Looking for Basset Artésien Normand breeders

The Basset Artésien Normand is a loyal, active and devoted companion whose gentle, patient nature means he fits in beautifully with families with children and with other dogs. Originally bred in France for the tireless hunting of hares and rabbits, this scent hound has a very distinctive build: with a low height at the withers of 30 to 36 cm (for both dogs and bitches), he reaches a substantial weight of 16 to 20 kg. It is precisely this anatomy that makes searching carefully for a responsible Basset Artésien Normand breeder so important for a long, pain-free life averaging 12 to 14 years.

The long back combined with the short legs places particular biomechanical strain on the spine and joints. The breed is also prone to specific problems with the eyes and the long, pendulous ears. A health-focused breeder selects breeding dogs strictly for functional anatomy, without exaggeration of type. They make sure the back stays sound, the skin folds on the head do not interfere with the eyes, and only parents that have been verifiably health-tested are mated. In everyday life, you can contribute to your dog’s back health yourself by consistently keeping him lean, avoiding jumping and checking his ears regularly.

A reputable breeder does not rely on appearances alone, but shows you official veterinary results for the parent dogs before you decide to buy. These examinations cannot guarantee a dog that stays free of problems for life, but they significantly reduce the risk of serious conditions in the puppies.

Eye examinations and glaucoma risks

In the ÖBaLC, an ophthalmological eye test and screening for pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD) are mandatory examinations. PLD is a congenital change in the tissue structures of the drainage angle of the eye, which can obstruct the outflow of aqueous humour. Closely linked to such drainage angle changes is the risk of acute glaucoma (angle-closure glaucoma). In addition, the breed also has an independent predisposition to primary open-angle glaucoma. During the clinical eye examination, the specialist vet also checks the eyelids for ectropion (drooping lid) and entropion (rolled-in lid), so that the eye neither dries out chronically nor becomes irritated by rubbing eyelashes.

Joint health: hip and elbow dysplasia

Because the dog’s weight rests on short limbs, responsible breeders also have their breeding dogs X-rayed for hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED). Only dogs with well-scored joints should be used for breeding, to minimise the risk of painful developmental problems and early osteoarthritis in the offspring.

Keeping an eye on blood clotting

Another health issue typical of the breed is thrombopathia, a disorder of platelet function that leads to an increased tendency to bleed. Ask the breeder specifically whether any cases of this clotting disorder are known in their lines.

A reputable breeder raises their puppies in close contact with the family, socialises them with everyday noises and gives you honest advice about the hunting drive of this scent hound, whose independent nature means that training takes patience. For a puppy from responsible breeding, plan on a price of 1,200 to 2,500 euros.

You can recognise irresponsible puppy producers by clear warning signs: they offer puppies at bargain prices without pedigree papers, refuse to show the original results of the eye examinations and X-rays, or keep the mother out of sight during your visit on some pretext. Breeders who promote extremely heavy dogs with excessive skin folds and markedly drooping eyelids as “particularly typey” are also putting looks before health.