Basset Artésien Normand
- Medium
- FCI Group 6 (Scenthounds)
The Basset Artésien Normand is a calm, friendly French scenthound built low to the ground, with short legs and a long body. Bred to hunt small game on foot, it now just as happily lounges at home as a steady family companion.
- Height
- 12 to 14
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 33 to 44
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15
- years, median 13.5
- Senior from
- 10.1
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Origin
- France
- Recognized
- 1963
The Basset Artésien Normand is a medium scenthound from France, calm, intelligent, and obedient by nature. Its body is long and its legs are short, giving a build that reads as strong and balanced. A friendly, playful temperament makes it a steady family companion, while a keen nose marks it as an able hunting dog.
These dogs are pack-oriented and social. They enjoy the company of people and other dogs, stay affectionate with their family, and are always ready for an outdoor adventure. Like other scent hounds, this breed will follow its nose wherever it leads, so a fenced yard or a leash is a good idea.
For centuries, two strains of short-legged scent hounds lived in the Normandy region of France: the Normand, bred for looks, and the Basset d'Artois, bred for work. Crossing the two strains produced the Basset Artésien Normand, which French breeders first documented as a distinct breed in 1870.
The breed hunted rabbits, foxes, and other small game, alone or in packs with the hunter on foot, using its short legs to move through dense brush. It still hunts today, but it is just as likely to lounge in the house as a family pet.
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
As a general adult-care baseline, a Basset Artésien Normand should receive complete and balanced food selected for its life stage, activity, and current body condition. Meals should be served in measured portions, with weight and body condition monitored so intake can be adjusted as the dog's needs change. Treats should provide no more than 10 percent of daily calories, and their calories should be subtracted from the meal allowance.
Water bowls should hold fresh, clean water that is replaced every day. Veterinary input is appropriate if weight changes unexpectedly or a major or nontraditional diet change is under consideration.
Grooming
The Basset Artésien Normand has a short coat. Weekly brushing keeps it free of loose hair and dirt.
The long ears can make this breed more prone to ear infections, so check the ears regularly and clean them when needed to remove wax and debris. Round out the routine with regular nail trims and dental care.
Exercise
Participation in hunts should form a meaningful part of a Basset Artésien Normand's activity plan, since the breed does best with this work rather than life solely as a companion. Access to suitable hunting grounds is therefore an important ownership consideration. Daily walking remains part of the general adult routine, and slower sniffing walks, play, treasure hunts, or hide-and-seek can add mental activity without replacing the walk.
The amount and type of exercise should fit the individual dog, with veterinary advice when needed. Effective control can use a lead; off lead, the person in charge must remain aware of what the dog is doing and able to call it back reliably and promptly, while supervision and safe surroundings remain essential because of the breed's strong hunting instinct.
Training
Basset Artésien Normands are generally obedient and want to please their people, which makes training rewarding. Keep sessions positive, and reward desired behavior with treats and favorite toys for strong results.
Beyond obedience, every breed gains from early socialization. Introducing your dog to different people and environments while it is young helps it grow into a well-adjusted adult.
Health conditions
13 conditions are documented for the Basset Artésien Normand.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Addison's DiseaseHormonal
- CataractsEye
- Cherry EyeEye
- CryptorchidismUrinary & Reproductive
- EctropionEye
Show all 13 conditions Show fewer
- EntropionEye
- EpilepsyNervous System & Behavioral
- Goniodysgenesis and GlaucomaEye
- Iris CystsEye
- Persistent Pupillary MembranesEye
- Premature Physeal ClosureBone & Joint
- Progressive Retinal AtrophyEye
- Third Eyelid Cartilage EversionEye
Sources
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