Apartment fit
This basset can fit apartment life when owners manage barking, stairs, and daily sniffing walks.
HoundSmall
France
FranceNorman Artesien Basset
Weight
33-44 lb
Height
12-14 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Norman Artesien Basset, or Basset Artesien Normand, is a low French scenthound with a short coat, long ears, and steady hunting temperament.
Low French scenthoundAlso called Basset Artesien NormandShort tricolor or fawn-and-white coatGentle but scent-driven
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Basset Artesien Normand
GentleFriendlyPersistentCalmSociableScent-driven
Weight
33-44 lb
Height
12-14 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Norman Artesien Basset is the English name for the Basset Artesien Normand, a French low-legged scenthound. It was developed for hunting by scent at a deliberate pace, with enough persistence to work game but enough manageability to stay connected to the hunter.
The FCI standard describes a short-legged hound around 12 to 14 inches tall, with a long body, short smooth coat, and long ears. Standard colors include tricolor and fawn-and-white patterns. Like other bassets, its build means owners should protect the back and keep the dog lean.
This breed can be friendly, gentle, and sociable, but it remains a hound. Scent distractions, food motivation, barking, and ear care need management. It is often easier than high-speed hounds for moderate homes, but it still needs daily walks and sniffing outlets.
Temperament & Personality
GentleFriendlyPersistentCalmSociableScent-driven
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a gentle, friendly, persistent companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, moderate barking, and moderate drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Tricolor, Fawn and White
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly3/5
Exercise Needs3/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability2/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 3/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- owners wanting a moderate scenthound
- families prepared for ear and weight care
- homes that enjoy sniffing walks
- people who prefer low coat maintenance
Not ideal for
- homes wanting off-leash reliability without training
- owners who allow frequent jumping from furniture
- people who dislike hound voice
- homes with no plan for weight control
Common challenges
- scent-driven pulling
- ear infections
- weight gain
- back strain from jumping
Barking & behavior
Expect hound vocalization. Teach quiet routines early and provide scent outlets to reduce frustration.
Training style
Use food rewards and patient consistency. Long-line practice is safer than trusting recall around scent too soon.
Grooming & shedding
The coat is easy to brush, but ears need more attention than the coat does.
Care Guide
Exercise
Plan 45 to 60 minutes of daily walking and sniffing. Avoid repeated jumping from furniture or cars because of the long, low build.
Grooming
The short coat is simple to brush, but long ears need regular checks and drying. Keep nails short and skin folds clean where present.
Training
Use food rewards, long-line recall practice, and patient repetition. Scent work is motivating, but recall around active trails takes time.
Nutrition
Keep body condition lean. Extra weight increases stress on the back, elbows, and low-set frame.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Moderate
Watchdog ability
2/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Ear infectionsBack strainObesityElbow or joint issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Norman Artesien Basset the same as the Basset Artesien Normand?
Yes. Norman Artesien Basset is an English rendering of Basset Artesien Normand.
Is the Norman Artesien Basset good with families?
It is often friendly and gentle with family, especially when kept lean, exercised, and supervised around young children.
Can a Norman Artesien Basset live in an apartment?
Yes, it can work in an apartment if barking, stairs, exercise, and scent walks are managed.
Does the Norman Artesien Basset need a lot of grooming?
No. The coat is easy, but ears, nails, skin, and weight need regular attention.
Does the Norman Artesien Basset bark a lot?
It can be vocal like many scenthounds, especially when excited or following a scent.
How much exercise does it need?
Most adults need about 45 to 60 minutes of daily walks and sniffing, adjusted for age, weight, and health.
What is the biggest challenge of owning this breed?
The main challenge is managing scent drive and weight while protecting the long, low body from avoidable strain.
Our Shop
Dog essentials for everyday care
Browse practical products for feeding, grooming, cleanup, enrichment, and smoother daily routines.
