Let's talk Basset Artesien Normand dogs

The Basset Artesien Normand is a medium-sized hunting dog from France, who makes for a lively and affectionate companion. They are particularly gentle playmates for children, once they have been properly trained. The Basset Artesien Normand is a sporting dog, born for life outdoors, so daily exercise is a must. Inside, the Basset Artesien Normand has a calm temperament, and is often content to curl up and nap somewhere close to you.

Official name: Basset Artesien Normand

Other names: BAN

Origins: France

Close-up black and white of a Basset Artesien Normand
 Drooling tendencies

Medium

Warm weather? Medium
 Shedding level Medium
Suited to apartment living? 
 Energy level (high, low, medium) *: Moderate Family pet? *

 Compatibility with other pets Medium
Can stay alone?*

* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.

Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.

For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.

Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.

All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

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Illustration of a Basset Artesien Normand
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30 - 36 cm translations.feature.breeds.height
15 - 20 kg translations.feature.breeds.weight
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 Baby age:  Birth to 2 months
 Puppy age:  2 to 12 months
 Adult age:  1 to 7 years
 Mature age:  7 to 10 years
 Senior age:  From 10 years

Basset Artesien Normand running through a forest

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Get to know the Basset Artesien Normand

All you need to know about the breed

The short-legged Basset Artesien Normand hails from France. With long, floppy ears and an intelligent expression, the breed is a devoted companion to add to your family. As a pack dog, the Basset Artesian Normand gets on well with other canines, although smaller animals (looking at you hamsters and guineapigs) will bring out their prey instinct.

Once trained, the breed also makes for a gentle playmate with young children, which is another way to keep them active. When inside, the Basset Artesien Normand is calm and likes nothing more than to have their humans close by. So much so that Basset Artesien Normand dogs do not do well when left to their own devices. They’re also much better suited to a house although can adapt to apartment life with enough walks and games thrown in each day.

As a dog initially bred for the hunt, the Basset Artesien Normand needs daily exercise, in the form of a long, leisurely walk, as well as one or two play sessions in the back garden. Don’t skip the daily exercise as the Basset Artesien Normand would be okay leading a couch potato life, which could lead to obesity.

Two things to be aware of if you welcome a Basset Artesien Normand into your life. They are barkers, especially when neutered, which will need to be tempered with dogged training, pun intended. And while they’re calm indoors, in the hunting field the Basset Artesien Normand will show their determined streak (just don’t call them stubborn, ok?) Firm but gentle training should set them on the right path.

Basset Artesien Normand stood in front of stacked up logs

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2 facts about Basset Artesien Normand dogs

1. Not a Basset Hound

The Basset Artesien Normand is often mistaken for its canine relative, the Basset Hound. It’s the long body, coat colouring and those gorgeous floppy ears. They stand at around the same height but the Basset Artesien Normand is the more slimline of the two, which makes them more agile.

2. A sensitive nose

Generally speaking, the Basset Artesien Normand is an amenable dog, but their nose for a scent means that they’re easily distracted and may wander off. When out walking, keep your Basset Artesien Normand on leash to keep them safely in sight. If you have outdoor space, make sure it is enclosed as the same thing could happen.

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History of the breed

The Basset Artesien Normand first appeared in the 1870s, the result of cross-breeding between short-legged French Hounds. Louis Lane was one of two well-known breeders, the other being Count Henri Comte Coulteulx de Canteleu, responsible for developing the Basset Artesien Normand of today. Lane intentionally bred Basset Artesien Normand dogs to have crooked legs, which causes no physical pain or discomfort, to increase their agility and better their hunting performance.

The Basset Artesien Normand was bred as a scent hound, traditionally hunting small game such as rabbits and hares, and worked equally well whether alone or in a pack. The breed has evolved into an excellent family pet, capable of getting on with children and other dogs.

The breed remains popular as both a family dog and hunting hound but is rare, even within its home country. Outside of France, the Basset Artesien Normand breed is not easy to find, and as of yet has not officially been recognised by either the UK Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club.

Black and white portrait of a sitting Basset Artesien Normand

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Basset Artesien Normand dogs

1. Ears

Large ears that are long and low set, with a pointed tip.

2. Eyes

Oval-shaped eyes with a soft expression.

3. Body

Long, compact body with a strong, broad back.

4. Coat

Coat colour typically features fauve, black and white.

5. Legs

Front legs are short and bony, with a crooked appearance.

Basset Artesien Normand stood on a woodland path

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Basset Artesien Normand
Two Basset Artesien Normands sat next to each other in front of greenery

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Caring for your Basset Artesien Normand

Grooming, training and exercise tips

Grooming your Basset Artesien Normand is very simple. One weekly brush keeps their short coat looking great. Up brushing to once a day during the twice-yearly shedding season. Clean their ears weekly, and any skin folds, as the breed is susceptible to bacterial infections. Oral hygiene should be maintained and the nails trimmed regularly.
Put aside 60 to 90 minutes per day to exercise your Basset Artesien Normand. If you live in the countryside, you may well train them to enjoy walks off leash but if you live in the city, be sure to keep them on leash, to prevent them from chasing a scent. Additional daily play sessions in the garden will help to keep your Basset Artesien Normand in great shape.
Training Basset Artesien Normand dogs may be a little challenging at first due to their independent nature. But with persistent training, and a firm but gentle approach, you will bring out the breed’s obedient nature and receive heaps of devotion.

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All about Basset Artesien Normand dogs

Yes, absolutely! The Basset Artesien Normand breed is devoted to their humans, capable of getting along with adults, children, as well as other dogs. Just keep any hamsters out of their sight, as it will tempt their prey instinct to come out—sorry about that. After a long walk, your Basset Artesien Normand will curl up for a nap, perhaps right next to you.

Why yes, the Basset Artesien Normand makes a fine watchdog, using their melodic bark to warn you of approaching visitors. But don’t count on this dog to guard your most prized possessions—the Basset Artesien Normand is much too affable (and a tad lazy) to scare people away. So, perhaps it's time to buy a safe?

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Sources

1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/ 

2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020

3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/

4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book

5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/