Griffon Fauve De Bretagne

Ein fröhlicher griffon fauve de bretagne mit einem halstuch um den hals

Geschichte

The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne originates from France where in was used to hunt boar and wolf. The Fawn Brittany Griffon as it is known in English have been around since the 13th century and are classed as scenthounds. Working in packs, they would track and corner their quarry. With the extinction of the native wolf by the 19th century, the numbers started to drop and they were nearly wiped out, but a breeding programme began in the 1940's to save the breed. SInce the 1980's, they have been very popular as hunting dogs and are still a common sight in France, but consider quite a rare breed outside of Europe.

Verhalten

The GFB is a loyal and affectionate dog that ideally likes to be around people. They are generally friendly with everyone they meet and are friendly with strangers and children is well socialised. Whilst they are happy with cuddling up to you on the sofa and love a tummy tickle, don't be fooled. These are working dogs that love nothing better than to track and chase their quarry. They are brave when they need to be, so early puppy classes and later an adult training class will produce a well rounded dog. They are watchful of their surroundings and therefore make good watchdogs, alerting you when something is amiss. They can be overly playful with small children and can accidentally knock them over, but this is never done with malice. They make friends with everyone they meet.

GFB are excellent problem solvers and will work out ways to escape from your garden. Training needs to start very early on, from day one, and continue throughout the dog's life. They learn quite slowly, not due to lack of intelligence, but down to their stubborn ways. Reward based training and short sessions work best, as harsh criticism cannot be handled by the breed. Recall is one of the first things to teach. They are hunting dogs and once they get a scent it can be difficult to get them back. Some have excellent recall skills, other don't, but they all suffer selective deafness when something has sparked their interest. GFB especially enjoy being in the company of other dogs and like to play when given the chance.

Griffon's need a lot of exercise. Without a long daily walk and vigorous play session, but will soon become fidgety and bored. They have stamina for long walks and are best exercised in a secure area where they have a chance to run around and tire themselves out. A couple of quick walks around the block with not be enough for them. They make good jogging partners and are adaptable, but need the chance to burn off energy. Given enough physical stimulation, they make excellent pets and are docile and content in the home.

GFB need a brush a couple of times a week to remove dead hair, but are considered to be quite low maintenance.

They are a healthy breed with no known health issues as such.

Charakter

Griffon Fauve De Bretagnes have a tenacious and affectionate temperament. They are enthusiastic hunters with great stamina who will happily charge through the countryside by your side all day. At home they are calm and biddable but as with all dogs early socialisation and regular training will help them to develop into well rounded obedient dogs. These are not aggressive dogs and they should do well in a family setting including other pets.