Pet Wiki

Basset Artésien Normand

Also called Norman Artesian Basset, BAN

A friendly, cheerful and energetic little hound that is clever and eager to please.

SizeSmall
Weight15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lb)12
Height30 to 36 cm (12 to 14 in)13
CoatShort, smooth coat
OriginNorthern France (Artois and Normandy).12
GroupScent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Recognised breedShort profile
affectionate and outgoing
excellent nose
melodious voice
13

Personality what they are like

A friendly, cheerful and energetic little hound that is clever and eager to please. On the trail it works steadily rather than fast, and at home it is known for being calm and good-natured.132

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A long, low hound with short legs, a gentle expression and long ears. The coat is short, close and smooth over fine, supple skin.13

Colourstricolour (fawn with black blanket and white)bicolour fawn and white13

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Basset Artésien Normand. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to follow rabbit and hare through thick cover, it enjoys daily walks and scent games.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat is easy to care for with an occasional brush.13

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to family life indoors, with secure outdoor space for sniffing and play.32

Company who they like around

A sociable hound that suits families and enjoys company.3

The story where it all began

French breeders began selectively breeding short-legged hounds around 1870, with a straight-legged Artois type and a crooked-legged Normand type. The two lines were combined under the current name in 1924 and the Norman look was set in the standard by 1930.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its nickname among fanciers is simply BAN.2

  2. 2

    French breeders kept it lighter-boned than the English Basset Hound, which was developed later with Bloodhound crosses.2

  3. 3

    It hunts with the gun and can push rabbits, hares and even deer out of dense undergrowth.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Basset Artésien Normand' combines the region names Artois (Artésien) and Normandy (Normand), representing the two original strains of short-legged hounds that were merged in 1924 to create this breed. 'Basset' refers to the short-legged hound type.4

Name ideas for your new friend

BassetNormandArtoisP'titChasseurNezCocoaFleuretteBriocheLoulouRustiqueSoleil

A day in the life told by a Basset Artésien Normand

I sniff the breakfast bowl, then waddle to the garden. A rabbit crossed here, I follow, nose low, tail wagging. My human calls, and I trot back, proud of my trail. After a short walk, I flop on the rug, chew a toy, then nap. At dinner, I sit nicely for a biscuit. Evening cuddles on the sofa complete my day. Life is slow and sweet.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 34, Group 6 (Scenthounds and related breeds), Section 1.3 small-sized hounds, with working trial; standard dated 29.08.2023.1
UKC
Scenthound Group; recognised 1 January 1995.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Basset Artésien Normand, and at what times?

Feed your Basset Artésien Normand at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to feed at consistent times each day, and always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.5 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Basset Artésien Normand eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid giving human foods like these, and ask your vet for a complete list.6

How often should I bathe a Basset Artésien Normand?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every eight weeks, though you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. At minimum, bathe at least once every three months as general guidance.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Basset Artésien Normand need brushing?

Brush your Basset Artésien Normand weekly with a soft brush to keep its short, smooth coat looking its best. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days.137 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Basset Artésien Normand's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside), and if unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Basset Artésien Normand need?

This cheerful hound enjoys daily walks and scent games, as it was bred to follow trails through thick cover. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily exercise and play to keep it happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Basset Artésien Normand's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste, and never use human toothpaste. Check and dry its floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup, but never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Basset Artésien Normand live?

The typical lifespan varies, but Pet Wiki's plan notes that senior years usually start around age 10. For a more precise estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Basset Artésien Normand good with children and other pets?

Yes, this sociable hound is known for being friendly, cheerful, and good-natured, making it a wonderful family companion. It generally gets along well with children and other pets when properly socialized.132

Can a Basset Artésien Normand be left alone?

This breed enjoys company and is sociable, so it may not do well left alone for long periods. If you must leave it, provide toys and a secure space, and consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Basset HoundBasset Fauve de BretagneBasset Bleu de Gascogne

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 34 Basset Artésien Normand fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, use, history
  2. Basset Artésien Normand - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, weight, history, facts
  3. UKC Basset Artesien Normand breed standard ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, temperament, coat
  4. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.