MyDogBreeds
English Shepherd is originated from United States but Basset Fauve de Bretagne is originated from France. English Shepherd may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than Basset Fauve de Bretagne. English Shepherd may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Basset Fauve de Bretagne. Both English Shepherd and Basset Fauve de Bretagne has almost same life span. Both English Shepherd and Basset Fauve de Bretagne has almost same litter size. Both English Shepherd and Basset Fauve de Bretagne requires Low maintenance.
The English Shepherd is another dog with an English name that was developed in the United States. They developed from British farm dogs that were brought to the United States in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by the Scottish and English as they settled in the New World. Tracing their line through working dogs and collies in Scotland and northern England, the settlers bred them with local dogs and each other. These working farm dogs were called English Shepherds, Scotch Collies, barnyard collie, farm shepherd, the cow dog, and the old fashioned shepherd.
The English Shepherd was appreciated by the settlers and farmers because he was a versatile dog that could herd their flocks and protect their homes as well. They appreciated his intelligence and ability to hunt vermin and be a companion for their children. English Shepherds were bred to work with a variety of livestock such as pigs, cattle, goats, sheep and fowl. They were used to hunt as well and were known to track racoons and squirrels and tree them. There wasn’t a more popular dog in the American Midwest and East in the 1800’s and 1900’s.
The breed is trustworthy, alert and independent. As the small family farms were replaced by large agricultural enterprises the English Shepherd’s numbers dwindled as well until he fell into the category of a rare breed. There were no clubs to support it and not AKC recognition. The UKC had a different dog registered as a farm shepherd.
Today’s English Shepherd is still a farm dog, but he also hunts, is a therapy dog, competes in AKC trials, and performs search and rescue duties. As a farm dog, they are still the most desirable due to their versatility in working with different livestock, guarding the home and caring for the children. They do these things in a gentle way if possible but can be tough if needed. They have great empathy for the livestock and for their human family. This makes him a great dog for the family. The English Shepherd has remained a farm dog, working dog more than a show dog, over all these years.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne from France was introduced to the UK in 1983, and this smallest of the French hounds is rarely seen outside France, and when you do it is in Britain. This French hunting breed belonging to the Hound group in all likelihood descends from the Grand Fauve de Bretagne which is now extinct.
Long ago the dog was used for hunting and there was even a time when it was on the brink of extinction.The breed became very rare but was later bred with the Basset Griffon Vendeen as well as the Wire Haired Dachshund which has resulted in the breed we have today. The first Basset Fauve was imported into the USA in November 2001.
The American bred English Shepherd is a medium sized dog that looks somewhat like an Australian Shepherd or Border Collie. They have tails, never come in merle coloring and their head is not as rounded as the Australian Shepherd. A working dog, its proportionally very well balanced. Because the English Shepherd is so popular across the country, doing a wide variety of jobs, there is some regional differences in the dogs.
The coat can be curly or straight with feathering around the tail, ears and legs. Their heads are slightly rounded but broad and the muzzle is also broad with a solid black nose except for the clear sable dogs whose nose is brown. The eyes show you how intelligent and strong this breed is, and they should be round, brown and oblique. The ears are close to the head and wide apart.
With a strong, muscular back and shoulders the English Shepherd can do almost anything you ask him to. His legs are strong and straight, and his hind legs are muscular. His feet are compact, oval and well padded.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a smallish hound, with a long body and deep chest. He is lively and friendly. He is a wire-coated dog, looking similar to a golden cocker spaniel, but his coat is coarse and quite springy and wiry to the touch. He is nimble, he has plenty of courage, he is lively, friendly and amenable. He has short legs, but unlike other Basset breeds, these don’t have that crooked, turned outwards appearance that the Basset Hound has.
The tail is fairly long and held upright when the dog is alert. He has long low-set ears which reach roughly to the end of the nose. The coat is always wheat- or fawn or red in color. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, also referred to as the Fawn Brittany Basset isn’t quite as low to the ground as the Basset Hound, measuring 32 – 38 cm.
Small, stocky and feisty, this rough-coated Basset is energetic, agile and quick and you’ll find that he gets on well with children as well as other pets in the house. Some training and socialization will go a far way to make him an even more super dog than what he is. He’ll make a wonderful family pet and will adapt well to country living as well as living in the city, if he can rely on you to take him for walks.
It may seem strange to talk about kindness in a working dog, but it is one of the defining traits of the English Shepherd, along with intelligence. The breed is extremely kind to everyone he lives with animals and people. Once he is secure in his job and takes in his children or his herd, he is one of the best caretakers around. He is an independent thinker, is easily trained, and highly affectionate. However, he does see himself as the boss and unless you establish yourself in that alpha role you could have problems.
Smart and courageous, the Basset Fauve is such a wonderful pet to have in your home. He is gentle, loving and loyal and will adapt to living in the countryside or the city, so long as he is loved, fed well, exercised and given lots of attention.
He was once a serious hunter, but these days he is most content to be friend and protector for his human family.
Like many other herding breeds, it has been found that about 15% of English Shepherds had a gene mutation called MDR1. This means they have adverse reaction and high sensitivity to many common drugs for dogs. This condition could be life-threatening so test your dog for it and know what you are up against.
The Basset Fauve is free from inherited health problems in the UK and is in fact one of the hardiest of the Basset group. Like all Basset type breeds, as a dog owner you’ll have to keep an eye on your Basset Fauve as he can develop back problems as he gets older.
When it comes to your Basset Fauve’s health, make sure he gets all his shots, starting from when he is a puppy. Many of the dangerous canine diseases can be prevented with vaccines.
Remember the English Shepherd is a hard working dog. But if you don’t work him don’t overfeed him. Twice a day, he needs about one half cup of a good quality dry food made with an active, medium sized dog in mind.
In addition to the health concern listed above, the English Shepherd is also prone to:
Both elbow and hip dysplasia can plaque the English Shepherd as it does almost any active breed. Have your puppy tested as it can cause lameness and arthritis.
This is a herding breed and they need exercise. They need a job. They are intelligent and work oriented so make sure they have something to do. Take them to herding trails and have their herding instinct tested. Put them to work in flyball, agility, frisbee, tracking, obedience, rally, herding and showmanship events. Just make sure your English Shepherd has enough to keep his mind and body stimulated at a high rate every day.
The Basset Fauve is easy to maintain, and all that is required from you is to brush his wiry coat at least twice a week to remove all loose hairs. Look out for too much hair in the ear passage and remove it. The teeth should be brushed a couple of times a week with a dog toothpaste and brush to avoid plague build-up and the claws should also be trimmed.
Daily walks will be imperative for your Basset Fauve as he is an energetic dog and will need regular exercise. Just ignoring his energetic side will make him frustrated, bored and even destructive.
This breed of dog used to hunt small game and so he is lively and energetic. Because of this he will need a high-quality dog food. Always buy the best commercially manufactured dog foods and speak to your vet about the best one, and whether dry- or wet foods would best suit your canine friend. You want to provide your pet with variety, and it is imperative to include some raw- and cooked meat to his regular dog food to ensure he doesn’t battle with an itchy, dry skin.
Dog foods suited to age, activity levels and stage of life can ensure your dog is always energetic, full of life, healthy and happy and not prone to putting on weight. Always ensure that clean, cool water is constantly available to your pet.
If you get a puppy from a reputable breeder, they will tell you what the puppy’s feeding schedule has been. Make sure to stick to the same routine for a while so that your puppy doesn’t have any tummy upsets.