Basset Artésien Normand

The Basset Artésien Normand (BAN) is an old scent hound breed from France, with a history stretching back several centuries. The term “basset” comes from the French word “bas,” meaning “low,” referring to the breed’s short-legged, low-to-the-ground stature. These dogs were developed to allow hunters to follow on foot while the hounds trailed small game like rabbits and hare through dense underbrush. The BAN is a direct ancestor of the heavier Basset Hound, which was later developed in Great Britain.

The modern breed was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by combining two older French basset strains: the Basset d’Artois (with straight legs) and the Basset Normand (with bowed legs). Fanciers like Léon Verrier played a key role in establishing the current type. The goal was to create a functional hunting hound that was both determined on the trail and a pleasant companion at home. While not as internationally famous as its heavier British cousin, the Basset Artésien Normand is still cherished in France for its hunting prowess and amiable temperament.

The Basset Artésien Normand is known for its dual personality, a common trait in working hounds. In the field, they are courageous, tenacious, and single-minded, driven by their powerful sense of smell to follow a trail with great determination. They are known for their melodious baying voice, which alerts the hunter to their location and progress. At home, they are typically calm, gentle, and very affectionate companions. They form strong bonds with their families and are generally good-natured with children and other dogs, having been bred to work well in packs.

However, their intelligence is paired with a significant independent streak and stubbornness. When a BAN catches an interesting scent, the rest of the world, including its owner’s commands, may cease to exist. This can make training, particularly recall, a significant challenge. They are not typically aggressive but require patient and consistent handling from an owner who understands and appreciates the unique hound temperament.

The Basset Artésien Normand has a short, smooth, close-fitting coat that is very easy to maintain in terms of grooming. They are considered average shedders.

A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt or a hound glove is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair, distribute skin oils, and keep their coat looking sleek and healthy. Baths are needed only occasionally. The most critical part of their grooming routine is regular ear care. Their very long, low-set, floppy ears can trap moisture and debris, making them highly susceptible to ear infections. Ears must be checked weekly and cleaned as needed with a vet-approved solution. Routine nail trims and dental care are also essential for their overall well-being.

Basset Artésien Normands are active dogs with considerable stamina, bred for long days of tracking game. They require regular daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. While not built for sprinting, they have impressive endurance. A short walk on a leash is not enough for this breed.

Aim for at least an hour of activity per day. Excellent exercise options include:

• Long, leisurely walks or hikes where they have ample opportunity to use their powerful noses.
• Off-leash play in a very large, securely fenced area. Their powerful nose and hunting drive mean they should **never** be trusted off-leash in an unsecured environment.
• Participating in scent work trials or tracking activities, which provide a fantastic outlet for their natural abilities.

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and scenting instincts, they can become bored, which may lead to undesirable behaviors such as excessive baying or digging. They are happiest when they have opportunities to explore scents in a safe environment.

The Basset Artésien Normand is generally a hardy breed, but like all breeds, especially those with specific conformations, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Potential concerns include:

• Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Extremely common due to their very long, heavy ears trapping moisture. Diligent, regular ear cleaning is essential.
• Back Problems (Intervertebral Disc Disease – IVDD): Their long back and short legs (achondroplasia) put them at risk for spinal disc issues. Care should be taken to prevent them from jumping from high places and to maintain a healthy weight.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A risk for deep-chested breeds.
• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint.
• Eye Conditions: Some may be prone to conditions like ectropion (outward rolling eyelids).
• Obesity: They can be prone to weight gain if overfed and under-exercised, which puts extra strain on their back and joints.

Choosing a reputable breeder who screens their breeding stock for relevant conditions and providing regular veterinary care, diligent ear cleaning, and careful weight management are crucial for a BAN’s health.

Training a Basset Artésien Normand requires a great deal of patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor. They are intelligent, but their powerful scenting instincts and independent nature make them challenging to train using traditional obedience methods. Their primary motivation is almost always following a scent, which can make them seem stubborn.

Key aspects of training a BAN include:

• Early Socialization: Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people, sights, and sounds from a young age to build a confident and well-adjusted adult.
• Positive Reinforcement: They respond best to reward-based training using high-value treats (especially smelly ones), praise, and play. Harsh methods are counterproductive with their sensitive nature.
• Keep it Engaging: Their attention will wander if a scent is present. Keep training sessions short, fun, and highly rewarding.
• Recall (“Come” command): This is exceptionally difficult to train reliably due to their powerful nose. It requires extensive practice in safe, enclosed areas, and even then, they should rarely be trusted off-leash in unsecured environments.
• Leash Training: Essential for managing them on walks when their nose is constantly to the ground.

Their independent spirit means they may not excel in formal obedience, but with understanding and patience, they can learn basic manners and be delightful, albeit sometimes selective-hearing, companions.