MyDogBreeds
Both Brittany and Basset Artesien Normand are originated from France. Brittany may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Basset Artesien Normand. Both Brittany and Basset Artesien Normand are of same weight. Both Brittany and Basset Artesien Normand has almost same life span. Brittany may have more litter size than Basset Artesien Normand. Both Brittany and Basset Artesien Normand requires Low maintenance.
One of the most intense bird dog breeds in existence is the Brittany, bred for hunt. The breed used to be called the Brittany Spaniel, but since the breed is closer to a setter or pointer, that moniker has been dropped. The Brittany is named for the French Province in which they were originally developed. Sometime from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the breed was developed. Images of a very similar dog can be found on 17th century paintings and tapestries. However, the first written description comes from 1850 by a Reverend Davies, describing a hunting episode. The breed was recognized officially in the early part of the 20th century and made a splash at the 1900 Paris Dog Show.
The first official standards were written in about 1907 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.The Brittany is expected to point to and then retrieve birds and other small ground game. Because the Brittany both points and retrieves they are known in the U.K. as a Hunt, Point and Retrieve breed or an HPR, and they have more Dual Champions than the rest of the AKC Sporting group.
There are actually two types of Brittanys in the minds of many breeders. There is the “French” Brittany and the “American” Brittany. When the breed arrived in the United States in 1931 they became immensely popular in a short period of time. In 1942 American Breeders began the American Brittany Club, rewriting the French standard to fit the dog they knew. Today there are definitely difference between the two sub-sets that can easily be seen. The French dog is smaller than the American dog. The American dog is a runner pacing ahead of the hunter while the French dog works more closely with their human companions. Another visible difference is that the French accept black spotted Brittanys, while in the United States a black spotted coat is considered a fault. Both sub-sets are known for their willingness to follow human directions, their eagerness for the hunt, and their agility and speed.
Unfortunately, the European wars took their toll on this breed as they did on many others. Following the second World War, their numbers in Europe were drastically reduced. The French had stop breeding them altogether during the war. It was in this depleted gene pool that the French agreed to accept the black spotted Brittany. Along with the U.S., Canada also does not recognize the black spotted Brittany.
The Basset Artesien Normand hails from Normandy, France. He was bred around the middle ages and was a popular breed with the royalty of France when they met for hunting with hounds. How the Basset was developed isn’t known, but in the 1800s the dog’s popularity grew, and Napoleon himself was a fan. With some people wanting hunting skills in their dog, others good looks and some wanting a heavier dog, the Basset Artesien Normand or the BAN emerged.
Some people believe that the Basset came from a mix of French hounds crossed with smallish breeds such as Beagles and Dashshunds.The truth is that the Basset’s origin is up for debate, but the Basset Artesian Normand took over in popularity from the Basset Normand and the Basset Chien d’Artois. These dogs are now extinct.
The first record of Bassets in America came from the 1700’s when a number of Bassets were presented to George Washington as gifts. It is uncertain what type of Bassets they were, but quite likely they were Basset Artesian Normands. The breed club was established in 1910 and given its present name in 1924. The dog is also recognized by the United Kennel Club in the Scenthound group.
The Brittany is much like other hunting dogs – pointers and retrievers – in size and stature. He is solid and strong but not heavy. He is compact with an average size head and floppy ears, docked tails or short natural tails, and expressively intelligent looking eyes. He is athletic, energetic, and alert. He has a long, elastic and free gait. The French dog is smaller and the dog with black spots is accepted. The American Brittany is larger and only a tri-color of orange, liver and white is acceptable.
The BAN is a small to medium sized dog, between 30 and 36 cm and weighing anything up to 20kg. He is low maintenance in terms of his short coat which is tri-colored – fawn, white with a black patch across the back. He has a long tail which is often held in an upright position. You can’t miss those long ears, which are a distinctive feature of this gentle, good-natured dog and which are low-set on the head. Add to that the dark, soulful eyes and you get a look that ‘wouldn’t hurt a fly.’
The BAN is very similar to the regular Basset Hound but he is much slimmer. This is also because although he is a companion, he was at first a hunting canine, and is fit and muscular when fed the correct diet.
The Basset Artesien Normand is a friendly, affectionate dog, becoming a beloved pet of the family that he loves to be with. His gentle nature means that he won’t score high as a guard dog. He is gentle and affectionate with children in the home, and with some training and socialization he gets on well with other pets in the family. They’re fairly intelligent and you’ll be able to train him to carry out some important commands. As a hound, he tends to want to wander, and it is always a good idea to have him on a leash when out and about with him.
