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Basset Artesien Norman

History

A group of serious French breeders formed a breed society to combine the Normand (from Normandy) and Artesien (from Artois) Bassets strains, merging them to develop the one breed that we have today. Although the breed has been streamlined from the original cumbersome, unwieldy dog, some people feel that this resulted in a lack of stamina and hound voice." No one can argue, however, that the resulting Basset Artesien Normand has a good temperament and is an energetic extrovert. The appealing nature of the breed makes them attractive to pet homes and families. Dedicated breeders strive to maintain the hunting instincts of the breed. The Basset Artesien Normand was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995.

General Appearances *** The B.A.N. (as it is often referred to), is a well-made, long dog, being longer than its proportions would call for. It stands firm and balanced. It is a sound breed, and moves well, with great gaiety. Because the Basset Artesien Normand is first and foremost a hunting hound, scars (the result of honorable wounds) shall not be considered faults nor shall they be penalized by Judges. This includes cuts, nicks, notches on the ears, and/or ears that are frayed at the edges from working in brush, tall grass, etc. Hounds lacking in substance should be penalized.

Characteristics *** The breed is extremely intelligent and full of energy. They are eager to please and are generally obedient. All parts of this dog indicate a long history of pure breeding and adherence to the standard.

Head and Skull *** The skull is lean and well sculptured. The domed head is of medium width. The occiput is apparent. The cheeks are formed, not of muscles but only of skin, which may form one or two folds (wrinkles). Overall, the head has a clean appearance. The stop is marked, but not exaggerated. The medium-length muzzle is rather wide. It is lightly convex before the nose.

Faults*** Flat head. Wide head.

TEETH *** A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.

NOSE *** The nose is black and wide, coming a little over the lips. The nostrils are well open.

EYES *** The large, dark eyes have a calm, serious expression. A haw may be present.

EARS *** The ears are set as low as possible, never above the line of the eye. They are supple, very fine and delicate in texture. They are narrow where attached to the skull, and curl well inwardin the characteristic corkscrew fashion. The ears are very long, with well-pointed ends, which is necessary for the correct corkscrew turn.

Faults*** Flat, thick, or high-set ears.

Neck *** The neck is fairly long. There may be a dewlap, but it should never be exaggerated

Fore Quarters *** The well-muscled shoulders are round, strong and short. The front of the forelegs often have several folds of skin under the articulation of the first joint.

FORELEGS *** The short forelegs are heavy boned. A crook or halfcrook is present, but never so much that the pastern is displaced in the front. A less than half crook is acceptable as long as the indication of a crook is present.

Faults*** Forelegs touching or knuckled.

Body *** The long body is elegant. The prosternum (breast bone) is prominent. The wide, round chest descends moderately. The rounded ribs compensate for their lack of depth by their rotundity. The wide, well-supported back is straight and level. The loins are slightly tucked up. The full flanks extend downward. The croup is slightly slanted.

Fault*** Flat ribs

HindQuarters *** The thighs are well developed. A spherical mass is present where the upper thigh and croup join.

HIND LEGS *** The hind legs are short, corresponding in balance to the forelegs. The strong hocks are slightly bent. One or two folds of skin are often present at the hock joint. There is a slight projection of skin on the point of the hock.

Faults*** Closed hocks.

Feet *** The feet are placed vertically, with the toes turned out, but not to the extent that they are deformed. The feet must leave an imprint of a much larger hound in soft earth or snow.

Faults ** Flat feet. Splayed toes.

Tail *** The long tail (stern) is well attached. It progressively tapers to the end. It is carried sabre fashion, but never curled over the back. The tail is not to be held or propped while being shown.

Coat and Skin *** The weather-resistant coat is close, but not too fine. The skin is fine.

Many of the B.A.N.s have a peculiar little curlicue formation of hair on each hip joint

Colar *** The tri-colored or orange-and-white dog is preferred.

Tri * colored dogs have black backs, tan heads and extremities, and white tips. Hare or badger grizzled backs are acceptable. The lack of white tips is acceptable, but not encouraged.

Height *** The acceptable height range is from 10¼ inches to 14c inches.

Gait *** The gait is calm and free.

Disqualifications *** Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Undershot bite. Straight legs. Albinism. Spots giving a blue-mottled appearance.

Faults *** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note*** Male animals should have two apparrently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.