Basset Fauve De Bretagne: How should an owner handle adolescent behaviour changes?
When a young Basset Fauve De Bretagne becomes less reliable, return to the last version of the behaviour that was working and rebuild from there. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt. Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
What can change during adolescence
Basset Fauve De Bretagne's exercise is recorded as Basset Fauves are energetic and love to play. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Rebuild the behaviour you want
- Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt.
- Use this exercise note (Basset Fauves are energetic and love to play) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
Arrange an assessment if
Escalate for sudden personality change, pain, disorientation, or aggression that cannot be safely managed.
References
Height: 12.5-15.5 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 23-39 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 13-16 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Basset Fauve de Betagne is almost a 'wash-and-wear' dog, with a coarse, wiry coat that repels dirt and resists matting. Some dogs have more coat than others. Longhaired dogs can be hand-stripped. All require grooming weekly with a fine-toothed comb, followed by a stiff brush. Shedding is seasonal. Nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: Basset Fauves are energetic and love to play. Regular walks need to be on a leash as they can run off and follow their nose at a moment's notice. Areas for exercise and play, such as a backyard, should be fenced for the same reasons. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small scent hound, bred originally to find rabbits. The nose goes to the ground and can overpower the brain if the dog is not trained from an early age to tune into his human. Because of this breed's intelligence, mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise.
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: Smart, courageous and determined, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a serious hunter, easily adaptable to different types of game and terrain. It is equally an excellent companion dog, being cheerful, intelligent and eager to please.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Patella Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Basset-Fauve-de-Bretagne.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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