Description
This neat little hound comes, as his names implies, from France. A recent arrival in Britain, he is already gaining in popularity because he is lively and friendly and also a handy size, suitable for the small house and garden.
The breed was probably created from crosses of the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne and Brittany Basset. The former was a dog that could track down predators molesting flocks of French sheep and the latter hunted in small packs, normally of four in number.
His reddish fawn coat is wiry in texture and not overlong, so grooming is not a great chore. He is a tough little character, ready for all the exercise he’s given, though woe betide any rabbits unwise enough to loiter in the area when he’s about, because he really is nimble.
His legs are slightly shorter than the length of his back, but he is not as low to ground as his countryman the Basset Hound.
Breed Group
Hound
Vulnerable Native Breed
No
Size
Medium
How much exercise?
More than 2 hours per day
Length of coat
Medium
How much grooming?
More than once a week
Supposedly sheds?*
Yes
Town or Country
Either
Type of home
Small or Large House
Minimum Garden Size
Large
Lifespan
Over 10 Years
* If you are asthmatic or have an allergy, you should consult your medical advisor before considering obtaining a dog. More information can also be found on
the Kennel Club website.
The Hound Breed Group
Breeds originally used for hunting either by scent or by sight. The scent hounds include the Beagle and Bloodhound and the sight hounds such breeds as the Whippet and Greyhound. Many of them enjoy a significant amount of exercise and can be described as dignified, aloof but trustworthy companions.