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Discover everything about Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Griffon Fauve de Bretagne?
At a glance
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Griffon fauve de Bretagne has an above-average number of known health concerns, with eight mandatory health tests, which is why it receives a C grade. In particular, eye conditions such as entropion and primary open-angle glaucoma, as well as congenital deafness, must be controlled through selective breeding. Buyers should insist on seeing the corresponding veterinary health certificates for both parent dogs.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
48–56 cm
Weight
18–22 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Hard, wiry, medium length, without undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Fawn (uniform sandy tint) or wheat color with a darker coat
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne right for you?
The Griffon fauve de Bretagne is an intrepid, tough scent hound—bred as a wire-haired specialist for endurance hunting in dense, thorny thickets. Extremely affectionate indoors, he immediately switches to autopilot outdoors the moment his nose catches the scent of game.
Perfect for you if:
- You are prepared to invest plenty of time in scent work, tracking, or mantrailing to channel his enormous hunting instinct into productive outlets.
- You live in a rural area and have access to fenced-in off-leash areas, as letting him run free in the woods often requires years of training.
- You offer clear, confident leadership without harshness—he enjoys working with you, but blind, robotic obedience is simply not in his nature.
- You are looking for a robust, cheerful companion who is deeply relaxed at home and enjoys the company of his pack to the fullest.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to joyfully turn back on command the moment a deer crosses his path—he was bred specifically to follow that exact trail persistently and vocally.
- You live in a thin-walled city apartment, as he is a true pack hound with a powerful voice that he isn't afraid to use when excited.
- You are actually just looking for an uncomplicated companion for relaxing strolls through the city park.
- You have to leave him alone for long periods every day—he is a highly social dog who will suffer or, out of frustration, start redesigning your furniture.
The real vibes check
A Griffon fauve de Bretagne is the most relaxed cuddler indoors, but outdoors he transforms into a highly specialized all-terrain vehicle with a built-in game radar. His rough exterior hides an extremely soft heart, but once he is on a trail, there is no turning back for him. You aren't buying a dog that will blindly read your every wish; you are getting a passionate hunter who needs a real job to do before he can happily snore on the sofa in the evening.
Breed Profile
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a medium-sized dog with a charming and lively appearance. It belongs to FCI Group 6 (hounds, bloodhounds and related breeds). This breed is known for its excellent hunting skills and is characterized by its robust build and distinctive wiry coat. There is no special distinction between performance and show lines.
- Height
- 48 - 56 cm (Female), 48 - 56 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 22 kg (Female), 18 - 22 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Active, friendly, independent
- Coat
- Hard, wiry, medium length, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Fawn (uniform sandy tint) or wheat color with a darker coat
- Price
- 2000 - 3500 €
History
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne comes from France and is a very old breed. Its roots are believed to date back to the 13th century. It was originally bred as a hunting dog to hunt wild boars and other small game animals in the rocky regions of Brittany. The breed was recognized by the FCI (F"d"ration Cynologique Internationale) in 1949.
Original Use
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne was bred to hunt wolves and later wild boars, known for its robustness and fauve coat.
Origin
France
Date
Mittelalter
Character & Temperament
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a lively and active dog. He is friendly, intelligent and has a strong hunting instinct. Due to his independent nature, he can sometimes be stubborn, but he is generally good-natured and adaptable. This breed is people-oriented and enjoys the company of their family. They are happy dogs who love to play and have fun. Although they are independent, they are also affectionate and appreciate the attention and affection of their owners. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne can learn to stay alone, but it is important to teach him the right habits from the start and provide him with enough mental and physical stimulation. Due to his strong hunting instinct, he tends to have a strong interest in smells and tracks. Therefore, caution should be exercised during walks and excursions in open areas to ensure that he does not hunt or drift uncontrollably. This breed is also alert and tends to announce strangers. They are good watchdogs and will sound the alarm if anything out of the ordinary occurs.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is one of the oldest French running dogs and existed as early as the 13th century.
What Awaits You
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a lively and enduring hunting dog with a rough, fawn-colored coat. It is characterized by its high enthusiasm for work and its pronounced sense of smell. These dogs are friendly and affectionate but require a lot of exercise and consistent training. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is especially suitable for active families and hunters who are looking for a reliable companion in the field.
Housing & Care
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne can be kept in urban areas provided he receives adequate exercise and mental stimulation. It is important that he has regular exercise and the opportunity to explore, as he is a hunting dog and has a certain need for freedom and exercise. Dealing with small children is generally not a problem as long as they treat the dog respectfully and appropriately and are supervised. It is important to introduce children to the correct handling of dogs at an early age and to teach them how to treat animals with respect. In terms of compatibility with cats and other pets, it depends on the individual socialization of the dog. An early and positive introduction to dealing with other animals can help ensure harmonious cooperation.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is an intelligent dog that loves to learn. However, he is also independent and can have a strong hunting instinct. Therefore, it is important to start education and training early to channel his instincts and encourage good behavior. It is recommended to use positive reinforcement methods such as rewards, praise and playful interaction to motivate the dog and gain his attention. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne can be suitable for various dog sports such as agility, mantrailing or nose work, which offer him both physical and mental exercise. Because the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is a hunting dog, it can show a strong interest in smells and prey-catching behavior. It is important to provide him with appropriate alternatives and activities to express his natural instincts while promoting his frustration tolerance and impulse control.
