Learn about the Basset Artésien Normand temperament. She is a cheerful and devoted family dog and a multi-skilled scenthound who is a little stubborn.
The Basset Artésien Normand temperament is best described as obedient and delightful. Like all hunting dogs, she does have an independent mind, but in the right hands, she is easy to train and eager to please.
She is an exceptionally skilled scenthound, but she is also a devoted family companion.
Basset Artésien Normand Temperament
1. Intelligent
Not surprisingly for a hunting breed, the Basset Artésien Normand is very smart. She learns quickly and easily.
2. Independent
However, independence is also part of the Basset Artésien Normand temperament. She needs that independence to do her job well. For an experienced dog owner, though, she is not hard to train.
3. Sensitive
The Basset Artésien Normand temperament can be very sensitive to human moods. This makes for a strong bond with her owner and/or family.
4. Eager to Please
With proper training to control her stubbornness, she is very obedient.
5. Devoted
The Basset Artésien Normand temperament is loyal and devoted to her family.
6. Cheerful
She has a very sweet personality and is friendly to nearly everyone.
7. Gentle
The Basset Artésien Normand temperament is sweet, gentle, and patient. She is great with kids.
8. Even-tempered
She has a stable, trustworthy disposition. This breed is neither shy nor aggressive.
9. Adaptable
Although she loves her job as a hunter, she is content to be a family pet as well. She will even do well with apartment living. As long as she gets enough exercise and mental stimulation, she’ll make the transition easier.
10. Outgoing
The Basset Artésien Normand temperament is free-spirited and extroverted. This dog enjoys interacting with people.
11. Alert
She will bark to announce strangers, but this is no watchdog. She will then greet them with a warm welcome.
12. Vocal
Some individuals may bark excessively due to the nature of their hunting job. They will need early training if you want to control this.
13. Courageous
The Basset Artésien Normand temperament is brave and even headstrong in the field.
14. Pack Mentality
This breed gets along well with other dogs. She also respects an alpha leader, so she should be trained accordingly. She will get along with cats as well if she is socialized to them early.
15. Hard-working
The Normand is an enthusiastic and determined hunter with a strong work ethic. She loves her job.
16. Strong Prey Drive
She is a passionate scenthound, so she may not be trustworthy with small animals. Most will get along well with cats if they are socialized to them early.
Basset Artésien Normand History
The Basset originated in France in the 17th century. The name Basset means “low-set,” or “low to the ground.” He is one of six French Basset breeds.
Hunters bred the Normand to be more short-legged than his ancestors. They needed a hunter who was slow enough that they could keep up with it on a hunt. They created a “dwarfed” scenthound from several larger French hounds.
By the early 1900s, the Normand had begun to develop into two types: “straight-legged” (Basset d’Artois) and “crooked-legged” (Basset Normand) versions.
A French breeder named Leon Verrier created a standard that combined the best features of both dogs. The breed received its official name of Basset Artésien Normand in 1924.
Like many other European breeds, the Basset Artésien Normand barely survived World War II. There were only a few individuals left when a few Normand enthusiasts set out to revive the breed.
They are still rare outside of France, but breeders are working to promote them. Though some still hunt small game, these days they are more likely to be pets.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Basset Artésien Normand in 1963, and the United Kennel Club (UKC) accepted the breed in 1995. American Kennel Club (AKC) has not accepted the Normand at the time of this writing.
Basset Artésien Normand Training
The Basset Artésien Normand is a smart dog that can learn quickly and easily. She is capable of learning sophisticated hunting techniques. But she needs a calm, confident, and firm trainer.
With consistent, no-nonsense training, she will be obedient and trustworthy. For experienced trainers, the Basset Artésien Normand traits of intelligence and eagerness to please should make training fairly easy.
Beginners might find it more challenging. She responds best to positive reinforcement and short, fun training sessions. If she gets bored or tired, you will be more likely to see her stubborn side.
Helpful Dog Training Resource:
The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan a world-class Dog Trainer from New Zealand is worth taking a look at. This online resource has hundreds of fun informative dog training videos that can help you learn the basics and more.
Basset Artésien Normand Appearance
General Appearance
The Basset Artésien Normand is a short-legged breed with a long body (twice as long as their height). Colors can be fawn and white or tricolor—fawn, black, and white. Her coat is short and smooth.
She looks like a Basset Hound, but she is lighter and thinner though still powerful.
Her head is long and dome-shaped. Many people call it noble and beautiful. She has very long ears that are set very low on her head. They’re cone-shaped, pointed, and soft.
Her eyes are large and oval-shaped. She has a serious expression. Her nose is large and black. The muzzle is the same length as her skull. She has a slight dewlap.
Her chest is rounded. Her legs are muscular and “crooked.” She has oval-shaped feet and close-shaped toes. The tail tapers from a thick root. She carries it curved like a saber.
Basset Artésien Normand Size
Average Basset Artésien Normand weight is 33 to 44 pounds. Basset Artésien Normand height averages 10 to 14 inches.
Basset Artésien Normand Must-Knows
Other Names
- Artesian Norman Basset
- Norman Artesian Basset
- Basset Artesiano de Normandia
- Basset Norman
- BAN
Basset Artésien Normand Lifespan
The life expectancy of this breed is about 13-15 years.
Hunting with a Basset Artésien Normand
The Normand is a “walking hound” that was created from larger hunting ancestors. Hunters wanted a dog with a slower pace that they could keep up with. They were also looking for agility in tangled brush and a dog short enough to chase small game into lairs and dens.
