Norman Artesien Basset
Other names: Basset Artésien Normand
The Basset Artésien and the Basset Hound are descended from the dwarfed hounds bred in France in the 1800s. The Artésien is lighter-boned than the English Basset Hound but both share striking similarities, and both are bred to hunt small game such as rabbits and hares. The Basset Artésien is not usually seen outside of its native France.
Key facts about the Norman Artesien Basset
Origins and history
French Bassets diverged at some point shortly after 1870. The two types then most commonplace were the Basset Artésien Normand and the Basset d'Artois. Both of these dogs continued to be bred to assist hunters. Due to its short stature the Basset Artésien was able to follow small game through burrows.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Norman Artesien Basset
Adult size
Female : Between 12 and 14 in
Male : Between 12 and 14 in
Weight
Female : Between 33 and 44 lb
Male : Between 33 and 44 lb
Coat colour
Often seen of fawn with black and white or just fawn and white.
Type of coat
Smooth, short-haired, single coat.
Eye colour
Dark brown
Description
A small, dwarfed dog with a long body and short legs. The head is noticeably domed and the muzzle broad and of a medium length. The eyes are large and expressive and the ears large and very long, hanging close to the cheeks and shaped in a ‘corkscrew’ manner. The tail of the active dog is carried out and upwards.
Good to know
To socialise a young Artésien is worthwhile. Dogs that have been introduced to other dogs and other animals are less likely to exhibit behaviour that is antisocial or unwanted.