Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Better than the Belgian Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

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Basset Fauve de Bretagne Versus Belgian Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne and for the Belgian Sheepdog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog.

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

Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Belgian Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small-sized dog while the Belgian Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Belgian Sheepdog 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.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Belgian Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basset Fauve de Bretagne to the Belgian Sheepdog 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.

Factor Basset Fauve de Bretagne Belgian Sheepdog
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Height 12 to 15 inches. 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years. 10 to 12 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 35 pounds. 60 to 75 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $650 – $1700
Average Price No Data $1320
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne 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 Belgian Sheepdog. 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 a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Belgian Sheepdog is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a better pet than the Belgian Sheepdog. 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog are most different:

  • 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. However, Belgian Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Belgian Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes weigh 25 to 35 pounds. when fully grown. Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are 12 to 15 inches. when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Health Problems of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Health Problems of Belgian Sheepdog

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

    Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

    3 health tests are recommended for Basset Fauve de Bretagne while 3 tests are recommended for the Belgian Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basset Fauve de Bretagnes and in Belgian Sheepdogs.

    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.

    Belgian Sheepdog Health Problems

    Belgian Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdogs for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Sheepdogs here.

    Can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which one drools more, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Belgian Sheepdog

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs. Belgian Sheepdog

    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.

    Belgian Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes shed more than Belgian Sheepdogs?

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Bark and Howl? What about Belgian Sheepdogs?

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Belgian Sheepdog

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Easier to Train than the Belgian Sheepdog?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are fairly easy to train.

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Belgian Sheepdog?

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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.

    Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Better for Apartment Owners than the Belgian Sheepdog?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Belgian Sheepdog?

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

    How Kid-friendly are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes and Belgian Sheepdogs?

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Belgian Sheepdog?

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Belgian Sheepdog?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are very easy to groom.

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes good family dogs? What about Belgian Sheepdogs?

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Belgian Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Belgian Sheepdog:

  • English Springer Spaniel (75 percent match with Belgian Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs English Springer Spaniel.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Belgian Sheepdog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Basset Fauve de Bretagne:

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (77 percent match with Basset Fauve de Bretagne). Here is our comparison of the Belgian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Cockalier (79 percent match with Basset Fauve de Bretagne). Here is our comparison of the Belgian Sheepdog vs Cockalier.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Basset Fauve de Bretagne). Here is our comparison of the Belgian Sheepdog vs French Spaniel.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and how the Belgian Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and of the Belgian Sheepdog to other breeds:

    Basset Fauve de Bretagne Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Havanese     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Mudi     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Schipperke     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Schnoodle     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Chi-Poo     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Stabyhoun     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Pomchi          Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Bullmastiff     

    Belgian Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Belgian Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Belgian Sheepdog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Belgian Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Belgian Sheepdog versus Shichon     Belgian Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Belgian Sheepdog versus Rottweiler     Belgian Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Belgian Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier     Belgian Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier     

    Conclusion: Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Belgian Sheepdog. 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Belgian Sheepdog better suits you and your family.