Which is Better between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever? A Very Detailed Review.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Basset Fauve de Bretagne Versus Flat-Coated Retriever: 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 Flat-Coated Retriever? 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever.

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 Flat-Coated Retriever

Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small-sized dog while the Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium-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 Flat-Coated Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basset Fauve de Bretagne to the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Height 12 to 15 inches. 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years. 10 to 12 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Weight 25 to 35 pounds. 55 to 70 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1150 – $1800
Average Price No Data $1350
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    *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 Flat-Coated Retriever. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a better pet than the Flat-Coated Retriever. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever are most different:

  • Basset Fauve de Bretagnes cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.
  • Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Flat-Coated Retrievers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • 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, Flat-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Basset Fauve de Bretagnes adapt well to apartment living. However, Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever

    The Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever are most similar:

  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Flat-Coated Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

    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, Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Health Problems of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Health Problems of Flat-Coated Retriever

    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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basset Fauve de Bretagnes and in Flat-Coated Retrievers.

    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.

    Flat-Coated Retriever Health Problems

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Flat-Coated Retrievers here.

    Can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which one drools more, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Flat-Coated Retriever

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs. Flat-Coated Retriever

    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.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes shed more than Flat-Coated Retrievers?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

    Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Bark and Howl? What about Flat-Coated Retrievers?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Flat-Coated Retriever

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Easier to Train than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are fairly easy to train.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Better for Apartment Owners than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    How Kid-friendly are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes and Flat-Coated Retrievers?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are very easy to groom.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes good family dogs? What about Flat-Coated Retrievers?

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

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever:

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (81 percent match with Flat-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever

    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 Flat-Coated Retriever vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Cockalier (79 percent match with Basset Fauve de Bretagne). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Cockalier.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Basset Fauve de Bretagne). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and of the Flat-Coated Retriever to other breeds:

    Basset Fauve de Bretagne Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Pomsky     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Cesky Terrier     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Shetland Sheepdog     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Boxer     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Cairn Terrier     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Chinese Crested     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Bullmastiff     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Whippet     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Papillon     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Borzoi     

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Cane Corso     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Bearded Collie     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Finnish Lapphund     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Irish Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Dalmatian     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Dalmatian     Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Maltipoo     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     

    Conclusion: Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Flat-Coated Retriever. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever better suits you and your family.