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It is recorded that François I (1515-1547) kept a pack of Breton hounds and hunted with them regularly. Until the Revolution in France only the Aristocracy were permitted to keep hounds and hunt, and they did so on horse-back, with, for the most part, their "local" large hound breed - Breton, Gascon, Nivernais etc. With the abolition of aristocratic privileges in 1789 the people too could keep hounds and hunt with them, but, alas without horses they could not keep pace with the big traditional hound breeds. So, out of necessity, the Basset versions were developed, the true hound of Egalité!
Bassets Fauves are the smaller of the two Breton hounds still in existence. The larger, the Griffon Fauve, stands at between 19 and 21 inches compared to the Basset Fauve's 13 to 15 inches. The Griffon Fauve is still rare even in it's native France. However the Basset Fauve, with it's more manageable size and mild temperament, is fast becoming a popular house dog all over Europe.
Basset Fauves are noted for their great courage and excellent scenting abilities. In modern day France and Sweden hunting is still their prime occupation - the motto of the French Fauve Club, "chasse d'abord" genuinely applies there. English bred Basset Fauves are primarily, (though not all), pets and show dogs but they still retain their excellent hunting ability and their desire for the task. The breed is also being used for Search and Rescue in Sweden and the USA. Several have been registered as PAT dogs in the UK. Obedience training is possible (some have been known to compete in obedience trails, though this is not perhaps their natural vocation!) but you need to be constant and firm as they are true hounds. With the current relaxation of the quarantine laws several British breeders have bought in new B.Fauves from abroad (see list below). The aim is to widen the gene-pool available here and thus preserve the breed's excellent health and temperament. As a family pet the B.Fauve is wonderful, excellent with children and with other dogs, and if properly introduced, will get on with cats and other small pets. Towards their human family they are very affectionate and responsive. Towards life in general they are cheerful and out-going, full of fun and character. Breeders are determined to keep this sweet nature as a prime characteristic of the breed. B.Fauves are not a problem to feed, in fact they have a reputation as eaters of anything, with nothing of the gastronomical finesse of their human compatriots! If it possible for an animal to be both bone idle and ready for any amount of exercise, then that is the Fauve. Happy in front of the fire at home but always ready to give the local rabbits a scare.
So what are the draw-backs? Well, your Basset Fauve will probably never respond to your every whispered command with the alacrity of a GSD or a Border Collie - but nor are you likely to have a problem with dominance or aggression. Recall needs to be taught at an early age, and reminders given as often as necessary. Never forget that these are hounds and as such are loving, happy and affectionate but they can also, and in equal measure, be wilful, stubborn and selectively deaf!
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