Bassets Fauves are the smaller of the two Breton hounds now extant. The larger, the Griffon Fauve, stands at between 19 and 21 inches ( 1.5 and 1.75 metre ) compared to the Basset Fauve's 13 to 15 inches ( 1.0 and 1.25 metres ). Both breeds were virtually extinct by the end of the second world war, and it is thanks to efforts of a few breeders in France who managed to keep some hounds through that difficult time, that both breeds are now thriving again. The Basset Fauve was carefully "re-created" using the few left, selected Bassets Griffons Vendeen, and Standard Wirehaired Dachschunds. The Griffon is still rare, and until recently, when one was imported into Sweden, there were none outside their native France.
It is recorded that François I (1515-1547) kept a pack of Breton hounds and hunted with them regularly. These would have been the now extinct Grand Fauve de Bretagne, intrepid hunter of wolf and wild boar, of which the Griffon and the Basset are the modern day descendants. Perhaps they were introduced to the Court of France by the Duchesse Anne of Brittany who had been the wife of both François' predecessors on the French throne, and was also his mother-in-law. Certainly the hounds of Brittany failed to retain their popularity at Court once the Breton influence was lost.
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!.
Whilst the Griffon Fauve was used for hunting large game, his Basset cousin's quarry was rabbit and hare. Both were (and still are) noted for their great courage and excellent scenting abilities. In modern day France hunting is still their prime occupation - the motto of the French Fauve Club, "chasse d'abord" genuinely applies there. Some are also hunted in England, in much the same style as Beagles are, though in mixed packs or in pairs. At the same time in both countries they are also appreciated as companions and house-dogs. With the current relaxation of the quarantine laws several British breeders have plans afoot to bring in new Fauves from France in 2000. 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 Fauve is wonderful, excellent with children and with other dogs, never snappy or bad-tempered and, if properly introduced, will get on with cats and other small pets. There is at least one Fauve who curls up for a nap with the family rabbit! 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. 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 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. The Recall needs to be taught at an early age, and, reminders given as often as necessary. Obedience training is possible, Fauves can be taught many things - there is one who tells the time - but they can still be led astray if a really wonderful scent meets their "super" nose.
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Pat Barrett