The Basset Artésien Normand is everything they wished for. She is a multiskilled hunter, either on her own or with a pack. She is able to track, drive, and chase prey. Many consider her scenting skills second only to Bloodhounds.
When pack hunting, she will have a specific role to play. A pack of Bassets Artésien Normand will have 4 to 8 dogs that each have their own job. Each knows what their role is, and they work skillfully as a team, “musically” expressing themselves as they work.
Most Basset Artésien Normand are kept as pets today. But the French still love their Basset Artésien Normand. They hold a ‘fêtes de chasse’ (hunting holiday) every summer to kick off the hunting season. Packs of Bassets Artésien Normand come together for this event ever year.
Staying Healthy: Watch Out for these Basset Artésien Normand Health Issues
In general, this is a healthy breed. There are a few concerns, though, as with all dogs.
Because of her long back, it is important that you not allow your Basset Artésien Normand to jump from furniture or other high places. She is at risk for spinal injuries and intervertebral disc disease.
Because of her long, pendulous ears, she is also susceptible to ear infections. Her ears need to be cleaned often.
Some have also been known to have thyroid problems.
Helpful Dog Health Resource:
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Caring for the Basset Artésien Normand
Basset Artésien Normand Grooming
This is an easy-care breed. She has a short, smooth coat that needs brushing only occasionally to remove dead hair.
She cleans easily with a damp-cloth rubdown. You should bathe only when absolutely necessary.
As above, her hound’s ears are prone to infection, so they need to be checked and cleaned often.
Of course, like all dogs she needs her teeth brushed and her nails trimmed regularly.
Basset Artésien Normand Diet
This breed has no specific dietary requirements other than being prone to obesity. She should do well on any high-quality commercial food, but you will need to watch her calories carefully.
It’s best to stick to the feeding schedule recommended by the food manufacturer. You will also want to make sure she gets enough exercise to burn the calories.
Basset Artésien Normand Exercise
This breed needs moderate exercise, which is less than most hunting breeds. A brisk walk every day should be enough. She also needs mental stimulation, so she would enjoy activities such as nose work, rally, etc.
The Normand is okay with living in an apartment. She is active inside and only needs a small yard if she gets her daily walks.
Because she is a scenthound, you won’t want to walk her without a leash. She will run off to chase interesting smells.
There is a cute story that if you “lose” your Basset Artésien Normand, leave a piece of your clothing with your scent on it in the spot you last saw her. Within a few hours, she will be sitting in that spot waiting for you.
Finding a Basset Artésien Normand
Buying a Basset Artésien Normand from a Breeder
The Basset Artésien Normand is a rare breed in North America. If you’re looking to buy a Basset Artésien Normand puppy, you’ll have some work to do.
This dog is not as rare as many European hunting dogs, so it is possible to find puppies in North America. At the time of this writing, we were able to find one breeder in the US, so start with an Internet search.
We also found several Facebook pages for Basset Artésien Normand breeders and lovers of the breed. Some are in English, and Google will translate others for you. These groups are a great source for recommendations for a reputable breeder.
A search for user forums for dog breeds may also be fruitful. You might also try YouTube. Breeders and owners of many breeds post videos of their dogs. And some list their contact information.
According to a breeder in France, several Normands have been brought to the US in recent years, so they should become easier to find over time.
The UKC might also be a good resource for breeder names.
Our best estimate of Basset Artésien Normand price is from $1000 to $1500 if purchased from a US breeder.
If you are able to locate a breeder, expect to be put on a waiting list.
Consider Importing
If you aren’t able to find a Basset Artésien Normand pup in North America or don’t want to wait, consider searching for European breeders. We found several breeders in Europe at the time of this writing. You may find one or more who will ship to North America.
The FCI might also be a good source. They may know of breeders in their European club network.
Vetting Your Breeder
If you are able to find a breeder, proceed with caution. Buying a dog online is risky without trustworthy recommendations. You want to be sure you’re not buying a dog from a puppy mill.
Your best bet is to connect with others who have had positive experiences finding their Bassets Artésien Normand. They should be able to help you find an ethical breeder.
When you speak to the breeder, be sure to ask questions. Ask about a health guarantee and genetics of the parents. Find out if the pups were raised in a family home or in a kennel. Ask if they allow site visits. If any of the answers make you uncomfortable, look for another breeder.
Otherwise, you might find you’ve purchased an unhealthy, badly adjusted puppy.
Basset Artésien Normand Rescue/Adoption
Finding a Basset Artésien Normand for adoption may be just as challenging. This is a breed that you’re not likely to find in your local shelter. It wouldn’t hurt to leave your name with shelters, though. This breed is becoming better known in North America.
We were also not able to find any Basset Artésien Normand rescue organizations. The hints given above may also be helpful in finding a Basset Artésien Normand to adopt.
Is the Basset Artésien Normand the Right Breed for You?
The Basset Artésien Normand is a delightful hunting dog.
If she gets enough exercise and mental stimulation, she can be equally content to be a family pet. She needs to be with a moderately active family.
She does have an independent streak, though. For a successful relationship with a Basset Artésien Normand, you will need to commit to firm and consistent training.
If you are able to do that, the Basset Artésien Normand temperament will reward you with all the loyalty and obedience a dog lover could ask for.
Paula is an experienced writer who loves dogs and had many of them through the years. Her family always had large dogs—Border Collies, Labs, and Golden Retrievers. When her beloved Golden died of cancer, she decided to practice what she preached and do some research before choosing her next breed. She now shares this knowledge with thousands of dogtemperament.com readers worldwide.