Nutrition & Care
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne's diet should be balanced and tailored to its needs. High-quality dog food that contains all the necessary nutrients is recommended. The amount of food should be adjusted according to the dog's activity level and weight to ensure healthy weight control. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne's coat is hard, wiry and medium long, without an undercoat. It requires regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. Thorough care of the coat is particularly important during shedding. It is recommended to check and clean the ears regularly to prevent infections. When it comes to the climate in Germany, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is adaptable. Its fur provides some insulation against the cold, while it has no overheating problems in warmer months. It copes well with the climatic conditions.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Griffon fauve de Bretagne has an above-average number of known health concerns, with eight mandatory health tests, which is why it receives a C grade. In particular, eye conditions such as entropion and primary open-angle glaucoma, as well as congenital deafness, must be controlled through selective breeding. Buyers should insist on seeing the corresponding veterinary health certificates for both parent dogs.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should focus on joint-friendly development and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as having his eyes and heart checked regularly by a vet to detect any issues early on.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts tested and pay close attention to genetic diversity to lower the risk of neurological diseases in the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
From an owner's experience
Ich hatte von 2004 bis 2018 eine Griffon-Hündin, zusammen mit einem Basset fauve de Bretagne. Charakterlich war sie ein Traum: lieb, verschmust, verspielt, gut mit Kindern und anderen Hunden. Sie bellte kaum und war überall eine angenehme Begleiterin – auch im Restaurant.
Aber der Jagdtrieb ist extrem. Wir mussten unser 2000 m² großes Grundstück mit 2 m hohen Zäunen sichern – und sie fand trotzdem jedes Schlupfloch. War sie einmal weg, blieb sie mindestens 7 Stunden in Feld und Wald und kam völlig ausgelaugt zurück. Freilauf, Hundeplatz, teure Hundeschule – nichts hat den Jagdtrieb wirklich in den Griff bekommen.
Mein Fazit für alle, die über diese Rasse nachdenken: Charakter super, lieb und familienfreundlich – aber man braucht starke Nerven und sehr viel Zeit. Den Jagdtrieb treibt man dieser Rasse nicht aus. Wer ein lockeres Hund-Mensch-Leben ohne ständige Sicherung möchte, sollte sich das gut überlegen.
— Hanna A., Halterin aus Mettmann (Griffon-Hündin, 2004–2018)
What owners say about the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
Sabine F., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2006)
Ich habe meine Hündin vor einigen Monaten aus dem Tierschutz übernommen. Sie war damals vier Jahre alt und hat sich erstaunlich schnell bei uns eingelebt. Was mich im Haus am meisten fasziniert, ist ihre unglaubliche Ruhe und Anpassungsfähigkeit. Sie ist eine absolute Langschläferin und liebt es einfach, stundenlang gemütlich in ihrem Körbchen zu dösen. Ihr hartes, raues Fell ist zudem extrem pflegeleicht, da bleibt kaum Schmutz hängen. Auch das Alleinbleiben klappt bei uns von Anfang an völlig problemlos.
Wer aber denkt, der Fauve sei ein reiner Couchpotato, täuscht sich gewaltig. Sobald wir die Haustür hinter uns lassen, erwacht ihr sportlicher Geist. Sie läuft mit riesiger Begeisterung ausdauernd am Fahrrad mit oder begleitet mich beim Joggen. Der Jagdtrieb ist natürlich spürbar da, aber mit gutem Training lässt sie sich beim Freilauf zu etwa 90 % schon beim ersten Rufen zurückholen. Eine kleine Baustelle haben wir allerdings noch: An der Leine neigt sie manchmal dazu, gegenüber anderen Hunden etwas zickig zu reagieren. Trotzdem ist sie für mich ein absoluter Traumhund.
Stefan W., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2009)
Unser Rüde ist ein echtes Energiebündel und bringt jede Menge Leben ins Haus. Er ist extrem temperamentvoll und fordert täglich viel Auslauf und geistige Beschäftigung ein. Wegen seiner sturen, selbstständigen Art braucht er eine sehr konsequente Führung – als Ersthund würde ich die Rasse daher ehrlich gesagt nicht empfehlen. Man muss von Anfang an klare Grenzen setzen.
Auf der anderen Seite ist er der großartigste Familienhund, den man sich vorstellen kann. Er ist unglaublich kinderfreundlich, manchmal fast schon zu stürmisch-nett, und extrem gelehrig. Wenn wir andere Hunde treffen, zeigt er sich super verspielt und aufgeschlossen. Natürlich darf man den ausgeprägten Jagdtrieb nicht unterschätzen, aber wenn man ihn gut auslastet, ist das absolut händelbar. Ich würde mir jederzeit wieder einen Griffon Fauve holen!
Dieter G., Jäger aus Rheinland-Pfalz (Rüde, seit 2018)
Ich führe meinen Griffon Fauve de Bretagne nun schon seit einigen Jahren jagdlich, hauptsächlich auf Drückjagden auf Schwarzwild. Im Wald zeigt er seine ganze Passion: Er ist extrem ausdauernd, absolut wetterfest und zeigt am Wild enormen Mut und Durchsetzungsvermögen. Seine feine Nase und der spurlaute Jagdstil machen ihn auf der Fährte unschlagbar.
Man darf aber nicht verschweigen, dass diese Rasse ihren ganz eigenen Kopf hat. Er jagt sehr selbstständig, was im Revier zwar gewollt ist, im Alltag aber viel Geduld erfordert – 'stur wie ein Bretone' trifft es manchmal ganz gut. Wenn er erst einmal eine heiße Spur in der Nase hat, blendet er die Umwelt gerne mal aus. Umso schöner ist es, dass er nach der Jagd zu Hause komplett abschalten kann. Im Haus ist er ein extrem sanfter, anhänglicher und ausgeglichener Begleiter, der die Nähe zu seiner Familie sucht.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
Is a Griffon Fauve de Bretagne the right dog for me?
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Griffon Fauve de Bretagne live?
The average life expectancy of a Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Griffon Fauve de Bretagne need?
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Griffon Fauve de Bretagne good for families with children?
The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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