small breed Hound From France

Basset Artésien Normand: Personality, Size, Traits and Care Guide

If you are researching the Basset Artésien Normand, you are looking at a small hound breed from France with a particular set of needs and strengths. Owners typically describe them as sweet, calm, and determined — useful starting points, but no substitute for meeting a specific dog. The Basset Artésien Normand was historically used as a small game hunting dog used for hunting with the gun; hunts alone or in a pack, which continues to influence how the breed behaves today. This guide walks through what the breed is generally like at home, how much exercise and grooming they tend to need, and the kinds of households where they often do well.

Quick facts

Group: Hound
Origin: France
Size: Small
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Male height: 12–14 in
Female height: 11–13 in
Male weight: 33–40 lb
Female weight: 28–35 lb
Coat type: close, short, smooth without being too fine
Colours: tricolor or fawn and white

Trait ratings

Energy 3/5

Exercise needs 4/5

Trainability 3/5

Grooming 2/5

Shedding 3/5

Good with kids 4/5

Apartment-friendly 3/5

Barking 4/5

Ratings are 0–5 general guidance from the breed dataset. Individual dogs always vary.

Personality and temperament

Temperament keywords commonly attached to the Basset Artésien Normand include sweet, calm, determined, and companionable. Energy levels are usually moderate, which directly affects how much daily stimulation the dog will look for. They can be playful in the right mood, especially with familiar people. Many Basset Artésien Normands are vocal and will bark to communicate, which is worth knowing for terraced or shared homes.

Size and appearance

The Basset Artésien Normand is a small dog with a recognisable silhouette. Adult males typically stand around 12–14 inches at the shoulder, with females usually a little smaller at 11–13 inches. Weight ranges sit broadly at 33–40 lb for males and 28–35 lb for females, with variation by line and conditioning. Their coat is generally described as close, short, smooth without being too fine. Common coat colours include tricolor or fawn and white.

Coat and grooming

Grooming needs are generally light. A weekly brush with periodic baths is usually sufficient. Shedding is moderate — manageable with consistent brushing, but visible on furniture and clothing.

Exercise needs

Daily exercise needs are generally substantial. Plan for at least an hour or more of structured activity each day — long walks, secure off-lead time where appropriate, and varied mental enrichment. Mental stimulation alongside physical exercise helps keep behaviour balanced.

Training

Trainability is generally reasonably responsive. With patient, reward-based methods and consistency, most dogs of this breed progress steadily through basic and intermediate training. First-time owners can manage with research and ideally some support from a qualified trainer.

Family suitability

This breed is often considered child-friendly when raised in family environments, though all interactions between dogs and young children should be supervised. They are often happier as the only dog or with a carefully chosen, well-matched companion. Most are sociable with new people and warm up quickly to visitors.

Living environment

Apartment living is workable with daily outings, mental enrichment, and access to outdoor spaces. Climate-wise, the breed manages warm weather with sensible precautions and copes with cold reasonably well.

Pros and cons

Often loved for

✓Often considered good with children when properly socialised
✓Relatively low grooming maintenance
✓Tends to be sociable with new people

Worth considering

!Needs substantial daily exercise
!Can be vocal
!Higher prey drive — care needed around small animals

Who this breed is best for

The Basset Artésien Normand is generally a good fit for households that can match its needs: significant daily exercise, tolerance of a vocal dog, and ongoing time, training and care across what is typically a 10–15 year commitment. As always, individual dogs vary — meeting specific dogs and speaking to experienced owners is the best way to confirm fit.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Basset Artésien Normand a good family dog?

Many Basset Artésien Normands are considered family-friendly, particularly when raised around respectful children. That said, individual temperaments vary and supervision around young children is always recommended.

How much exercise does a Basset Artésien Normand need?

The Basset Artésien Normand typically needs an hour or more of daily activity, ideally combining walks, play, and mental stimulation. Without enough outlet, restlessness and unwanted behaviour can develop.

Does a Basset Artésien Normand shed a lot?

Shedding is moderate. Weekly to twice-weekly brushing usually keeps loose hair manageable.

Is a Basset Artésien Normand easy to train?

Training the Basset Artésien Normand is workable with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

Can a Basset Artésien Normand live in an apartment?

Apartment living can work for a Basset Artésien Normand with consistent daily outings, training, and mental stimulation.

How long do Basset Artésien Normands live?

Average life expectancy for the Basset Artésien Normand is typically around 12–15 years. Individual lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, veterinary care, and chance.

A note on this information. Breed descriptions on this site are general guidance based on publicly available data and editorial review. Every dog is an individual — temperament, health and behaviour vary within any breed. Information here is not veterinary, medical or professional training advice. For health concerns, behaviour problems, or major decisions, please speak with a qualified veterinarian or certified trainer.

Reference source: FCI · Reviewed 2026-04-13