Basset Artesien Normand

Also known as: Norman Artesian Basset

Originating in the Artois and Normandy regions of northern France, this short legged hound was developed around the same time as the Basset Hound, sharing much of its ancestry. Short, bowed legs and a long body let it track a scent at a slow, deliberate pace suited to a hunter on foot. A male can weigh up to 18 kilograms, and the smooth short coat needs minimal grooming. The long, low hanging ears, like those of most bassets, help funnel scent up toward the nose while trailing. The breed remains fairly rare even in France, used mostly for hare hunting. Its temperament at home tends to be calm and gentle. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Basset Artesien Normand: how old in human years?

30–36 cmHeight
13–18 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Great Gascony Blue

FCI group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
FCI section: Section 1.3: Scenthounds, Small sized
FCI: 34
Country of origin: France

Energy level

3/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 30–36 cm

Females 30–36 cm

Weight

Males 15–18 kg

Females 13–16 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short, smooth (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Basset Artesien Normand's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with other dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 3/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Basset Artesien Normand's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 3/5
Exercise need 3/5
Apartment friendly 3/5
Prey drive 4/5
Hunting instinct 4/5

Guarding & Alertness

Basset Artesien Normand's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 2/5
Barking level 3/5

Grooming & Care

Basset Artesien Normand's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Basset Artesien Normand

At first glance it looks like a dog someone shrank to half its height and forgot to shrink the ears. The Basset Artesien Normand is a short-legged French hound, bred to follow hare and rabbit unhurriedly but stubbornly through cover a taller dog simply couldn't get through. Its nose is always at work, even when you think this is just a walk.

Its energy is middling: it isn't a sofa dweller, but it doesn't demand marathons either. Each day it needs a few long, unhurried walks with time to sniff, and search games will feel like a party. It learns at an average pace, in its own way and not always the first time; patience and treats will get you further than a stern voice. A scent can take it a long way, so don't put too much faith in recall, and keep it on a lead anywhere unfenced.

With its family it is gentle and affectionate, good with children and other dogs, friendly to strangers and no guard at all. Being small, it can live in a flat if it gets enough walks every day, though the neighbours will certainly hear its ringing voice.

Grooming and coat

The Basset Artesien Normand's short, smooth coat asks for almost nothing beyond a rubber mitt once a week: it lifts out dead hair and brings back the shine. Shedding is moderate. Because it rides so low, its belly and chest are the first to get dirty after wet grass or a muddy lane; a damp cloth is usually enough, and baths can be rare.

The real grooming spot is the ears. They are long, hanging and practically sweep the ground, so lift them and check inside every week, and after walks look at the tips for mud or burrs. Redness, discharge or a bad smell is a reason to see a vet. Trim the nails if they don't wear down on their own.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (18 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 230 g of dry food a day, from €12,63 a month For a neutered, normally active 15,5 kg dog. Calculate for your dog