Origin: France

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is truly an old French hound, tracing back to the 1500s when Francois I had a pack of Breton hounds he hunted regularly. These dogs were Grand Fauve de Bretagnes, which sadly became extinct, but their DNA continues to run in the lines of the modern rough-coated Griffons and Bassets such as the Basset Fauve. The Grand Fauve de Bretagnes (Fawn Hound of Brittany) were larger (27.5-29.5 inches) and were introduced to the French court around 1520 by Admiral d’Anneboulde. In the pack owned by Francois I, there was a stud dog named Mirraud, who was used extensively by royalty.

Up until the French Revolution, only the aristocracy were allowed to keep hounds and hunt with them via horseback. In 1789, aristocratic privileges were abolished, allowing anyone to own and hunt a hound. Most peasants, however, did not own a horse, necessitating a shorter-legged, closer-ranging hunting companion. Thus, the Basset was developed. How the Basset breed was formed is a matter up for debate, but most likely smallest bred to smallest over an extended period of time.

By the 19th century, hound packs were made up exclusively of Bassets to hunt rabbits, hare, fox, roe deer and wild boar. Though it was rumored that both the Grands and Bassets nearly became extinct during WWII, it was confirmed by leading French Fauve Expert Mme. F Corbeau of the French Club du Fauve de Bretagne that the breed remained strong in popularity by French huntsmen.

The breed still remains a popular, versatile hunting hound and family dog in France, is gaining popularity in the United States and has breed clubs in numerous countries.