Artesian Norman Basset
Dog Breed

France

It is the French equivalent of the German basset and from it there are many varieties. Like the German basset, it has evolved through a mutation caused by the sudden change of some gene, which produced a fixed variation subsequently by the selection. In this case, the short and arched legs are caused by an innate defect, condrodistrophy, which affects the formation of the bone from the cartilage stopping the growth before what is normal. In the German basset, this process has been gradual but the same thing does not happen with the Artesian Norman dog. The straight legs are considered paradoxically a defect that makes the dog lose value. Considering that the articulations and the ligaments of the legs bear a great pressure, especially when the dog is hunting, it may be considered as irrational and cruel to accept the arched legs as a merit in an animal that is so active.

Likewise the other varieties of bassets, the body is long and short. It may be robust but without lacking a certain style. The hair is short and smooth it may be tricolor (white, black and cinnamon) or white with orange spots. The height at withers reaches 26-36 cm.