The mini Basset Hound is an interesting variant of the Basset Hound breed. If you’re curious about how tiny this smaller version of the Basset breed is or wondering how they are as pets, you came to the right place!
Perhaps the biggest mystery for you at this moment is how possible it is to miniaturize a Basset Hound. You may also be wondering if mini Bassets are purebred.
This and a lot more information about the mini Basset Hound will be revealed in this guide. Keep reading if you are interested in getting an adorable mini dog for your family!
What Is a Mini Basset Hound? Is There a Miniature Basset Hound?
The mini Basset Hound is a relatively new breed created as a smaller version of the Basset Hound. While these hybrid dogs are just as charming, their existence is frowned upon due to how they were bred. Mini Bassets also go by “Parva Os Lux Basset,” which means miniature, delicate, and short-legged.
It was thought that breeders only played with the genetics of the standard Basset Hound to make a miniature pooch. However, the resulting pooch is tagged as a new breed of its own,
This is due to the breeding process that introduced traits outside the standard Basset Hound gene pool.
Today, the mini Basset is still not recognized by kennel clubs and even designer dog organizations across the United States. This raises the issue of whether mini Basset breeders are nothing but frauds.
Miniature Basset Hound Size and Weight
An adult mini Basset Hound stands between 8 and 14 inches at the shoulder, while it typically weighs around 10 to 35 pounds.
For reference, a fully-grown standard Basset Hound is around 14 inches tall. Some people may mistake a miniature Basset Hound with a height in the upper range for a standard Basset Hound.
The difference in average weight of the two dog breeds would help us determine which is which.
The weight of a standard Basset Hound at full size ranges between 40 and 65 pounds. This is considerably heavier than the mere 35 pounds of a miniature Basset Hound.
Given their minute size and weight, mini Basset Hound dogs are ideal pets to be carried around by their fur parents. It would be less tiring to hold a miniature Basset in your arm compared to holding a standard Basset.
Miniature Basset Hound Appearance
A mini Basset Hound shares many similarities in appearance with its regular-sized Basset cousins. In a way, this pooch is the same as the large breed but with miniature features.
The number one difference would obviously be the size. Moreover, the miniature Basset Hound has the hallmark feature of a standard Basset Hound, which is a long body with short legs.
One might think that a mini Basset has balance difficulty because of its being short-legged, but this is not true. Its large paws make up for its lowered build.
Aside from its stature, this short-legged dog adopts the adorable droopy face of its bigger cousins. Sometimes a mini Basset would look sad and longing for your attention when its face is resting. The long and floppy ears also make this tiny pooch extremely cute.
A miniature Basset could also get the short hard coat of a standard Basset Hound. When it does, the dense coat can keep it warm and tight during winter. Also, the skin around its body may appear loose and flappy.
The possible coat colors of mini Basset Hound dogs are derived from the standard ones. They can get a blend of red & white, black & white, or black & brown.
Some owners report that their mini Bassets get black, brown, and white tri-colored coats. Likewise, some get lemon and white coats.
As for the tail, it is long and curves upright, making the miniature Basset Hound look alert and lively.
Aside from these, you should also expect some differences between male and female Basset Hounds. Some of their subtle differences include size, weight, gait, and height.
Check out this video of lovely mini Basset Hounds playing in the yard to brighten your day:
The Process of Breeding Miniature Basset Hounds
There are a lot of miniature Basset Hound lies and misinformation regarding the breeding process of this dog. The following are the only known and acceptable methods in breeding mini Basset dogs.
Introduction to the Dwarfism Gene
The dwarfism gene can be present in dogs, which as a consequence, stunts a dog’s growth. This can also happen naturally with the standard Basset Hound.
There is already a form of dwarfism that affects a regular Basset Hound. This is evident from its short legs and long disproportionate body.
There are also some cases when dwarfism impairs the overall growth of a Basset Hound, resulting in disproportionate features.
To make a mini Basset Hound, many breeders use one or two parent dogs with dwarfism. Doing this increases the chance of the offspring being miniaturized as the same dwarfism gene affects its growth, just like its parents.
