General parameters of the dog, the origin of the ancestors of the breed, the first written mentions, distribution, development and popularization of the Basset Artesian Norman. Basset Artesian Normand or Basset Artesian Normand is a wonderful breed. Obviously, the dog is strong because of its strong bone and well-constructed body. Such a pet on a walk will surely attract the attention of strangers. The head of the dog is rather short, but it is wide. The Artois has a straight and rather long muzzle, a black nose with well-open nostrils, and dark brown eyes that have a soft and sad expression. The ears, which are placed at eye level, are rather long, wide and slightly thick, with rounded tips.
This breed has a powerful neck with a slight dewlap, a broad back that is well supported and a slightly arched loin. The ribcage of this basset is wide and long. Ribs well developed. The strong tail has a crescent shape and is covered with coarse hair, densely concentrated towards the tip. Basset Artesian Norman has thick skin that is evenly covered with thick hair. "Artua" has a dark, fawn tricolor coat, similar to that of a hare or badger. The dog has a mantle or large spots, and the dog's head has a black overlay.
It is a friendly creature. Aggression is completely alien to him. The dog is energetic and playful, loves children.
The origin story of the ancestors of the Basset Artesian Norman
The history of the Artesian-Norman Basset begins in the distant Middle Ages, when hunting with dogs became extremely popular among the nobility in Europe. This sport had one of the most important values. Hunting was a popular form of recreation, which was actively used by the entire ruling class of Europe. Such an event with the use of dogs was her only way to relax, but also a method for communication, discussion and resolution of political issues in noble, higher circles.
Decrees and projects of cooperation, trade events, developed on the hunt, often grew into bonds of personal and political loyalty. The decisions discussed during the hunt have played a significant role in the history of different countries and influenced the lives of millions of people in all corners of Europe. This sport was especially popular in the lands of France.
The beginning of the breeding in France of the progenitors of the Basset Artesian Normandy
In the early days of its development, dog breeding was less thorough and selective than it is today. There were many species of canines and several groups, but extremely frequent crossbreeding took place between them. The first written records of organized, targeted dog breeding in Europe originate from the Monastery of Saint-Hubert, located in France. Saint Hubert was considered the patron saint of dogs and hunting, so the monks of this monastery began work on breeding a highly specialized hunting dog.
They developed their breeding program sometime between the seven hundred and fifty and nine hundred and ended up with a breed of dog known as the St. Hubert Pointer, or as it is called in Great Britain, the Bloodhound. There is a general consensus that the monks took as the basis for their dogs hunting dogs, brought from the "Holy Land", although there is no known historical facts about this.
After all, it became customary for the monks of the Monastery of Saint-Hubert, every year, to send a few selected specimens of their hounds to the king of France. Then, the French monarch often distributed such living "offerings" among his court nobility as gifts. Inspired in part by the Pointer Saint Hubert, gamekeepers across France began to develop their own unique dog breeds.
Eventually, distinctive hounds were bred in France. Many of them began their origins in the Middle Ages or the early Renaissance. Unfortunately, almost entirely or very little of any breeding records have survived, and therefore the origin of most of these breeds will probably be completely unknown.
It is believed that the oldest French hounds originate from the crossing of dogs brought by the Phoenicians, canines belonging to the pre-Roman Gauls and Basques, dogs brought from all over the Roman Empire, and some four-legged pets widely used by Germanic tribes.
By the end of the Middle Ages, the Bdadhound, or St. Hubert's Pointing Dog, had become widespread throughout France and had a tremendous impact on the development of almost all other varieties of French dogs. Several other French breeds became widespread throughout France, and were also very popular and useful in breeding, notably the now extinct Chien Gris and Grand Blue de Gascogne.
Breeds that served as the basis for the creation of the Basset Artesian Norman
In northern France, several unique varieties have emerged. One such species was known as the Normand, which originated in Normandy. These dogs were graceful, long and eared. Another breed was known as the Pica, Chien d'Artois or Artois Hound. Such an animal was developed in the neighboring areas of Picardy and Artois. The Chien d'Artois is believed to be primarily descended from the Pointing Dog Saint Hubert, although the breed was heavily influenced by the Normandy and various English hounds and pointers.
French hunters usually take a basic breed as a basis and change it to meet the needs of a diverse hunting or to adapt to the conditions of the terrain in which the hunt takes place. This led to the fact that many French dog breeds had several lines, which eventually became separate breeds.
One of the most common bands is known as "basset". Bassetts are short-haired, long and short-legged canines. Over the past few centuries, there have been many different breeds of Basset, the coat of which has not changed to this day.
The first written mentions and versions of the appearance of the Basset Artesian Norman
Basset's origins are somewhat mysterious. The first description of such a dog as a basset can be found in the illustrated hunting book "La Venerie", written in 1585 by Jacques du Fouyou. These dogs were assigned to hunt foxes and badgers. In the process of catching animals, the dogs went after them into the hole, and then the hunters dug them out from there. Nevertheless, the bassets described by Jacques du Fouyou were already very developed both in appearance and in purpose. They were probably bred several centuries ago.
Indeed, paintings from 1300 discovered in the ancient French region of Gascony contain images of "Basset Blue de Gascogne". All of the bassets that Jacques du Fouyou writes about were covered in harsh, wiry hair. And this is the hallmark of the modern Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen and Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen.
