The Basset Artésien Normand is a rare and ancient dog breed that originated in Normandy, France. It's a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance.
This breed has a short, easy-to-maintain coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, and tan. They have a short, dense coat that sheds minimally.
The Basset Artésien Normand is known for its calm and gentle nature, making it a great companion for families with children. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring only moderate physical activity.
This breed is generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent or detect these issues early on.
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Physical Characteristics
The Basset Artésien Normand is a unique breed with some striking physical characteristics. Their dome-shaped skull is one of their most distinctive features.
Their ears are also quite notable, being large and low-set, with a fine point at the end. They are at least as long as the muzzle and add to the breed's overall adorable appearance.
The breed's legs are short and heavy-boned, which can make them appear a bit clumsy at first, but they're actually quite agile. Despite their short legs, they can move with a steady, effortless gait.
Here are the two acceptable color combinations for the Basset Artésien Normand:
- Tricolour: Fawn with a black blanket and white
- Fawn & White
Their weight typically ranges from 15 to 20 kg, with little difference in size between males and females.
General Appearance
The Basset Artésien Normand has a distinctive physical appearance that sets it apart from other breeds. They have a long body, which is a characteristic that's immediately noticeable.
Their legs are short and heavy-boned, but strong enough to support their body. The breed's height is between 30 and 36 cm (12 and 14 in), with a body length that's roughly 8 times their height.
Their coat is short and comes in two main color combinations: tricolored (fawn, white, and black) or bicolored (fawn and white). The tricolored variety features a black blanket and white, with a predominantly tan head.
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Here's a breakdown of the breed's acceptable color combinations:
Their head is noble-looking, with a domed skull that's equal in length to the muzzle. The jaws form a scissor bite, and the upper lip covers the lower lip without hanging excessively. The breed's large, oval-shaped eyes have a calm expression, and their ears are large but fine and low-set.
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Weight
Weight is a crucial aspect of physical characteristics. On average, an adult human weighs around 62 kilograms, with men weighing more than women.
A person's weight can be influenced by their muscle mass, bone density, and body fat percentage. For example, athletes tend to have a higher muscle mass, which contributes to their overall weight.
The ideal weight for an individual depends on their height, age, and body composition. A body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9 is generally considered healthy.
Maintaining a healthy weight requires a balance of calorie intake and energy expenditure. This can be achieved through a combination of regular exercise and a balanced diet.
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Breed Information
The Basset Artésien Normand is a unique breed, and if you're interested in learning more about your dog's ancestry, Wisdom Panel's DNA tests can be a great resource.
The Breed Group of the Basset Artésien Normand is unknown, but checking out Wisdom Panel's DNA tests might give you some insight.
If you're curious about your dog's heritage, Wisdom Panel's DNA tests can help you discover if your dog is a Basset Artésien Normand.
Character and Temperament
The Basset Artésien Normand is an energetic and intelligent breed, always eager to please. They thrive on social interaction and love being around people and other dogs.
These pack-oriented pups have a strong instinct to follow their noses, which can sometimes get them into trouble. They need to be kept in a fenced yard or on a leash to prevent them from wandering off.
Basset Artésien Normands are incredibly affectionate and friendly, making them an excellent family pet. They're particularly gentle and tolerant with children.
Their friendly nature means they don't make good guard dogs, but they can be a bit vocal at times. This might be a problem if you live in close proximity to your neighbors.
Artesien Normands have a courageous temperament that's perfect for hunting, but they can also be a bit fearful if they hear too many noises. A confident owner can help calm them down in these situations.
Health
The Basset Artésien Normand is a relatively healthy breed, especially when compared to other Basset varieties. They live a long life, with an average life expectancy of 13 to 14 years.
However, like many long-bodied and short-legged dogs, the Basset Artésien Normand is prone to back problems. Their backs can suffer damage from injury or activity, and they are particularly susceptible to ruptured disks.
Weight gain can be a significant issue for this breed, as excess weight can strain their already sensitive backs. It's essential to monitor their diet and ensure they get sufficient exercise.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of:
- Ruptured disks
- Back problems
- Weight gain
History and Origin
The Basset Artésien Normand has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. French breeders developed the breed by crossbreeding two strains of short-legged scent hounds, the Normand and the Basset d'Artois.
The breed was first documented in 1870, and its primary purpose was to hunt small game like rabbits and foxes. The Basset Artésien Normand's unique characteristic of having crooked front legs was introduced by Louis Lane, setting it apart from other French Basset breeds.
This breed was specifically bred to work in dense vegetation, where larger dogs would struggle. Its short stature and sturdy build allow it to maneuver through thick brush with ease.
The Basset Artésien Normand's hunting abilities are legendary, and it's still used today for hunting small game. However, its gentle temperament and loving nature make it a popular family pet, often found lounging in the house as much as it's found in the field.
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Care Requirements
The Basset Artésien Normand is a relatively healthy breed, but like many long-bodied and short-legged dogs, it's prone to back problems. Ruptured disks are a common issue, so it's essential to monitor your dog's weight and ensure they get sufficient exercise.
Weight gain can put a lot of strain on their backs, so a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial. This breed needs long daily walks, but be prepared for them to take off after any interesting scent when they're off their lead.
To keep your Basset Artésien Normand's coat in good condition, brush it weekly with a rubber brush to remove dead hair. Shampoo only when necessary, and clean their ears regularly to prevent infections.
Here's a quick rundown of the breed's grooming needs:
- Brush coat weekly with a rubber brush
- Shampoo only when necessary
- Clean ears regularly
- Keep toenails short
Their short, smooth coat is easy to groom, but their long ears make them more prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and nail trims will help prevent these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there 2 types of basset Hounds?
There are actually 6 types of basset hounds, not just 2. Learn more about the unique characteristics of each breed, including the Basset Hound, Petit/Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and more.
Sources
- standard (centrale-canine.fr)
- "Breed Standards : Basset Artesien Normand | United Kennel Club (UKC)" (ukcdogs.com)
- "BASSET ARTESIEN NORMAND" (fci.be)
- The French national bred club for the Basset Artésien Normand (in French) (ban-artois.org)
- Breed standard, Brief Historical Summary (DOC file) (fci.be)
- https://ckcusa.com/breeds/basset-artesian-normand/ (ckcusa.com)
- https://www.ukcdogs.com/basset-artesien-normand (ukcdogs.com)
- https://www.eukanuba.co.uk/breeds/norman-artesien-basset-(basset-artesien-normand) (eukanuba.co.uk)
- https://www.centrale-canine.fr/le-chien-de-race/basset-artesien-normand (centrale-canine.fr)
- thor_the_basset (instagram.com)
- Basset Artésien Normand Breed Guide - Pet Paw (petpaw.com.au)
- Basset Artésien Normand - petmapz (petmapz.com)
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