Basset Artésien Normand
Also known as Basset Artésien-Normand, BAN
- Height at the withers
- 30 to 36 cm
- Weight
- 15 to 20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A short-coated basset, long and well set, with a noble head recalling the great Norman hound, the Basset Artésien Normand wears a fawn and white or tricolor coat. A rabbit specialist that flushes its quarry from the densest thickets, it hunts alone or in a group, giving voice as it goes; cheerful, very affectionate and calm at home, it also makes a pleasant family dog, though its nose sometimes wins out over its obedience.
History and origins
Planned breeding of the short-coated French basset began in the 1870s: from a common stock, Le Couteulx de Canteleu fixed a working type with straight front legs, known as the Artois type, while Louis Lane developed a type with crooked front legs, known as the Norman type. The name Basset Artésien Normand was adopted in 1924, then Léon Verrier, president of the breed club from 1927, strengthened its Norman character. The English Basset Hound is partly descended from these French bassets. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 34), it doubled its LOF registrations in one year, from 79 in 2024 to 158 in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Herniated disc (long back)
- Ear infections (long ears)
- Obesity
- Front leg conformation faults
- Ectropion
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care. Coat colors: tricolor (fawn with a black mantle, and white), bicolor fawn and white, “hare-colored” or “badger-colored” mantle allowed.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Basset Artésien Normand FAQ
How big does the Basset Artésien Normand get?
The Basset Artésien Normand stands 30 to 36 cm at the withers and weighs 15 to 20 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Basset Artésien Normand shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Basset Artésien Normand live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Basset Artésien Normand need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Basset Artésien Normand good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Basset Artésien Normand live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are herniated disc and ear infections.