Breeding Runts Together
Another way to breed more mini Basset Hounds is by breeding runts repeatedly. For starters, runts are the smallest pups or among newborn litter mates.
A pooch being a runt can be due to many factors, but it is more likely to be caused by genetics. Hence, the small-sized trait of smaller puppies can be beneficial in developing miniature puppies.
Repeatedly breeding the runts makes the miniaturized trait more dominant. Breeders may pick smaller Basset Hounds than before for the next breeding stage to ensure a new generation of much smaller Basset dogs.
Breeding With Other Smaller Breeds
Some breeders may choose to combine a standard Basset Hound with other small breeds. This is the easiest and least expensive way of making mini Basset Hounds.
There is no need to repeat the breeding process over and over again to ensure a miniaturized offspring.
Some popular crosses of small dogs and Basset Hounds include the Basset Hound Chihuahua mix, the Basset Hound Pomeranian mix, and the Basset Hound Dachshund mix.
However, there is a downside to this method. Since the Basset Hound is combined with an entirely different breed, the resulting puppies may not exactly look like Basset Hounds.
They can be a blend of traits from two different parents. Worse, they can look more like the other dog breed.
That said, this is the most acceptable process for developing mini Bassets. Many pet fanciers deem the two former methods unethical. Meanwhile, the process of breeding with other smaller breeds is considered the safest.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Miniature Basset Hounds?
While being considered a distinct dog breed, the mini Basset Hound is not recognized by any major kennel clubs as of writing.
If you’re going to check with the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), only the standard Basset Hound is recognized.
That being said, mini Basset dogs cannot join any contests or events hosted by any of the kennel clubs mentioned.
Miniature Basset Hound Temperament and Personality
The mini Basset Hound is everything that you’re looking for in a family dog. It is known for its calm demeanor, so you won’t have difficulty bonding with this pet. They are less likely to be aggressive toward their owners.
On the other hand, mini Bassets can get riled up in the presence of strangers. They know when to bark when there’s an intruder. Strangers entering your home might feel uneasy, but your household will feel safe and secure.
Most of all, miniature Basset Hounds are very friendly animals with a steady nature. Small children will be safe playing with them as they also have protective instincts.
Being related to the purebred Basset Hound, miniature Bassets can be independent dogs who won’t need too much of your attention.
They can enjoy their time by themselves. However, they tend to become stubborn because of this attitude, so you have to be prepared.
Miniature Basset Hound Lifespan and Health Issues
The lifespan of a mini Basset Hound is between 10 and 12 years. This dog may look less robust and more light-boned because of their size; however, they are expected to live just as long as regular Basset Hounds.
Mini Basset Hounds are likely to share the same diseases that are linked to purebred Basset Hounds.
If you plan to get a mini Basset, you should already expect the dog to develop specific health problems down the road.
Here are the common health issues that may affect a mini Basset Hound:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia pertains to the deformity in the joint, particularly in the hip and elbow regions. If your mini Basset has hip dysplasia, its ball and socket region experiences uneven growth. The same goes for elbow dysplasia, where the joint and bones no longer fit together due to differences in size.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is the general term used to describe the pressure build-up in the eye. When the pressure in a mini Basset Hound dog’s eyes gets too high, the retina and optic disk can be damaged. The bad news here is that eye damage due to glaucoma can be irreversible.
- Hypothyroidism: When a dog has hypothyroidism, its thyroid gland becomes underactive; hence the body’s metabolism slows down. When this happens, organ functions become impaired. If you notice your miniature Basset looking lethargic and sensitive to cold, it may be suffering from hypothyroidism.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease: Unfortunately, mini Basset Hounds bred by purposely introducing the dwarfism gene are likely to develop intervertebral disc disease. This condition is characterized by swelling in the dog’s spinal cord. If left untreated, a miniature Basset Hound may suffer from complete body paralysis.
Aside from these health issues, the mini Basset Hound may also suffer from typical health conditions such as bloat. Its long ears may also be a culprit of ear wax build-up.
