Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

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Australian Cattle Dog Versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Cattle Dog and for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Cattle Dog or the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Cattle Dog to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Factor Australian Cattle Dog Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years.
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 15 inches.
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Weight 30 to 50 pounds 25 to 35 pounds.
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $840 No Data
Price Range $500 – $996 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia (evaluation at two years or older)
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy RCD4
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Cattle Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Cattle Dog is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is 91 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a better pet than the Australian Cattle Dog. So, you should get the Basset Fauve de Bretagne!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Below is a list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are most different:

    • Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are good for new dog owners.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate hot weather. However, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    The Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

    Australian Cattle Dogs weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Australian Cattle Dogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes weigh 25 to 35 pounds. when fully grown. Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are 12 to 15 inches. when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    The lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Basset Fauve de Bretagnes is between 12 to 15 years. . The average lifespan of Basset Fauve de Bretagnes is 13.5 years.

    Health Problems of Australian Cattle Dog versus Health Problems of Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Australian Cattle Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Australian Cattle Dog than for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

    9 health tests are recommended for Australian Cattle Dog while 3 tests are recommended for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Cattle Dogs and in Basset Fauve de Bretagnes.

    Australian Cattle Dog Health Problems

    Australian Cattle Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Cattle Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Australian Cattle Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Cattle Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Australian Cattle Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia (evaluation at two years or older)
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy RCD4
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Cattle Dogs here.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagne Health Problems

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Basset Fauve de Bretagne breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Basset Fauve de Bretagnes for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Basset Fauve de Bretagnes here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Cattle Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Australian Cattle Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?

    Australian Cattle Dogs shed moderately.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Australian Cattle Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    Australian Cattle Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Australian Cattle Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Cattle Dogs and Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Cattle Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne better suits you and your family.