstays in the field, but their sociable nature also made these dogs excellent companions and ensured the breed’s continued popularity.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 2026. These dogs are part of the hound group and share similarities with the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Basset Fauve de Bretagne