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SHIROBLAM Overseas
LINKS TO OTHER SITES: ◊ Whistlewood Kennels (Sweden) ◊ Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club
A Description and History
A scent hound of great character.
‘A Big Dog in a Small Jacket’ most aptly describes this breed. Although
small (height 32-38cm) it is a tough, hardy and very agile hound with a
heart of gold.
The Fauve possesses a short wiry coat, the colour being a variation of the
same theme, from fawn to red wheaten to brick red. This colour easily
distinguishes the Basset Fauve from the other French Basset Breeds.
Notable features to the head are the slightly aquiline, medium length
foreface and ear set on the same level as the eye. The ears have a
distinctive turn inwards, reaching the nose when drawn forward and
covered by finer shorter hair, darker in colour to the rest of the body.
The body is quite stocky with a deep broad chest, ribs rather rounded, and
a loin broad and muscular with a topline level. The front legs should be
straight, although a slight crook is permitted and the hind quarters are
strong as is typical of a working hound. The tail is carried sickle-like, quite
thick at the base and tapering to the end. On the move the tail is carried
above the topline with regular movements from side to side.
The six centimetre height allowance is quite large, so size differences will
be seen. But regardless of height, a balanced dog is looked for, and though
not written into the standard it is widely considered to be a ratio of 1
(height) to 1.4 (length). The Fauve being the shortest backed of the French
Basset breeds.
The origin of the Fauve as its title suggests, is the Brittany area of France
and there is evidence that Fauves were around in the 16th century though
in somewhat larger size. The Basset Fauve derives many of its
characteristics from The Grand Fauve de Bretagne (known then as The
Fawn Hound of Brittany) they were very large hounds standing between
70 and 74 cm at the shoulder. They were noted for their fire, dash and
drive, particularly in the early stages of a hunt. Their fearlessness, their
fine nose, their resistance to the cold and wet enabled them to hunt their
quarry, usually wild boar, in the thorny thickets of North West France.
Sadly, these Grand Fauves now appear to be extinct in France. Their
nearest representative is the Griffon Fauve with the same fearless hunting
reputation, standing between 48 and 56 cm at the shoulder. Then comes
the Basset Fauve. How the French achieved the downsizing is somewhat
blurred, one theory suggests that it began by the selection of undersized
specimens from a full sized litter and by breeding from the smallest over
countless generations, but however it was achieved, there can be no doubt
that by the late 19th century there were numerous packs made up entirely
of Basset Fauves in North West France.
It was wrongly thought that by the end of the Second World War numbers
had depleted and the Fauve was almost extinct. But, even in a war torn era
The French passion for hunting continued. This was confirmed by a
leading French Fauve Expert Mme. F Corbeau of the French Club du Fauve
de Bretagne. In fact the Basset Fauve had always been very popular with
Huntsmen in the North West of France. The breed’s impressive reputation
in the hunting field spread and we have discovered that in the 1970’s due
to demand, French huntsmen decided to introduce new lines. It is
generally thought that the Basset Griffon Vendeen was used to possibly
improve hunting ability and the Red Standard Wirehaired Dachshund to
retain its colour. There are many suppositions but not many well-proven
facts. One factor that does give credence to the input from the Griffon
Vendeen, is that in some litters today there is more white on some puppies
than is desirable.
The French Club du Fauve de Bretagne for both Griffon and Basset Fauve
was set up in 1949 and with the dedicated efforts of breeders, Basset
Fauves continued to gain popularity in the hunting field and in the show
ring, culminating in M. Georget’s Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Mick, being
awarded Best in Show at the World Show in Verona in 1980.
The number of Fauves registered in France with the French Kennel Club,
now exceeds the combined registrations of the Petit and the Grand Griffon
Vendeens and is only beaten by Beagles.
The Breed In Britain
Given the breeds impressive reputation in the hunting field, it was
inevitable that, in the days before restrictions of movements of dogs from
Europe to this country, some Grand Fauves would have been brought over
to strengthen British, and more particularly Welsh hunting packs. There
are many reports of this having been done. Mostly in reference to Welsh
Foxhound packs and even today one occasionally sees hounds with Fauve
characteristics. Even on occasions Otterhounds have been seen with
remarkable resemblance to Grand Fauves, especially in regard to coat
colour and texture. Sadly there is a distinct lack of reliable documented
evidence to support such importations.
The first Basset Fauve to be imported into this country from France in
1982 was Naika Des Vieilles Coombes who was in whelp and bred by the
late M. David Sary. This was followed two years later by Hercule Ter Elst
from Belgium, bred by M. Raymond Everaert (an important player in
bringing the breed to other countries) and Fatima of Pooh Corner from the
Netherlands, bred by Olga and Kees Homans. In 1987 another bitch was
imported in whelp, Jolie Mogway of Pooh Corner. These four, imported by
the late Evan Roberts, established the beginnings of the Fauve breed in
this country. Their produce laid the foundations of the breed for many of
the breeders of today.
The late Graham Telfer with Pam Aldous also played a considerable part in
the spread of fame of the Fauve. There are few pedigrees without a
‘Venquest’ affix included.
From the 1990’s to the present day, enthusiasts of the breed, with the help
of the introduction of ‘Bali Directive’ and now the ‘Pet Passport’ system,
have imported many more Fauves, mainly from France and Sweden. This
has widened the genepool and enabled the breed to go forward into the
21st century.
The Club for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne was formed in 1991 for owners
and enthusiasts of the breed. There are currently around a 180 members
who receive two ‘Fauve News’ a year with updates on the breed and any
contributions from members that they care to provide. There is a club web
site to be found at www.bassetfauvedebretagneclub.com where
information is displayed and also a ‘breeders list’ can be accessed. For the
past few years the Club has produced its own calendar.
The best opportunities for prospective owners to see a number of Fauves in
one place, is to visit a Show where classes for Fauves have been scheduled.
Crufts is an obvious first choice as it attracts an entry of around fifty
Fauves (take care to visit on ‘hound’ day) although there will be some
representatives of the breed on ‘Discover Dogs’ each day. The Club Shows
also attract a large entry, held in March and October. If any other ‘Club
Events’ are planned they are posted on the web site. Other than that
Fauves can be seen around the country at most of the Championship
Shows as the majority of them provide classes, details of which can be
found in the ‘Dog Press’ or at the Kennel Club.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne though still a minority Breed in this country
is no longer considered a ‘Rare’ Breed as from 2007 it was granted
‘Championship Status’ at shows. The Breed has grown in numbers and the
gene pool is now of generous size.
This allows the prolific winners to become Champions in the breed
whereas before they could not, no matter how many times they were
declared Best Dog or Best Bitch in Breed.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a remarkable hound being by nature
friendly and outgoing, an asset to any family, delightful with Children of all
ages and tolerant with other dogs and pets. But it must always be
remembered that the Fauve is an active scent hound, many possessing an
enthusiastic urge to hunt. Prospective owners should always be aware of
this and respect it.
Compiled and written by Tricia Turton
