Basset Hound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · France's charming short-legged hunter — a low-riding scent hound bred for hunting rabbits with exceptional nose and charming, laid-back personality
The Basset Artésien Normand is a short-legged French scent hound from the historic regions of Artois and Normandy, and one of the direct ancestors of the modern Basset Hound. It was bred to hunt small game such as rabbit and hare at a slow, steady pace, allowing hunters to follow on foot.
With its long, low body, short crooked legs, and very long drooping ears, it is built close to the ground for tracking scent. The coat is short and typically tricolor or orange-and-white. Calm, affectionate, and companionable, it transitioned well from field hound to family dog and is recognized by the FCI in Group 6 (Scent Hounds).
Real Norman Artesian Basset photos — showcasing their unique appearance and character.
Gentle, affectionate, and good-humored, the Basset Artésien Normand makes a devoted and easygoing companion. It is friendly with people, children, and other dogs, and rarely aggressive. Like most bassets it is also stubborn and scent-obsessed, following its nose with cheerful determination, so patience and a sense of humor are part of ownership.
Despite its laid-back image, this is a hunting hound that needs moderate daily exercise — around 45 minutes to an hour of walking and sniffing to stay fit and prevent weight gain. It enjoys following scent trails but should be kept on lead or in a secure area, as its nose easily leads it astray. Avoid over-strenuous jumping to protect its long back.
The short coat is simple to care for with a weekly brush and occasional bath. The real grooming priorities are the long, heavy ears, which need regular checking and cleaning to prevent infection, and the facial folds and eyes, which should be wiped to stay clean. Trim nails regularly.
Intelligent but famously stubborn, the Basset Artésien Normand responds far better to patient, food-motivated, positive training than to force. Housetraining and recall take persistence, and its nose will always compete with your commands. Early socialization and gentle consistency produce a well-mannered, happy companion.
A generally sturdy breed living around 12–14 years, but its long back and heavy build bring specific concerns: intervertebral disc disease and other back problems, ear infections from the long ears, eye conditions, and a strong tendency toward obesity. Keeping the dog lean, discouraging jumping, and cleaning the ears regularly are the most important preventive measures.
The Basset Artésien Normand does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 1½–2½ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Feed measured meals rather than free-feeding to keep this breed at a healthy weight.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 1½–2½ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener found in some gums and peanut butters), macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a Basset Artésien Normand from a responsible breeder typically costs around $800–$2,000, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $90–$160 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $15,000–$22,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.