Dog health

Basset Fauve de Bretagne health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 24 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 7 health issues to plan for: luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, heart disease, hypothyroidism, epilepsy and allergies and itchy skin. A typical vet bill for a medium dog runs $239 – $1,107.

Health problems linked to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: breed club screening [3]The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [2]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [4]
Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [5]
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: AKC breed page [1]The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [6]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [7]
GlaucomaNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Pressure builds up inside the eye. It is painful and can cause blindness quickly, so a red, cloudy or bulging eye needs a vet the same day. [8]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [9]
Heart diseaseNamed by: breed club screening [3]Breed clubs ask breeders to have hearts checked, often by a cardiologist, because some inherited heart problems run in the breed. [10]Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [11]
HypothyroidismNamed by: AKC breed page [1]The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [12]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [13]
Epilepsy (seizures)Named by: AKC breed page [1]Repeated seizures with no other cause found. Many dogs do well on daily medicine, but a long seizure is an emergency. [14]Emergency visit (owner bills): $500–$1,600 [9]
Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [15]
Allergies and itchy skinNamed by: AKC breed page [1]Allergies to pollen, dust mites or food often show up as itchy skin, paw licking and ear infections. They are managed, not cured. [16]Allergy and skin treatment (owner bills): $275–$850 [17]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a relatively healthy dog, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health concerns such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, cardiomyopathies, skin allergies and age-related thyroid issues. A gene test for primary open angle glaucoma is now available, meaning breeders are able to identify carriers and avoid producing this eye anomaly. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][3] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [18] One health test costs $58 there. [19]

What to budget

For a medium dog like the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [20]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Basset Fauve de Bretagne at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 13–16 years and you get roughly $11,400–$21,700 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [20][21] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [22] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [23] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [24]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, heart disease, hypothyroidism, epilepsy and allergies and itchy skin. That doesn't mean every Basset Fauve de Bretagne will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).

Should I get pet insurance for a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Basset Fauve de Bretagne breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13–16 years.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne breed guideLuxating patella surgery cost for dogsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogsDorzolamideSurgery and hospitalization costDiagnostics cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (24) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Basset Fauve de Bretagne breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
  3. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  4. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  5. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  6. VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
  7. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  8. VCA – Glaucoma in dogs
  9. VetReceipt – Emergency Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  10. OFA – Cardiac disease
  11. VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  12. VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
  13. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  14. VCA – Epilepsy in dogs
  15. VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  16. VCA – Inhalant allergies (atopy) in dogs
  17. VetReceipt – Dog Allergy & Dermatology Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  18. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Basset Fauve de Bretagne DNA tests
  19. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  20. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  21. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  22. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  23. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  24. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)