Norwegian Lundehund vs Basset Artesien Normand - Breed Comparison

The Norwegian Lundehund hails from the island of Vaeroy, Norway and was created for the purpose of puffin hunting.

Now that these puffins are a protected species, the dog is no longer used for hunting and has become a companion dog.

The breed decreased in numbers during- and after World War II because the islands where he came from had an outbreak of distemper. It was in 1963 that another outbreak occurred and the dogs were almost wiped out. A breeding program saw their numbers being built up.

It was in 2011 that the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

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.

As a spitz-type dog, with the Lundehund you’ll recognize the typical spitz-dog characteristics – the erect ears and the tail that curves over the back.

He is a small to medium sized dog standing at 30 – 40cm and weighing 6 – 9kg. He is an active dog and is as agile as a fox.

He has a dense double coat which is white, reddish/tan with some black tips. He is a dog which sheds constantly.

Strangely this dog has 6 toes and his rear pads have elongated foot pads which have helped the dog be able to climb over rocks. He also has a flexible type of neck that is capable of craning back so that the head touches the spine. The dog has some unique features and wriggling in and out of small spaces is another of his characteristics. In fact he can do things that you would not imagine a dog could do.

Temperament:

When you have a Lundehund in your life you’ll agree he has a happy, amicable personality. He is non-aggressive.

He will require training and socialization as he is an independent dog who can be obstinate. He is quite aloof with strangers too and once he starts barking at them he tends to want to continue. Training him will put an end to that irritating behavior. He is a loving, loyal dog, enjoying the company of his human family.

A Goofy, Good Natured Look about Him

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.’

Muscular and Fit

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.

Friendly and Docile

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.

He’ll Still Need Exercising

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 Norwegian Lundehund isn’t your everyday dog and in fact he is known as a primitive breed. Perhaps he wouldn’t be the best dog to have if you’re a first-time dog owners as training is quite difficult too.

People who are willing to take a chance on him say that with training and socialization he can become a loving canine companion.

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 Lundehund is prone to digestive disorders but even so he has got a good chance of living to be 11, 12, 13 or 14 years of age with good care.

He is however, one of these dogs prone to health problems of which chronic intestinal disease is one. Its the kind of illness that can recur because it is resistant to treatment.

Experts on these dogs say that they should have a fecal test done every 6 months or so, saying that one thing a bit negative with this dog breed is that you may well be forking out quite a bit on chronic veterinary care.

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.

Hip Dysplasia

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.

Diet:

Like any other dog, the Norwegian Lundehund will do well on the best quality food. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, check the ingredients on the packaging. Lots of these lower quality foods are made from ingredients that are toxic for your pet, so buy a good quality one.

Buy food according to your dog’s age and activity levels. To make his meals more interesting, add in some delicious home prepared food for him. Stay away from spicy, exotic foods and go for something like boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Some raw meat added to the kibble from time to time can also do wonders for your pet as he requires a high-protein diet. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Other ‘caring’ things to do to make sure your pet has a quality lifestyle is -

Brush his hair twice a week as he is a fairly heavy shedder. Not only does it keep the coat nice and shiny, it builds up a bond between you and your pet.

Check his ears and eyes regularly to make sure they are free from infection.

Clip his nails when they get long as your pet can hurt himself if the nails hook onto things.

Whenever he is ill, get him to the vet for a check-up.

Make sure he has a nice safe, dry, warm, snug place to sleep.

Keep him well exercised. A dog that is put into the backyard and more or less forgotten will be most miserable. Why get a pet if you don’t want to make him a 100% part of the family?

Coat

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

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.

Teeth

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.

Diet

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.