Miniature Basset Hounds: Appearance, Size, Price & More! (2024)

A miniature Basset Hound taking a walk off leash at the beach.

Basset Hounds are among the famous hunting dog breeds in small packages with excellent strength and impressive tracking skills, but did you know that you can find smaller versions of them?

Enter the Miniature Basset Hound. 

What is a Miniature Basset Hound? Miniature Basset Hounds are simply what their name implies – smaller than standard-sized Basset Hounds. However, some breeders advertise them as an entirely different breed, cashing out on their “designer” size, but their mini size is often a product of breeding runts or introducing dwarfism.

Before deciding to get a Miniature Basset Hound, you should definitely know what taking care of this dog breed involves. We’ll cover exactly that and much more below.

Miniature Basset Hound

Demand for smaller dog breeds has ballooned in recent years.

Petite dogs are irresistibly cute, and their small size makes them appealing for those who live in apartments or homes with small yards. 

It’s no wonder that sooner or later a miniature version of the Basset Hound would appear and steadily gain popularity.

Are There Miniature Basset Hounds?

There are Miniature Basset Hounds but probably not in a way you think and not in the way other breeders want you to think.

Miniature Basset Hounds are smaller-sized Basset Hounds, those that don’t quite make it to the breed standard, especially in terms of the standard height for the breed.

These smaller dogs can be the result of intentional breeding or nature.

In many cases, breeders who advertise to have bred Miniature Basset Hounds have Basset Hound puppies that are either:

  • Bred or repeatedly bred from runts to create even smaller pups. 
  • Resulting from a dwarfism gene introduced to make them smaller.

Miniature Basset Hound Appearance

By far, the most distinguishable feature of Miniature Basset Hounds is their large domed head, short stature with heavy bone structure but powerful little legs, and floppy ears that are long and drag the ground.

Another thing they are well known for is their mournful eyes paired with a wrinkled brow that gives them a sad clown look. 

Miniature Basset Hounds have short, smooth hair that can repel both dirt and water. Their coat is dense enough to give them ample protection in all sorts of weather. 

How Big Do Miniature Basset Hounds Get?

Mature miniature Basset Hounds can grow up to 17 to 22 inches in height, but don’t let their shorter size fool you as it doesn’t usually affect how heavy they become.

Miniature Basset Hounds typically weigh between 30 to 45 pounds on average, and like most dog breeds, male Miniature Basset Hounds are generally taller and heavier than females. 

Miniature Basset Hound Temperament

An adaptable, affectionate, and relaxed temperament makes Miniature Basset Hounds suitable for novice pet parents and makes them perfect family dogs.

They are mild mannered and quite laid back, and the only thing that gets this dog breed really excited and alert is a good scent trail. 

Miniature Basset Hounds are an incredibly independent breed, which makes training them, including housetraining, a bit of a challenge.

Historically, they were developed to hunt and follow tracks on their own and without distraction. With that said, they can seem stubborn and uninterested in following your commands. 

However, with early socialization, consistency, and persistence, Miniature Basset Hounds can be trained, and they respond very well to positive methods, especially food rewards. 

Because they enjoy food so much and are prone to becoming overweight, make sure any training rewards are tiny and healthy, like these all-natural tidbits.

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Miniature Basset Hound Exercise Needs

Exercise is necessary to keep any dog breed healthy and to prevent obesity and other health concerns that come with being overweight.

With that said, Miniature Basset Hounds are not as active as other dog breeds.

Regular and moderate exercises, like a walk at a moderate pace, are often enough to complete their daily exercise needs.

Since this dog breed was originally developed to work in a pack, your Miniature Basset Hound might enjoy outings where they can play with other dogs, but afterward, you can expect them to settle down and take a nap. 

Miniature Basset Hound Grooming

The short, smooth hair of Miniature Basset Hounds might make it seem like this dog breed is low maintenance in terms of grooming, but it’s actually the opposite as they are known to shed profusely. 

So, as part of their grooming regimen, regular brushing at least once a week with a soft-bristle brush or a shedding tool can help keep their shedding under control.

A regular bath will also help keep their coat shiny and clean.

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Miniature Basset Hound Health Issues

Obesity is a primary problem for Miniature Basset Hounds. They are very hearty eaters but rarely active in the house, making them gain weight very quickly and become obese.

Obesity in Miniature Basset Hounds can also lead to other health issues like joint and back problems. 

They are also susceptible to bloating, which can be a potentially fatal condition. Portioning out their meals into 2 to 3 smaller meals can help with that.

