BASSET ARTESIEN NORMAND

Official U.K.C. Breed Standard*

Scenthounds Group
  © Copyright 1990, United Kennel Club, Inc.

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 APPEARANCE

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 Artesian 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 & 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 inward in 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.

FOREQUARTERS

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

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 & 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.

COLOR

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 10¹/₄ inches to 14¹/₈ inches.

GAIT

The gait is calm and free.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Extreme viciousness or shyness. Undershot bite. Straight legs. Spots giving a blue-mottled appearance.

** NOTE:This information has been contributed by, and is property of The United Kennel Club, Inc. and is gratefully used here with permission.

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