What is the Basset Artesian Hound? The Basset Artesian (Artesien to use the French spelling) is a smaller lighter frame than the Basset Hound. Very popular in France and was historically used as a hunting dog as it has a good prey drive and natural hunting instinct with good tracking sense as it has a good sense of smell.
The Basset type Hounds appear a confusing set of breeds because there are a small number of very similar purebred Bassets that almost look identical, namely the Basset Hound, the Basset Artesian Normand the Basset Bleu de Gascogne and the Basset Fauve de Bretagne (the one basset that looks different). The basic differences are the colourations, and sizes, most behavioural characteristics are the same.
To confuse you even more the Basset Artesien Normand is also known as the Artesian Basset Hound, the Normand, the Basset Artésian Normand, or the Basset Norman or just the BAN.
The BAN and the Basset Hound share a common ancestry of osteochondrodysplasia dwarfism recorded in the early 19th century
The Basset Artesien Normand and the more familiar Basset Hound share a common ancestry in the short-legged hounds of northern France of the early 19th century that displayed osteochondrodysplasia dwarfism.
The Basset Hound was developed by English breeders as a more substantial dog that was initially cross-bred with Bloodhounds. The Basset-type dogs that French breeders went on to develop are lighter-boned and were more focused on their hunting ability.
Further modern breeding has now helped this breed to associate well in a family environment and tis patient nature can make it very good with children when associated at a young age.
Quick Facts about the Artesian Basset Hound
Correct Name;
English Spelling – Basset Artesian Normand Hound
French Spelling – Basset Artésien Normand
The Basset Artesian has a Lifespan of
About 13 years
The Wither Height of a Basset Artesian
Males and Females reach between 25–36 cm or 10 & 14 inch
Weight of the Basset Artesian
Males and Females 13 to 15 kg or 28 to 33 lbs
Pedigree Breed of the Basset Artesian
By the KC in the Hound Group
It is recognised by the American Canine Registry, America’s Pet Registry and Dog Registry of America and is also recognised by the National Kennel Club (UK).
Average Price of the Basset Artesian
In the USA
$300 to $700
With more specialised breeding available and more popularity these dogs are more expensive in the UK
In the UK
£800 upward for KC Registered Dogs
£550 upward for Non KC Registered Dogs
Is the Basset Artesian Hypoallergenic?
No.
What Does the Basset Artesian Normand Look Like
The Basset Artesian is a medium sized dog with a light frame, generally weighing about 31 to 40 pounds or (14-18 kg) reaching anywhere between 10 to 14 inch or (25–36 cm) in height.
The colors of a proper Basset Artesian’s coat are orange and white Orange, tan and white. Breeders generally prefer white feet.
Long slender but powerful bodies, muscular rear legs with a long stout tail, short powerful front legs with outfacing large paws. A short thick neck up to a round head, long nose and long floppy wide ears.
Characteristics of the Basset Artesian and their Behavior
The general personality of these dogs is one of intelligence, courage and gentle nature and absolutely love being petted and fussed over.
Basset Artesian have average obedience intelligence, are quite easy to train, very good at general commands such as sit, heel and stay. You may though need some patience for teaching this breed any tricks, their body type doesn’t allow them to spring about like a yorkie, but it’ll be worth your time being persistent and consistent in teaching new commands.
Basset Artesian, don’t entertain themselves like some dogs do but like most other dog breeds do like playing. They might bark in excitement whilst playing, and they have a deep loud bark when you consider their small size, but can make an ideal family pet when socialised from a young age.
These Bassets have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed so changing their daily routine won’t phase them very much, so if you don’t live a regular 9 to 5 lifestyle it won’t stress them.
When young, Basset Artesians can be prone to nip, chew or play-bite, as well as chase people. It’s a tendency during puppyhood, rather than aggressive behavior, however Bassets do need to be disciplined for them to develop a good attitude.
These dogs are loyal, soft, gentle and affectionate dogs toward their owners. They enjoy quality time with their owners whether active or sedentary and are considered great as therapy dogs for those people who confide in their pets. This breed can read their owners emotion because they bond closely.
Basset Artesian Normand’s enjoy a lot of social interaction. They like to spend time around people. This breed doesn’t always like being left alone, historically they are a pack hound and as such are used to having company be that human, or other animals, they even like cats when introduced at a young age.
Caring for your Basset Artesian
These little pals are easy to groom. They have a smooth silky coat which requires some brushing but doesn’t matt up. These Bassets shed moderately so you will get some hair on your trousers but not heaps.
Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and general activity outside.
Flea treatment is required as normal, but trimming their hair by a professional groomer is unnecessary.
Perhaps the one area you may need to pay some attention to is their eyes and ears. You should be wiping their eyes and cleaning their ears regularly to prevent any infections.
Basset Artesian Normand is a good choice for those short on time, skill or money to take care of a high maintenance dog. They are an ideal dog for beginners or novice dog owners.
Are Basset Hounds good indoors?
Basset Artesian Normands are very apartment-friendly dogs and make excellent house dogs. Beside the daily walk outside, they don’t necessarily require a big garden.
These are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they’re consistent in their effort. They have good vocal cords and an acute sense of hearing. Usually, they’re territorial and protective about their property, so the Basset Artesien Normands will alert you if they sense something different.
They don’t normally bark, but when they do, it tends to be loud and low in tone, from the other side of the door they sound like a big dog. This breed could be a good choice if you live in an apartment block. They wont bark without good reason such as protection, alarm warnings, or being scared.
Even though they don’t require marathon amounts of exercise the Basset Artesian can have a strong enough drive to escape from home simply out of curiosity. They have a powerful desire for exploring the world.
When walking them, keep them on a leash unless you have taught them how to come back to you on command. See our page on Train My Dog To Come When Called.
These dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don’t have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small animals, but they may try. Training will lead to better behavior.
The Basset Artesien as a Companion Dog
Due to their mild nature, low exercise need and slow walking pace Top Lap Dogs would recommend them as a great choice for both elderly and handicapped.
On a one to one they make very good companion dogs being exceptionally loyal to single owners, my Shih Tzu Bailey for instance will change laps the moment he thinks there is a better offer for a treat or a fuss (traitor lol).
Conclusions about the Basset Artesian
This is a really great lap dog ideal for any style or age of family. Ideal for novices or first time dog owners, great for those owners who have a need for a companion or those who need a friend to make them aware of people at the door.
This is not a choice of dog that anyone should be worried about taking into their home.
Basset Artesian usually adapt well to life changes and any change in living environments. They don’t mind moving from one place to another with their owner. They are kind of friendly towards strangers and are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have young children and are normally friendly towards cats and other household pets.
Despite their mild nature this breed is a very protective guard dog and won’t hesitate to protect their territory, so they make a good choice if you want a guard dog. Keep calm and the Basset Artesian Normand will take care of unwanted people or animals, moving surprisingly fast when needed.
Give them attention and they will be yours.
This post has come from our A to Z of Lap Dogs