Furthermore, this dog can also develop crusty scabs around its mouth because of its dewlaps.
How Much Does a Mini Basset Hound Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of mini Basset Hound puppies is around $800 to $3,000. They are a bit more expensive than regular purebred Basset Hounds because of how their size is achieved.
Even so, having a small pet means needing fewer items for them to thrive. Their food requirements are also significantly lesser. That should make up for the gigantic price of your new little pooch.
Here is the list of the must-have items and accessories for your miniature Basset Hound:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $60 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
Note that the total initial cost above is only based on estimates. There might be some other things that you will need to buy for your dog, like medicine, pet insurance, or health supplements.
Places to Find Miniature Basset Hound Puppies for Sale and Adoption
We assume that you are now all set to have miniature Bassets in your home. At this point, you should know the names of reputable breeders and shelters where you can get a bunch of healthy mini Basset Hounds.
The following is the list of ethical breeders from where you may find quality-bred mini Basset Hound puppies:
- Corky Basset Hounds – Located in Christiansburg, Virginia, Corkey Basset Hounds has dedicated its many years of existence to breeding top-of-the-line Basset Hounds. Aside from purebred Basset Hounds, they also showcase Basset mixed breeds as well as mini Basset Hounds.
- Huggable Bassets – This reputable Basset Hound breeder in Mint Hill, North Carolina, runs a ranch that has the sole purpose of raising newborn Basset puppies. You can also find a mini Basset Hound pup that comes from a pure and healthy bloodline here.
- Charli Rose & Company Basset Hounds – Charli Rose & Company is known to raise not only one but three kinds of Basset Hound dogs, namely the American, Brazilian, and European Bassets. They make sure that their Basset Hounds are used to human interaction so that they have already adapted to proper behavior prior to rehoming.
If you are more interested in adopting, here are some of the most trusted Basset Hound rescues to check out:
- Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California (BHRSC) – Since 1997, this non-profit organization has helped thousands of homeless Basset dogs. BHRSC has already rescued more than 2,100 Basset Hounds, and all their dogs go through thorough health evaluations and are provided with necessary treatment.
- Basset Rescue Across Texas (BRAT) – BRAT volunteers never get tired of searching every area in Texas to rehabilitate abandoned Basset Hounds. Their rescue efforts have increased over the years, so they eventually built a new shelter in Dallas to house more dogs.
Reach out to them to see if they have a mini Basset. - Arizona Basset Hound Rescue (AZBHR) – If you reside near the state of Arizona, AZBHR might be the best rescue to reach out to. This organization has been around since 1998 and has rescued thousands of Basset Hounds and Basset Hound mixes over the years.
You can also check Reddit threads and Facebook groups dedicated to the breed for more sources. Just pay extra attention to who you’ll transact with to avoid scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mini Basset Hounds Shed?
Yes, the miniature Basset Hounds do shed. However, you don’t need to worry about grooming them regularly because they are fairly moderate shedders.
There are instances, however, when a mini Basset dog sheds more than usual. This is a sign that the dog lacks vitamins and minerals that promote healthy hair growth.
Thus, it is advised that you give your mini Basset Hound dog a capsule of fish oil weekly to prevent excessive shedding. Fish oil is a good source of dietary fat, which promotes healthy hair growth in animals.
Do Miniature Basset Hounds Bark a Lot?
Mini Basset Hound dogs can bark way too much throughout the day. However, keep in mind that any dog that needs something essential like food or water will tell its owner through barking. The same is true for this dog.
A miniature Basset, despite its petite size, is capable of letting out a deafening and long howl until it captures your attention.
Final Thoughts
If you are the type of owner who likes to bring a charming pooch with you everywhere you go, then the miniature Basset Hound might be your match. This dog is also a good choice for apartment dwellers with limited space.
However, keeping a mini Basset Hound is also a big responsibility. This dog breed can be affected by many predisposed illnesses, which are to be blamed on the breeding process performed to make them smaller.
So, are you adding a Basset Hound to your family soon? Let us know what you think about the mini Basset Hound in the comments below!
