Andre and Angelique on the bunny trail.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, BFDB, Brittany basset, or Tawny Brittany, became virtually extinct by the end of WWII, but thanks to the efforts of a few conscientious breeders in France who managed to keep some hounds through that difficult time, the breed is thriving again.

It is recorded that Francois I (1515-1547) kept a pack of Breton hounds and hunted them regularly. These intrepid hunters of wolf and wild boar were somewhat larger but ancestors to modern day Fauves. They were introduced to the Court of France by the Duchesse Anne of Brittany, who had been the wife of both Francois’ predecessors to the French throne. The hounds failed to retain their popularity at Court once the Breton influence was lost.

Until the French Revolution, only the Aristocracy was permitted to keep hounds and hunt. They did so on horseback with local larger dogs. 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 larger breeds.

Out of necessity the Basset versions were developed, the Basset Fauve for rabbits and hare. The little hounds maintained a reputation for their great courage, excellent scenting, and athletic abilities. In modern day France and in the US hunting in packs or pairs is still their prime occupation. The motto of the French Fauve Club, “chasse d’abord” genuinely applies while the dogs are equally suited for search and rescue, tracking, obedience and agility trials. These loyal affectionate hounds are just as content to be lap dogs. As a family pet, the Favue is excellent with children and other pets, full of fun and character. Breeders are determined to keep this a prime characteristic of the breed.