Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus German Shepherd Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Basset Fauve de Bretagne Versus German Shepherd Dog: 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 German Shepherd Dog? 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog. 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog.

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 German Shepherd Dog.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview

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

Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basset Fauve de Bretagne to the German Shepherd Dog 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog

Factor Basset Fauve de Bretagne German Shepherd Dog
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 4/5
Height 12 to 15 inches. 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall
Life Span 12 to 15 years. 10 to 14 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Weight 25 to 35 pounds. 75 to 95 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
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 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
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 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $800 – $1500
Average Price No Data $1280
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Temperament Test
    		•

    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 German Shepherd Dog. 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a better pet than the German Shepherd 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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog

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

    • Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, German Shepherd Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    The Similarities Between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog

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

    • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus German Shepherd Dog

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

    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, German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus German Shepherd Dog

    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.

    The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.

    Health Problems of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog

    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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd Dog than for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

    3 health tests are recommended for Basset Fauve de Bretagne while 7 tests are recommended for the German Shepherd Dog.

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

    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.

    German Shepherd Dog Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Temperament Test

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shepherd Dogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus German Shepherd Dog

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

    German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the German Shepherd Dog

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

    German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the German Shepherd Dog?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are very easy to groom.

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?

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

    German Shepherd 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.

    Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs. German Shepherd Dog

    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.

    German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the German Shepherd Dog?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes and German Shepherd Dogs?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are fairly easy to train.

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Better for Apartment Owners than the German Shepherd Dog?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes adapt very well to apartment living.

    German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the German Shepherd Dog?

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

    German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.