Griffon Fauve de Bretagne

27-35 lbs
13-16"
France
Fawn Colored Brittany Basset, GFB

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a smaller, rough coated, stocky dog that is a fast runner and very energetic. These interesting little dogs are mischievous and do well with children and other pets in the home. They can become a little overbearing for smaller children. Because of their mischievous nature, training is important to keep them from getting into too much trouble. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is not a barker, but does have a distinct voice and will sound off when something catches their attention. They do not know a stranger and will do their best to make friends with everyone they meet. 

purpose Purpose
Hunting, Companion
history Date of Origin
13th Century
ancestry Ancestry
Unknown

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Health

Average Size
Male Griffon Fauve de Bretagne size stats
Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 27-35 lbs
Female Griffon Fauve de Bretagne size stats
Height: 13-16 inches Weight: 27-35 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Allergies
  • Eye Problems
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • Yearly Eye Exam
  • Yearly Physical Examination
  • OFA on hips and elbows

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Breed History

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is thought to have originated sometime during the 13th century. They are from France and are classified as a scenthound. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a pack animal used to hunt in packs so they can track and corner their prey while waiting for the hunters to catch up. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne was introduced to the French court in the 1520s by Admiral d’Anneboulde. Francois I had a pack of these hounds that were used regularly for hunting. Only the aristocracy was allowed to own this breed until the French Revolution. After the French Revolution anyone could own and hunt this breed. They were mainly used to hunt wild boar and wolves, however, when the native wolf became extinct in the 19th century the number of Griffon Fauve de Bretagnes sharply declined and were on the verge of extinction. In the 1940s a breeding program was put in place to save the breed. With careful breeding practices and clever marketing of the breed, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne once again became a popular hunting dog within their native France. The breed has been tracked by Mme. F. Corbeau of the French Club du Fauve de Bretagne to ensure the breed is thriving and remains a popular choice for French hunters. They are still considered rare outside of France and there are not many found throughout Europe. In recent years, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne has begun to gain popularity within the United States and several breed clubs have started in many different countries.

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Breed Appearance

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a smaller hunting breed that has somewhat of an unkempt appearance. They have a shaggy, wiry coat of medium to short length. Their coat should never be curly or woolly. The acceptable coat color is fawn ranging from a golden wheaten color to a brick red. Their nose has wide nostrils and is always black or dark brown. The muzzle is longer and tapers slightly to the end. They do have a moustache and small beard. Their eyes should never be bulging outward or set deeply within the skull. The eyes are dark brown and have a lively expression. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne has slightly bushy eyebrows. Their face should never be bushy. The ears are in line with the eye and hang down. Their ears should reach to the end of their nose when pulled forward. Their body is broad and muscular with a deep, broad chest. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne carries their tail in sickle fashion and it is medium length. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Griffon Fauve de Bretagne eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Griffon Fauve de Bretagne nose
Black
brown Griffon Fauve de Bretagne nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
fawn Griffon Fauve de Bretagne coat
Fawn
red Griffon Fauve de Bretagne coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Breed Maintenance

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne does need to be groomed a few times each week using a fine tooth comb and a stiff bristle brush or slicker brush. They have a coarse, wiry coat that usually repels dirt and does not matt. However, without routine brushing, matting will occur and their coat will be in poor condition. The longer coated Griffon Fauve de Bretagne will need to be hand stripped each spring and fall whereas the shorter coated ones should only need to be hand stripped in the spring. They do shed seasonally and hair will collect on your clothing and furniture if they are not brushed regularly during this time. Since they have ears that hang, they will be more prone to ear infections. Ears should be cleaned once a week and kept dry to prevent infections from occurring. Clip their nails on an as needed basis and only bathe them when absolutely necessary. Use a shampoo that is formulated for wiry coats. 

Brushes for Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Temperament

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is full of mischief and loves to play games. They are very social dogs and early socialization will help them learn their basic manners. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is relatively easy to train and does well as a family companion. Because they are an active little dog they are not recommended for apartment living. They do well with children and other dogs; they can do well with smaller pets they are raised with. Training is important to ensure the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne becomes a well-adjusted and happy member of the family. Like all dogs, they do need a structured setting with set rules. Because they are so mischievous be sure to provide plenty of toys that keep them occupied when you are too busy to play; interactive toys that make them forage for treats are great tools. They also need a fenced yard to keep them contained when they are outside alone. 

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Activity Requirements

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne needs a lot of exercise to keep them mentally and physically fit. Without a proper outlet they can become bored and obnoxious. While they are not a barky dog, they can become loud when left alone for too long. Expect to go for long walks with your Griffon Fauve de Bretagne and also spend time playing either in the backyard or at a dog park. A quick walk around the block just will not do for this breed. They have excellent stamina and love to run, therefore, they can run for up to an hour a day and be content.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1.8 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Griffon Fauve de Bretagne size stats at six months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 16.0 lbs
Female Griffon Fauve de Bretagne size stats at six months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 16.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Griffon Fauve de Bretagne size stats at 12 months
Height: 12.0 inches Weight: 23.5 lbs
Female Griffon Fauve de Bretagne size stats at 12 months
Height: 12.0 inches Weight: 23.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Griffon Fauve de Bretagne size stats at 18 months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 31.0 lbs
Female Griffon Fauve de Bretagne size stats at 18 months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 31.0 lbs

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Owner Experiences

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