Griffon Fauve de Bretagne (Imp)

Overview

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a medium-sized French scenthound originally developed for hunting wild boar and other game across the rugged countryside of Brittany. The name “Fauve” refers to the breed’s distinctive reddish-fawn coat colour.

Athletic, determined, and intelligent, this breed is primarily a working hound. While affectionate with its family, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne retains strong scenting instincts and independence. It is not widely established in the UK, and most examples are imported (Imp), making responsible breeder selection especially important.

This breed is best suited to active, experienced owners.

Physical Appearance

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a compact, muscular scenthound with a rough, weather-resistant coat.

Key physical characteristics:

• Harsh, dense, rough coat

• Reddish-fawn colouring (may vary from golden to deep red)

• Dark, alert eyes

• Medium-length drop ears

• Strong, well-balanced frame

The coat provides protection against dense undergrowth and rough terrain.

How big do Griffon Fauve de Bretagne dogs get?

• Height:

  • Males & females: 48 - 56 cm

• Weight:

  • 18 - 22 kg

Character Traits

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is brave, energetic, and highly scent-driven. Bred for hunting in packs, they are generally sociable with other dogs but can be independent thinkers.

They are best described as:

• Determined and resilient

• Loyal to their family

• Enthusiastic outdoors

Common personality traits

• Intelligence: High

• Affection: Moderate to high

• Energy level: High

• Loyalty: Strong

• Playfulness: Moderate

• Aggression: Not aggressive

• Trainability: Moderate, independent hound mindset

• Guarding ability: Low

Like many scenthounds, recall can be unreliable if they pick up a scent.

Ability to Socialise

With proper early socialisation, this breed is generally stable and friendly.

• With other dogs: Very good (pack-oriented breed)

• With children: Good in active homes

• With cats and small pets: Strong prey drive, caution required

• With strangers: Friendly but alert

Because they are scent-led, supervision outdoors is essential.

Lifestyle Suitability

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is not suited to inactive homes.

Best suited to:

• Active rural or semi-rural households

• Owners experienced with hounds

• Homes with secure outdoor space

Lifestyle considerations

• First-time owners: Not ideal

• Apartment living: Not recommended

• Left alone: Poorly tolerated

• Noise sensitivity: Moderate

• Barking: Moderate to high (typical hound voice)

• Drooling: Low

• Heat tolerance: Moderate

• Cold tolerance: Good

Daily exercise and scent-based stimulation are essential.

General Health and Health Issues

Average lifespan: 11-14 years

Generally considered a healthy breed due to its working background, though possible concerns include:

• Hip dysplasia (less common but possible)

• Ear infections (due to drop ears)

• Minor skin sensitivities

As an imported breed, ensure health screening is documented.

Exercise and Play Time

Minimum requirement: 1.5-2 hours daily

Ideal activities:

• Long countryside walks

• Tracking and scent games

• Secure off-lead running

• Structured training sessions

This breed thrives when given a task.

Nutrition and Feeding

A balanced, high-quality diet suitable for active breeds is recommended.

Feeding guidelines (approximate)

• Adults: 250 - 400 g per, day depending on activity

• Puppies require carefully portioned growth diets

Maintain lean body condition.

Care and Maintenance

Grooming

The rough coat requires:

• Weekly brushing

• Occasional hand-stripping

• Regular ear cleaning

• Nail and dental care

Shedding is moderate.

Emotional Care

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne dogs are people-oriented but independent. They require structure, stimulation, and inclusion in daily life.

History of the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne

Originating in Brittany, France, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne dates back several centuries. It was developed as a hunting dog capable of working difficult terrain and dense woodland.

The breed’s population declined significantly in the 20th century but was revived through careful breeding efforts. It remains more common in France than in the UK.

Interesting Facts About Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Dogs

• “Fauve” refers to the reddish coat colour

• Traditionally used for wild boar hunting

• Nearly extinct in the 1900s

• Known for its distinctive hound voice

Getting a Griffon Fauve de Bretagne Puppy

You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and reviewing the breeder’s standards carefully.

More specifically, here is some Griffon Fauve de Bretagne puppy buying advice:

This is a scent-driven hunting breed. Buyers expecting instant recall or low exercise needs should reconsider. Without proper stimulation, this breed can become vocal or restless.

Because the breed is uncommon in the UK and often imported:

• Confirm Kennel Club recognition and registration

• Review health testing documentation

• Ensure the breeder understands working temperament

• Meet the mother and assess stability

Average Costs

Owning a Griffon Fauve de Bretagne involves ongoing financial responsibility.

Typical purchase price: £1,200 - £2,500

Monthly food cost: £50 - £70

Never agree to collect a puppy from a neutral meeting location.

Other Reading and Responsible Ownership

For further information:

• The Kennel Club (UK): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk

• Dogs Trust: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk

• Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk

While this page focuses on responsibly buying a puppy, some owners may explore recognised rehoming routes.