The basset fauve de bretagne is one of the local french breeds that almost disappeared during the 1800s. The few dogs that were left were crossed with basset griffon vendéen and red wire dachshunds, creating the breed we know today. One of the reasons the breed lost in popularity was its red coat - the hunters sometimes took it for a fox or a hare, especially since the fauve is unusually fast for a basset. Today it is mostly kept as a show dog or by hunters who only hunt now and then, for which it is perfect.

The basset fauve de bretagne is a low-legged alert and lively breed. The head is somewhat elongated with plane or slightly convex top of muzzle, gradually tapering to the tip of the nose. The eyes have a lively expression. The ears are set at eye height and should be long enough to reach the tip of the nose is stretched out. The neck is pretty short and muscular, the body has a deep and long chest with a slight tuck up and straight topline. The tail is carried in a slight curve. The coat is very hard and wirey, quite short.