Differences and Similarities between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard.

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Basset Fauve de Bretagne Versus Saint Bernard: 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 Saint Bernard? 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard.

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 Saint Bernard.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Saint Bernard: Overview

A very important difference between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small-sized dog while the Saint Bernard is a giant-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 Saint Bernard belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basset Fauve de Bretagne to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

Factor Basset Fauve de Bretagne Saint Bernard
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Height 12 to 15 inches. 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Life Span 12 to 15 years. 8 to 10 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 35 pounds. 120 to 180 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
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 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 9.0 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1525
Average Price No Data $1320
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • 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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a better pet than the Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

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

  • Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do not have the tendency to drool. However, Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Saint Bernards gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Saint Bernards have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Basset Fauve de Bretagne and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Saint Bernard

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

    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, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Saint Bernard

    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 Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes live longer than Saint Bernards.

    Health Problems of Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Health Problems of Saint Bernard

    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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard than for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

    3 health tests are recommended for Basset Fauve de Bretagne while 6 tests are recommended for the Saint Bernard.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basset Fauve de Bretagnes and in Saint Bernards.

    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.

    Saint Bernard Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Saint Bernards here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Saint Bernard

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

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes shed more than Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Saint Bernard

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

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Saint Bernard?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are very easy to groom.

    Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?

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

    Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs. Saint Bernard

    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.

    Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Saint Bernard?

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

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes and Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are fairly easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    Basset Fauve de Bretagnes adapt very well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the Saint Bernard?

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

    Saint Bernards are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    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 Saint Bernard vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Cockalier (79 percent match with Basset Fauve de Bretagne). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs Cockalier.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Basset Fauve de Bretagne). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard:

  • Newfoundland (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs Spinone Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Basset Fauve de Bretagne Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Kai Ken     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Bearded Collie     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Great Pyrenees     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Miniature Pinscher     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Newfoundland     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Airedale Terrier     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Bouvier des Flandres     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus American Hairless Terrier     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus King Shepherd     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Boerboel     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Kai Ken     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Tibetan Mastiff     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Karelian Bear Dog     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Pomeranian     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Basenji     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus King Shepherd     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus French Bulldog     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Dalmatian     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Italian Greyhound     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Scottish Terrier     Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Mudi     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus Maremma Sheepdog     Saint Bernard versus Barbet     Saint Bernard versus Lancashire Heeler     Saint Bernard versus Pug     Saint Bernard versus Hovawart     Saint Bernard versus Harrier     Saint Bernard versus Plott     Saint Bernard versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Pointer     Saint Bernard versus Bullmastiff     Saint Bernard versus Beaglier     Saint Bernard versus Hovawart     Saint Bernard versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Saint Bernard versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Saint Bernard versus Vizsla     Saint Bernard versus Australian Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Lakeland Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Shichon     Saint Bernard versus Ibizan Hound     Saint Bernard versus Puggle     Saint Bernard versus Frenchton     Saint Bernard versus Biewer Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Chorkie     Saint Bernard versus Whoodle     Saint Bernard versus French Bulldog     

    Conclusion: Basset Fauve de Bretagne versus Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.