Miniature Basset Hound is the name given to any full grown Basset Hound that is smaller than the breed standard of 40lbs. Mini Basset Hounds are either the product of breeding from naturally smaller pedigree dogs, or are a hybrid mixed with another smaller breed. Although lots of people understandably find smaller pets more appealing, this breed already has some issues to contend with from their dwarfism gene that can be exacerbated by shrinking them down even further.
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Smaller dogs typically are comfortable in smaller spaces and often need less exercise. But there are downsides to deliberately producing increasingly tiny puppies.
How To Shrink A Dog
There are three ways to create a miniature dog. Breeders can opt to produce puppies from runts of the litter when they grow up, they can mix with a smaller breed or they can introduce the gene for dwarfism. This last option doesn’t apply to Basset Hounds because they already carry this gene.
Mixing with a Smaller Breed
Breeding a Basset Hound with a smaller dog can produce puppies that look a lot like the pure breed and have some of their characteristics. But it’s obviously a little unpredictable because their size and temperament could reflect either parent, or a mixture of the two.
Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Dachshunds are popular breeds to combine with the Basset Hound, but each comes with potential health problems. Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are prone to dental overcrowding, and Dachshunds suffer from the spinal problems so common in Bassets anyway.
Breeding From Runts
Repeatedly breeding runts is another common way to create a miniature Basset Hound. A puppy’s size depends on the size of its parents. If the parents are smaller, it is likely that their puppies will be smaller as well.
Theoretically, continuously breeding smaller Basset Hounds together would eventually create a miniature Basset Hound. However, this method often leads to unhealthy puppies and bloodlines.
Dogs are usually runts for a reason. No dog is just born smaller than its litter-mates without a cause. Frequently, this reason is linked with a developmental flaw or underlying health condition.
Dogs who are born as runts almost always have some underlying disease that is the cause of their smallness.
Potential Health Problems
Those who are born at a regular size but cannot grow are usually infected with some pathogen or developmental defect. Newborn puppies are incredibly susceptible to disease and commonly experience heart problems when affected. If two runt dogs are bred together, they can pass on these defects to their offspring.
This breeding will create unhealthy puppies, who will likely be bred together to produce even more unhealthy puppies.
Basset Hounds also suffer from numerous health issues to begin with. Joint problems, eye disorders and other nasty conditions are not uncommon. And miniaturization can worsen them.
Mary Jo Wehmhoff says
My husband and I live in a duplex and would like a small basset hound.
We are both in our 80’s want a dog that is dossal and good with small children. please advise
Mark Williams says
As an adult my wife and I have 2 bassets over the last 40 years. We would like a smaller dog now but just cant find anything that compares. As a boy I had a half basset-half german shepherd. He had the basset legs, ears, nose, bark and energy level. But he went everywhere my bicycle did. I hope all three are in heaven when i get there.
elias says
miniature in size and health , beware
Nancy says
That’s Parva Os Lux Basset.
Nancy says
Isn’t there a breed called Parva Is Lux B or is that some breeders way of cross breeding?
Anissa says
I have a minture bassist and Chihuahua mix. beautiful 8 weeks old.I found one flie when I got her home.She had no thing on her,but still scraces not as much,but still doing it.
Can I give me any suggestion for this.I worry because she has nothing I can see
Thank you for your time
Tara says
We had a bassabea ( basset beagle). She was the love of my life. She was axactly half way between a basset and a beagle in every aspect. Ears, nose, legs, body… all right in between. Prettiest pup you ever saw.
nikflorida says
You made that up, didn’t you? A beagle-bassett hound cross is called a bagle hound. The love of MY life, Pearl, (“Mini Pearl” the rescue had named her) has been the bestest girl for 10 years now! (if you search for “bagle hound” on the Internet, you’ll find lots and lots of great info; if you search for “bassabea,” you get flip-flops.
Julie says
I long for a small Basset, but hear your concerns. A healthy smaller regular Basset sounds preferable. I have had 2 Male Basset Hounds, Hyrobies Alpha Beau Brummel(Beau) when I was a child, and Trailblazer Periwinkle(Perry) in my twenties. it has not been mentioned what clowns they are! Sooo endearing. I have always wanted another, but am older and unable to exercise a large dog. I will follow the rescue route, I think. That would get me an adult dog though for a shorter time.
elainecannarella says
Bassets are already dwarfed. Why process them any further? Their temperaments, their beauty and their loving-ness are exceptional. Accept them as big dogs on little legs and go forward with what they are meant to do. We will, as senior citizens, still take the risk of acquiring another basset after our much-loved and equally spoiled, T-bone, took rest at the age of 15 and a half. No better dog.
Michelle Young says
I’m interested in a female red white! Miniature! Have had three over 41 years !
Diane R Cutler says
Did you find what you were looking for, because we are looking for the same exact thing 🙂
Marie P Hatley says
I have had two sets of basset hounds and one single. I cant imagine having any other breed. They were all rescues. However, I am limited to a 30 lb pet where I live.
Any suggestions on finding a rescue basset that will only grow to 30 lbs.
Steve says
I always tell folks my 60 lb Bassett weighs 35 lbs by definition. 😆
OLLIE HARTGROVES says
LOOKING FOR A BASSET HOUND. J.J. DIED LAST YR AND ALL I CAN FIND IS THE COMPANY THATSELL THEM FOR OVER 2000.00. I AM ON S.S. AND 84 YRS OLD. I CAN NOT PAY A GREAT AMT.
Tracy Smith says
There is no such thing as a miniature basset.
Lynn Dishman says
can you help me find a miniature basset hound
Babs says
Always had big Bassets…harderto walk as far love the breed
Need a smaller one..