Because they have long, droopy ears that could pick up dirt and drag in puddles, Miniature Basset Hounds are prone to ear infections.  

Other health concerns in Miniature Basset Hounds include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Eyelid and eyelash problems
  • Glaucoma

Miniature Basset Hound Price

Miniature Basset Hound puppies advertised as show-quality puppies with papers usually come with a premium price.

Expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2,000 and sometimes even more for top breed lines with superior pedigrees. 

Miniature Basset Hound Pictures

An adult miniature Basset Hound relaxing on a human's bed.

A cute mini Basset Hound puppy against a pure white background.

A beautiful Basset Hound relaxing in a shady, grassy area.

An adorable brown-and-white Mini Basset Hound puppy.

Miniature Basset Hound vs. Basset Hound

For many people, Miniature Basset Hounds and standard Basset Hounds are the same, which is not far from the truth.

Both love to eat, are known for being a little lazy, and typically weigh between 30-60 pounds, with males bigger and heavier than females on average. 

The key difference between the mini and standard Basset Hounds is in their stature.

Standard Basset Hounds generally range from 24-27 inches in height, while Miniature Basset Hounds only reach between 17 and 22 inches and will weigh slightly less. 

Are Miniature Basset Hounds Recognized by the AKC?

The AKC does not consider the Miniature Basset Hound as a separate dog breed or a variation of the AKC recognized Basset Hound dog breed. 

Do Mini Basset Hounds Shed?

Miniature Basset Hounds shed less than some other dog breeds, but they do shed moderately throughout the year.

Their shedding does increase in the spring and summer as a natural way for them to reduce heat, so regular brushing is needed.  

Do Mini Basset Hounds Howl?

Miniature Basset Hounds are particularly well known to emulate their wild wolf cousin and can howl loudly.

It’s especially very common to hear a Mini Basset Hound howl when they get lonely after being left for long periods.  

Do Mini Basset Hounds Bark a Lot?

Mini Basset Hounds can be serious barkers, although it’s more of a howl than a bark. With that said, their mournful baying and howling is loud and travels long distances.

Boredom is a common reason for Miniature Basset Hounds to bark a lot.

Do Mini Basset Hounds Like To Cuddle?

If there are two things that Miniature Basset Hounds love to do besides eating it is couch surfing and cuddling.

They are super clingy dogs, and with their lack of energy to do anything active at home, they are more likely going to sit on your lap and cuddle with you than any thing else, besides napping, of course. 

Do Mini Basset Hounds Drool?

One of the reasons Miniature Basset Hounds are often given up for adoption is that they drool too much.

If you’re a finicky housekeeper who can’t stand drool and ropes of slobber on your clothes and furniture, getting a Mini Basset Hound wouldn’t be the best idea.

The loose skin around this dog’s mouth is the reason why they make quite a mess, especially when drinking water from their bowl. 

Are Mini Basset Hounds Bred to Hunt?

Yes, Basset Hounds, including the mini version, were originally bred for hunting hares. They have superior hunting abilities and can follow trails wherever they lead.

Their sense of smell and ground-scenting abilities is second only to the famous large scent hound, the Bloodhound. 

An adult Miniature Basset Hound in a snowy yard.

How Many Types of Basset Hounds Are There?

The AKC recognizes four different Basset dog breeds, although only three of them are included in the Hound group:

  • Basset Hound
  • Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
  • Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

The fourth one is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, which is under the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service. 

Where To Buy Miniature Basset Hounds

Health is imperative when selecting a puppy, so finding a Miniature Basset Hound from a reputable breeder can be difficult. 

With that said, here are some breeders you can check out.

Farmhouse Hounds

Farmhouse Hounds is a family breeder of AKC-registered puppies in Jasper, Georgia with 40+ years of experience in breeding Basset Hounds. 

Benton Basset Hounds

This is a small breeder of good-quality, well-socialized Basset Hound puppies located in central Arkansas.

Legacy Basset Hounds

Legacy is a kennel focused on breeding healthy Basset Hound puppies with good conformation according to breed standards. They are located in Central Florida. 

That’s a Wrap!

Miniature Basset Hounds are a desirable dog breed with unmistakable expressive eyes and floppy ears. But owning one involves more that just enjoying their cute, miniature size.

Things like preventing obesity and providing sufficient daily exercise is critical to raising a healthy, happy dog.

Last update on 2024-03-27 at 21:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API