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Basset Artésien Normand - MAIN HUB

Meet the Basset Artésien Normand: a calm, low-slung French hound with a big heart, perfect for active families who love affectionate, gentle companions.

BREED GROUP

Hound Dogs

Country of origin

France

BREED SIZE

Medium

BREED HEIGHT

12 -

14 IN

30 -

36 cm

BREED WEIGHT

33 -

44 LB

15 -

20 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Basset Artesien Normand is an intelligent, calm, and sociable French scent hound, originally bred for hunting small game. Ideal for active families, these low-slung dogs are friendly with children and other pets, though their high prey drive necessitates a fenced yard. While generally obedient and eager to please, they can be stubborn and easily distracted by scents during training. They require moderate daily exercise and minimal grooming, though their long ears need frequent cleaning to prevent infections. They are famously low-energy and lazy indoors. With a lifespan of 12-15 years, they are loyal, affectionate companions.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Basset Artésien Normands good family dogs?

Excellent

9 out of 10

The Basset Artésien Normand is an ideal family dog due to its calm, sociable nature and friendly attitude toward children and other pets. They are loyal and affectionate companions that thrive in active households, though they do require a fenced yard to safely manage their high prey drive.

Excellent

9 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands are generally excellent with children, known for their gentle, patient, and tolerant nature. Their calm and sociable demeanor makes them wonderful family companions that typically form strong bonds with kids. While they are famously kind, supervision is recommended during play to ensure safe interactions for both the dog and child.

Good

6 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands are generally good for first-time owners due to their calm, sociable, and affectionate nature. While their stubbornness and scent-driven independence can make training a challenge for novices, their gentle temperament and moderate exercise needs make them rewarding companions. Success for a first-time owner requires patience, consistent positive reinforcement, and a commitment to keeping them on a leash or in a fenced area to manage their high prey drive.

Good

10 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands can adapt well to apartment living due to their calm and sociable temperament. While they are relatively inactive indoors, they still require daily walks and mental stimulation to stay healthy. Their moderate size and gentle nature make them manageable in smaller spaces, provided owners are committed to meeting their exercise needs and providing consistent companionship.

Highly Recommended

8 out of 10

A yard is not strictly required for a Basset Artésien Normand, as they can adapt to various living situations if provided with regular daily exercise. However, a securely fenced yard is highly recommended to safely accommodate their high prey drive and tendency to wander off when following a scent. Daily walks and scent-based activities are essential to keep this calm and sociable hound mentally and physically stimulated.

Fair

3 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands can tolerate being left alone for moderate periods, but their social and loyal nature means they thrive on human companionship. Prolonged isolation may lead to boredom or separation anxiety. They are best suited for households where someone is frequently present to provide the regular interaction and engagement these intelligent scent hounds need.

Very Good

7 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands generally coexist peacefully with cats, especially when socialized from a young age. Their calm and sociable nature helps them integrate into multi-pet households, although their natural scent hound instincts may occasionally trigger a desire to chase. Providing consistent training and supervised introductions will ensure a harmonious relationship between the dog and feline companions.

Protective

3 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands are typically calm, sociable, and gentle dogs that are not naturally aggressive. While they may be reserved with strangers or protective of their territory, they are generally friendly toward people and other pets. Consistent training and early socialization are important to ensure their natural hound instincts and protective nature remain well-balanced and manageable within a family setting.

Couch Potato

3 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands are famously low-energy and lazy indoors, though they thrive on outdoor adventures. While they are calm and balanced indoors, they possess a keen hunting instinct that requires regular engagement. Daily activities like walks, hikes, and scent-based games are essential to satisfy their intelligence and prevent boredom.

~60-90 min a day

7 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands are energetic scent hounds that require a fair amount of daily activity, typically needing between 60 and 90 minutes of exercise. This should include brisk walks and opportunities to explore their surroundings with their powerful noses. Engaging them in scent work or tracking games provides essential mental stimulation that helps prevent boredom and undesirable behaviors. Due to their high prey drive, they should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area during outdoor activities.

Average

5 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands can tolerate warm weather relatively well due to their short, smooth coats. However, like all hounds, they should not be over-exercised during peak heat hours. Owners should provide ample shade, fresh water, and monitor for signs of overheating, especially during long tracking sessions in the summer.

Average

5 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands can tolerate warm weather relatively well due to their short, smooth coats. However, like all hounds, they should not be over-exercised during peak heat hours. Owners should provide ample shade, fresh water, and monitor for signs of overheating, especially during long tracking sessions in the summer.

Moderate Risk

6 out of 10

Basset Artésien Normands are typically not included on restricted breed lists, but they face a moderate risk of restriction in apartments due to their weight and vocal nature. Their medium size often approaches the 40-50 pound weight limits common in many rentals, and their tendency to be vocal can lead to noise complaints. Prospective owners should verify specific landlord policies regarding weight limits and noise before moving into a shared living space.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"Basset Artésien Normands are generally healthy, but their unique physical structure requires specific veterinary attention. As a veterinarian, I prioritize monitoring for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) due to their long backs and short legs; owners should use ramps and avoid high-impact jumping to protect their spines. They are also prone to obesity, which exacerbates joint stress and spinal issues, making strict portion control and regular low-impact exercise essential. Because of their long, heavy ears, they are highly susceptible to chronic ear infections, requiring weekly cleaning and inspection. Additionally, I recommend screening for genetic conditions like degenerative myelopathy and maintaining a proactive dental care routine to ensure a long, healthy life."

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