Basset Artesien Normand
At first glance, it is easy to tell that the Basset Artesien Normand is a relative of the Basset Hound. In fact, both of these breeds share a common history with the iconic short-legged hounds of France. The Basset Artesien Normand is, however, lighter in bone and structure than the Basset Hound which makes him slightly more effective in the field. This breed is also known for his obedience and gentle temperament which makes him a great family pet.
It’s easy to tell that the Basset Artesien Normand is a relative of the Basset Hound.
Origin
The Basset Artesien Normand shares a common ancestry with other short-legged hound types from the northern region of France. Though the Basset Hound was developed in the late 19th century by English breeders with influence from the Bloodhound, the Basset Artesien Normand was meant to have a lighter structure and a greater focus on hunting ability. Breeding really began in 1870 and, eventually, two strains developed – one with straight front legs (the Basset d’Artois) and another with crooked front legs (Normand). The first breed club officially began in 1910 and the name was finalized in 1924.
Pedigree
The Basset Artesien Normand shares common ancestry with other French hounds, though he was developed more for a lighter body structure and hunting ability than other breeds like the Basset Hound and Bloodhound.
Food/Diet
As a medium-sized dog, the Basset Artesien Normand should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for adult dogs. Protein is very important for this breed to help him maintain lean muscle mass and fat should be limited to prevent obesity. The Basset Artesien Normand can also be a working breed, in which case he may do well on an active or working breed formula as long as you are careful about overfeeding to prevent obesity.
The Basset Artesien Normand is a very obedient dog by nature.
Training
The Basset Artesien Normand is a very obedient dog by nature – he aims to please his master in all things. These dogs are very friendly and affectionate, but they are also capable of working hard in the field. As a pack hound, the Basset Artesien Normand gets along well with other dogs, though the breed may develop dominant or bullying behaviors when raised in a pack. They are very intelligent dogs which makes training a little easier, though you’ll always need to maintain a firm and consistent hand in training. Early socialization is also very important, especially if you plan to keep the dog as a family pet in a household with children.
Weight
The Basset Artesien Normand is a medium-sized dog, standing between 10 to 14 inches tall and weighing 15 to 55 at maturity. Some divide the breed into two sizes, the medium being between 15 and 35 pounds and the large being between 35 and 55 pounds.
Temperament/Behavior
The Basset Artesien Normand is a gentle and affectionate breed by nature which is part of what made him so popular among the French aristocracy. These dogs are born to please and they form strong bonds with family members. The Basset Artesien Normand can do well as a watch dog, though they tend to make friends with strangers very quickly, limiting their usefulness as a guard dog. These dogs can do well in homes with other dogs and cats, though they may require extra training to do so.
Common Health Problems
Generally speaking, the Basset Artesien Normand is a healthy breed – this is especially true when you compare him to other Basset breeds. This breed has a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years, though he is still prone to certain health problems which may include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, ear infections, and arthritis.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan for the Basset Artesien Normand is thought to be about 12 to 15 years which is about average for a breed of its size.
Exercise Requirements
The Basset Artesien Normand was developed for hunting so you should expect your dog to have a fair bit of energy, though he will never be hyperactive. A long daily walk should be sufficient for this breed, though it never hurts to give him some extra time to run and play in a fenced yard.
The Basset Artesien Normand is a gentle and affectionate breed.
AKC
The Basset Artesien Normand is not currently recognized by the AKC but he is recognized by the FCI and the UKC. The FCI classifies him in Group 6 as a Scenthound and the UKC as a Scenthound.
Coat
The Basset Artesien Normand has the typical Basset coat – it is short and smooth, typically in some combination of white, black, and tan. The most common color combination is a tri-color coat of fawn and white with a black blanket over the back. The bicolored fawn and white combination is common as well. Most dogs have the dark saddle, however.
Puppies
The average litter size for the Basset Artesien Normand is 2 to 6 puppies with 4 being the most common. These dogs are generally good with other dogs but they may require extra socialization as puppies if they are to be kept with cats or other small pets. Technically classified as a medium breed, the Basset Artesien is still prone to musculoskeletal issues so it is important to keep puppies from growing too quickly.
Photo credit: Viorel Sima/Shutterstock.com; MirasWonderland/Shutterstock.com; Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com
