Basset Artésien Normand

All fancy pups deserve fancy names! And this baby sure has one of the fanciest names. Basset Artésien Normands are lovable, cuddly, and adorable-looking dogs well-suited for busy bodies. 

They are a great addition to families with young kids and other dogs. They do not make excellent guard dogs but are alert and love their hooman families dearly.

Let us see if these dogs are the best fit for your home.

Overview

Origin of the Basset Artésien Normand

The Basset Artésien Normand, also known as the Norman Artesian Basset, is a medium-sized, short-legged dog breed. They share a common heritage with the Basset Hound breed. Their common ancestors were affected by achondroplastic dwarfism once, which was seen as an opportunity and was exploited to develop the breeds we know today. 

The Basset Artésien Normand was originally bred to work with the hunters on foot and hunt small creatures, such as rabbits and hares, sometimes alone or sometimes in packs. This breed’s small, sturdy physique allows it to work through deep forest vegetation where larger dogs would have difficulty tracking and flushing out game.

Appearance of the Basset Artésien Normand

These medium-sized fur buddies are pretty funny to look at. Why so?

1. Body structure

Their neck is long and have a dewlap (article). The Basset Artesian Norman has solid shoulders which are well-angled, while the front legs are short bony, and consist of their characteristic ‘half-crooked’ feet angled outwards. Also, the front legs are crooked, but the hind legs are not.

They have a broad and long body, with a circular chest leading to a strong back end with a slight slope, almost resembling sausage dogs.

2. Head shape and facial features

The breed has a head as wide as half its overall length. Their skull is domed and is of an equal length as the snout. The Basset Artesian Normand’s upper lip covers the lower lip but does not droop loosely. Their ears are long and fold downwards.

3. Coat appearance

Their coat is very close to their skin and is short and smooth. It is reasonably easy to take care of as well. Their coat colors are usually tricolor (black, white, and tan), fawn, and white.

Personality and Temperament

These funny-looking fur buddies have an equally adorable personality. It can be described as: 

1. Affectionate 

The BAN is such a cuddle bug! They form strong bonds with their handlers and love spending time with their hooman families. They are also gentle with little kids, making them an excellent family pet option.

2. Intelligent and alert

Since this breed was developed earlier for hunting (small game), they are highly intelligent. Hunting requires plenty of independent decision-making, which is why they are so intelligent. Also, they are alert, vocal, and wary of what goes around them, so they can bark and grab their owner’s attention when they feel threatened.

3. Excellent sense of smell

They have exceptional smelling capabilities, so they enjoy games where they sniff around and play mentally stimulating games.

The Basset Artésien Normand’s droopy ears are not just cute but also serve a purpose. Their ears help trap scents and guide them towards their acute sense of smell!

Exercise and Training Needs

The Basset Artesian Normands are best for busy pet paw-rents, as they are low to medium-activity dogs. Here are a few needs of the breed:

1. Regular walks

They thrive when they get regular walks up to a mile or two. These dogs only require a little space to move around or much exercise. 

2. Play games

But do not think you can just let them laze around for days without physical activity, as this can lead to potential obesity. Playing light games such as fetch and incorporating rope toys in their playtime helps big time.

Include puzzle toys, slow feeders, and squeaky toys in their playtimes so that they can stay mentally stimulated. This will also keep their hunting instincts alive. 

3. Obedience training

Obedience training is one of the most important steps when raising dogs; otherwise, they might develop behavioral issues.

Health Concerns of the Basset Artésien Normand

These dogs have a few health concerns, just like most dogs:

1. Intervertebral Disc Disease

This condition affects dogs with long backs and short legs. It is caused by herniation of the intervertebral discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae. This herniation causes compression of the spinal cord and damage to the nerves, leading to neurological issues. 

The damage’s severity can vary, significantly affecting the chances of recovery. Surgery is often needed to treat the problem, but it is not always successful, and paralysis can be permanent (article).

2. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a disorder caused by the unusual development of the hips, leading to joint problems. Unethical breeding methods are one of the major reasons why this happens. 

3. Entropion or Ectropion

These are eye conditions caused when the eyelid turns either inwards (Entropion) or outwards (Ectropion) due to excess skin, irritating the eye’s surface, or causing the eye to become dryer than average.

Both conditions cause discomfort and can permanently damage the eye if not treated. In severe cases, the veterinarian may need to intervene surgically.

4. Skin Problems

If your Basset Artésien Normand has skin folds present, this can expose your pup to skin infections as air cannot circulate the areas inside the folds, allowing bacteria accumulation.

Grooming Needs of the Basset Artésien Normand

Basset Artésien Normands are low-maintenance dogs that do not need much grooming. However, they still have a few requirements:

1. Weekly brushing

They shed moderately throughout the year and must be brushed once or twice a week with a slicker brush to keep their coats healthy. 

2. Infrequent baths

Basset Artésien Normands need to be bathed only if they get dirty or smelly in any way, as their coats are naturally oiled and are usually relatively less smelly. 

3. Nail care

As they are not high-energy dogs, their nails don’t wear down at the same rate as other playful dogs, so they must be monitored and trimmed to prevent breaking or painful injuries. 

4. Clean ears

Their long, floppy ears must be with wet wipes, as they can trap moisture and dirt. And remember to clean their teeth frequently as well.

Are Basset Artésien Normands Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, Basset Artésien Normands are not hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic dog breeds are the ones that produce fewer allergens that can trigger allergies in humans. 

They shed moderately and produce some amount of fur and dander, some common allergens.

If you plan on getting one of these dogs, we recommend spending some time around similar breeds to monitor any allergic reactions. 

Final Thoughts

Basset Artésien Normand is an excellent addition to your home if you love an affectionate couch potato who loves cuddles and can even suit your busy lifestyle. They do not need much physical activity, so they can perfectly fit into your suburban lifestyle.

However, when they are in their adolescent stages, you better let them spend some alone time here and there. Because being too close to their handlers can lead to them developing separation anxiety. 

Frequently Asked Questions