Basset Artésien Normand

The Basset Artésien Normand is a short-legged French scent hound from Artois and Normandy — a low, long hound bred to trail rabbit and hare on foot.

History

It was developed in northern France as a slow, methodical basset that hunters could follow on foot, the short legs keeping its keen nose close to the ground. It stands behind several other basset breeds.

Temperament

The breed is known for being gentle, affectionate and sociable, good with children and other dogs, and it carries the cheerful stubbornness of a scent hound. It is placid company at home.

Care and training

It needs regular moderate exercise and a securely fenced space, and training rewards patience and food over repetition. The long ears need regular cleaning, and the short coat is otherwise easy.

Health

The long back and heavy build bring some risk of spinal and joint strain, the long ears invite infection, and the breed gains weight easily. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.