This breed of dog will need a good amount of exercise and other activities, even if it means climbing onto the couch and watching a movie with you. He can’t be left in the garden day after day on his own, and you’ll need to take him on daily walks and give him a game. Exercise is of particular importance for a dog like this, as he can easily put on weight and battle with back problems.
The Brittany is particularly trainable and friendly. They love to play and are sweet-natured. They don’t due well with harsh correction though and a stern look will cause them to wither. Socialize them young or they can become shy around strangers. They are loyal and family oriented. They can easily become attached to their humans.
The Basset Artesien Normand is such a family friend with his docile personality. Short of stature, he has a keen sense of smell, much like the Bloodhound. With his short, smooth coat, he won’t require much from you in terms of grooming. His long ears, his sad eyes and his outward turned paws are all characteristics which endear him to dog lovers.
He doesn’t like to be left alone. This Basset is yours and he wants to be part of all the action in the house, and that includes meals. He has a hearty appetite, but you don’t want to be feeding him your scraps as he can put on weight quickly. This won’t be good for his health, and as a responsible pet owner, you need to be watching his weight.
Don’t forget his daily walk that he loves so much. Treat him with love and kindness and you’ll have yourself a happy, good-natured companion.
The breed is a hardy one and Brittanys are mostly healthy dogs. In Europe 1 in 5 dogs dies of old age and that age is usually 14 or 15 years. They do have a few issues that they may be susceptible to. These would include:
The Basset Artesian Normand is a fairly healthy breed and you can expect him to reach 15 years, although you have to bear in mind that this breed is susceptible to some common health defects. As already mentioned, these long-bodied, short-legged dogs are prone to back problems. Weight gain is common in these dogs and additional weight will aggravate your dog’s back problems.
While hip dysplasia is a genetic disease found more commonly in large dog breeds, it can also affect smaller breeds like the Basset. Your dog may develop a different way of walking and running and he may even resist movement as he can experience stiffness and pain in the rear legs. Hip dysplasia is mostly an inherited condition. Proper diet and exercise can help with preventing the disease.
Don’t overfeed your Brittany. Keep him at hunting weight by feeding a half a cup up to 2 cups per day depending on the size of your dog and activity levels. Serve this in two meals not one.
Ears – prone to infections – make sure that you check them and wipe them out routinely to prevent infections.
Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints – this can be genetic or otherwise, causing lameness and arthritis. If severe it can require surgery to correct.
Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible. This can be genetic/hereditary but is set off by an infectious disease of the brain, head injury, poison, tumor, or metabolic disorder. There is no cure, but medication can be very effective.
Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone – can cause drooping eyelids, obesity, lethargy, mental difficulties or irregular heat cycles or all of this. Medication is available as it is for humans but must be taken daily for the rest of the dog’s life
Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease that is rare in dogs. Cats and humans can also have it. It is a skin disease and does not become the more serious and deadly Systemic Lupus. The Discoid version of this disease causes loss of pigmentation and a scaling on the nose which can then progress to the skin around the ears, eyes and genitals. There could be ulcerated lesions and tissue death in more severe cases. Sun exposure can make the condition worse.
The Brittany is a hunting dog that acts like a pointer but will retrieve fowl and birds in the water or on land. If you don’t hunt, the Brittany can still be your family dog. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They need a job if they are not going to hunt and expect them to be distracted by every bird they see. Try flyball, agility, FAST CAT, field trials and dock diving. They are very task oriented and have boundless energy. They excel at obedience and confirmation as well.
The Basset Artesian Normand has a short, smooth coat and this will ensure that he is low maintenance. A regular brush twice a week will ensure you get rid of loose hairs.
Ear Infections - as is the case with long eared dogs, the Basset Artesian Normand is susceptible to ear infections. Check with your vet if you aren’t sure how to clean your dog’s ears so that you can prevent ear infections.
Brush your dog’s teeth about 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothpaste- and brush. His nails will also need to be clipped regularly, more so if he doesn’t get to run on hard surfaces which wear the claws down.
You can speak to your veterinarian about wet- and dry dog foods and which type of food would suit your pet best. The type of food you give him, his age and his activity levels will be a guide on how to choose his food. Always make sure that a bowl of fresh, cool water is readily available to your 4-legged friend.