It is not known exactly how the bassets evolved. Some experts believe that the dogs were bred exclusively from mutated French hounds. Other connoisseurs claim that French hounds were crossed with other small breeds such as the Dachshund, Drever, Beagle or Corgi. Due to the lack of written information, the full truth can never be known, although most fanatics prefer the first version.
It is also unknown how many of the basset species came to be so diverse. Some theories say that several varieties were bred purely for size. Others have suggested that one kind of basset was developed, which then crossed with many other breeds. The second theory appears to be preferred in the literature and is the more likely of the two.
The fact that the Basset is a very original breed is the subject of much discussion. It is believed by many that the basset mutation was widespread from the cops of Saint Hubert, and that the first such dogs were developed by the monks at the Monastery of Saint Hubert. However, this does not seem to be proof of this theory, and there is no breed known as the Bassett of Saint Hubert. Among the oldest basset breeds, versions of which can be accurately confirmed are the Basset Bleu de Gascogne and the now extinct Basset Saintongeois.
By the 1600s, basset forms were discovered in the Normand and Chien d'Artois breeds. Local breeders have combined the two varieties together to create the Basset Artesian Norman. Probably, the breeders added the blood to them and other local artesian and Norman dogs, as well as, possibly, other varieties of Basset. In particular, Basset Bleu de Gascogne has a similar look to Basset Artesian Normand. The Basset Artesian Normand eventually overtook the popularity of Basset Normand and Basset Chien d'Artois, both of which are now extinct.
The first records of bassets in the United States of America date back to the late 1700s. Several of these dogs were presented to George Washington by General Lafayette as a gift. It is not known which varieties, but it is possible that they were Basset Artesian Norman. These dogs may have participated in the pedigree of American dog breeds such as the American Foxhound.
Distribution and development of the Basset Artesian Norman
The French Revolution and, as a result, social upheaval, proved disastrous for the French hunting dogs. Many breeds became extinct because the remaining noble nobility could no longer afford their maintenance. However, the Basset variety gained popularity as their limbs were so short that hunters could easily keep up with them without the need for a horse. This allowed many French people, who could not afford an expensive horse, to keep one or more of these dogs in order to enjoy the hunt. Basset breeds have become accessible to the common commoner as a hound.
The fame and popularity of the Basset Artesian Normandy increased significantly during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III, especially in 1852. The Emperor was an ardent admirer and lover of the breed. Just a year after his reign, he commissioned the renowned sculptor Emmanuel Fredita to create bronze statues of his three Basset pets.
In 1863, the Basset Artesian Normandy was presented at the Paris Dog Show. The breed's unique appearance has caused quite a stir on the international scene. At this point, there were four varieties of the Basset Artesian Norman. The wired-coated dogs were known as "Basset Griffons" and the smooth-coated animals were called "Basset Francais's". Each species had a long body and short limbs.
Breeding of Basset Artesian Normands became standardized in 1870. Over the next several decades, breeding "Basset Artesian Normand" closely engaged in two breeders, M. Lane, who focused on working, hunting qualities, and Count Le Coutau, who paid attention solely to their appearance. These lines have become separate and completely different. In the end, Leon Verrier created a single standard that combined aspects of both lines.
Breeding became so standardized that ultimately only one variety of Basset Artesian Norman remained, with smooth hair, elongated body and short legs. In addition, the color of the dog's coat has changed over time. Initially there were several different coat patterns, but at present, only tricolor, fawn and white are considered acceptable. The dog is less bulky and more orderly than its ancestors. Although some hunters complain that the modern animal lacks stamina and not enough melodic and loud voice.
Popularization of the Basset Artesian Normandy breed
The first modern written record of a Basset Artesian Norman leaving France dates back to 1866, when Lord Galway imported a pair of dogs to the UK. However, the breed did not manage to take root in England until 1874, when Sir Everett Millas began to import them into this country.
The Basset Artesian Normand quickly grew in popularity in the English dog show world. Several hunting schools were also created. British breeders preferred the heavier dog and generally raised the largest Basset Artesian Norman specimens. They also crossed the breed with Bloodhounds, Hounds and other Basset breeds.
Over the course of several decades, these Basset-Norman artesian dogs in England developed into a completely new breed, which is now called the Basset Hound. Basset Hound quickly spread in America and around the world. But the "Basset Artesian Normand" did not receive this international popularity, although the breed remained relatively popular in France.
The French Revolution and two world wars have led to the extinction, or at least a serious decline in the number of most French dog species. This process continues to this day, as the popularity of hunting with packs of hounds is rapidly declining. However, the Basset Artesian Norman is in relatively good shape and position.
The breed has long been a sought-after companion dog at home and remains the most popular Basset breed in France. Like many other dog varieties, the Basset Artesian Normand is now rarely used for its original purpose as a hunter, and is now most often kept as a companion animal or as a show pet.
Strengthening of the name and recognition of the Basset Artesian Norman
In 1924, the name "Basset Artesien Normand" was finally fixed in the breed. The Kenel Club, founded by Mr. Leon Verrier, who took over as chairman in 1927 at the age of 77, wanted to reinforce the Norman character of the breed.
In this regard, in the 1930 book Standards for Hunting Dogs, the following reference is made about the breed and its club: one stage of development of the Norman type, without any signs of the character "Artois Hound".
Everywhere overseas, the Basset Artesian Normand and its descendants Basset Hound are beginning to find amateurs in both the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America. Although not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, in 1995, the Basset Artesian Norman was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). However, the "Basset Artesian Normand" or "BAN", by which name it is widely known in the United States, remains quite rare outside of its homeland.
More information about the breed in the following video:
