Our star this month is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.
A short legged dog of the hunting scent-hound type.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne profile
COAT: Fuaves have a dense, short, wiry coat which is easy to groom with a stiff brush. It does need stripping a couple of times a year and you may wish to use a groomer unless you are willing to hand strip your pet. The colour varies from fawn to a dark red wheaten shade. The ears are of a darker shade with finer smooth hair.
HEIGHT: Ideally between 32-38cms
WEIGHT: 27-40lbs but debatable according to leg length
LIFESPAN: Approximately 10 to 14yrs
TEMPERAMENT: Friendly and outgoing in nature, the Fauve thrives on strong, dependable relationships with humans. It ‘needs’ this relationship as it is loyal, intelligent, loving and affectionate. It is also comical in play and lots of fun to be with. Do not forget that this wonderful medium sized dog is a scent hound and is unlikely to listen to its training if the scent of a rabbit gets its attention. This depends somewhat on how long its descendants have just been companion dogs. Fauves need plenty of exercise once they are out of puppy and teen age and this needs to be known before buying a Fauve.
CLASS: Rare Breed
HEALTH: Little has been reported on the Fauve’s health problems, if any, and are generally considered a healthy breed . A survey in 2013 was to be done but such things take time.
HISTORY: Originally recognised as a rare breed in U.K., how it was bred from huge hounds in the 16th Century onwards in France to this, the smallest of hounds is speculative and remains genetically undocumented and unproven. There are lots of theories but no proof.
Viewpoint by Monty’s owner,
Carol Holmes.
Monty arrived at his new home aged 8 weeks old. He was a funny little pup with his long body and short legs always disappearing under the shed or his favourite spot underneath the fuschia bush.
He has a wonderful character, loves the ladies but can be a little wary of larger male dogs. His distinctive howl with a wagging tail is well known around the park where he walks 3 to 4 times a day.
Fauves are hounds so they love to sniff and this sometimes means walks take a little longer than desired, they tend to be very strong willed and ignore your calls. They have a lovely russet coat which needs hand stripping twice a year. A quick squirt with a hosepipe and a rub with a towel and the coat is clean. A truly wonderful breed who love cuddles and having their tummys tickled, laying on their backs with the legs in the air seems to be a Fauves favourite position of sleeping.
Next month’s breed is the German Short Haired Pointer. Is your pet a prime example of the breed or maybe just an aspiring model? If you would like your dog to be the star of next month’s column please email a photo of your German Short Haired Pointer along with your viewpoint as an owner to:
pets@yorkshirereporter.co.uk or write to Yorkshire Reporter PO Box 352 Leeds LS14 9FU
