Mini Walrus Dog: Best Info to Know

Mini Walrus Dog – A Guide To The Shar Pei Basset Hound Mix

July 5, 2023

0 9 minutes read

If you’re familiar with walrus dogs, you know that they are cute, cuddly, and just plain adorable. But the term walrus dog can refer to two different breeds of dog—the Shar Pei dog and the Basset Hound—and either one can be called a mini walrus dog, due to their similar appearance to the real thing. The difference between these two breeds is subtle but substantial; read on to learn more about each kind of walrus dog, and find out if one might be right for you!

Table of Contents

History of Mini Walrus dog

The breed of Walrus dogs is exceptional. It is a cross between the Shar Pei and the Basset Hound breeds of dogs. The Basset Hound originated in France, while the Shar-Pei originated in China. Walrus is a hybrid of these two breeds, and it was developed in America. These dogs are also known as Ba-Shar and Sharp Asset.
Since these dogs were just crossed recently and the sole name is yet to be recognized, and the history will be few, let us look at the history of their parent breed.

Shar-Pei

China, which was huge and undefeatable for much of its super history, was an isolated society that was not affected by external factors. China, as a result, created a culture all its own. Chinese dog breeds are a good example of this uniqueness. The dogs of China are distinct breeds, each with its unique appearance and temperament, from the clownish Pug to the stately Chow Chow. The Shar-Pei is possibly the most distinctively Chinese breed among this long-standing canine family.

The Shar-Pei originated in the southern provinces of China more than 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. The Shar-Pei was said to have been a peasant’s dog, and like all peasant’s dogs in all eras and locations, it was expected to be adaptable. Chinese farmers used these tough, clever dogs as hunters, herders, and protectors of livestock from rustlers and predators.

In 1949, the People’s Republic of China was founded. The majority of the purebred dog population on the mainland was ruthlessly wiped out by the Communist administration, which hated dog ownership. However, Hong Kong and Taiwan managed to save a few fine Shar-Pei specimens.

Although the breed’s known American history dates back to the middle of the 1960s, American interest in the breed didn’t take off until 1973. A Hong Kong breeder by the name of Mango Law made a plea to the American fancy that year to save the endangered Shar-Pei from extinction. The breed’s survival was secured by the positive response from canine enthusiasts in America. In 1992, the Chinese Shar-Pei was approved by the AKC.

Basset Hound

Ba-Shar (Shar-Pei Basset Hound Mix) Birthday Dogs For Becca | Basset Hound Mix, Unique Dog Breeds, Cute Dogs
The word “basset” means “low” in French, where the Basset Hound breed was first developed. A low-built scenting hound that could plod across challenging terrain while being trailed on foot by a human hunting companion pursuing rabbit and deer is believed to have been developed by the friars of the Abbey of St. Hubert. For French nobility for whom hunting was a way of life, Bassets were a preferred breed choice due to their accuracy and tenacity on the scent.

Appearance and Characteristics

The mini walrus dog can be easily mistaken for a cute miniature version of its predecessor, the full-sized Walrus. As it turns out, this is not entirely incorrect as both breeds are related and originate from Eastern Russia.
What really distinguishes this breed from other types of dogs is its natural fur coat that only grows in a fine layer instead of a thick coat. On top of this, their heads are wide with short snouts, which give them an unusual appearance. Because of their small size, they make excellent pets for families or individuals living in apartments or small homes where space is limited.

A quick note on their appearance is:

They come in a variety of colors, including brown, black, white, golden, cream, and golden colors.
They have a lovely, innocent appearance.
They have a big skull and long, floppy ears.
They appear ancient because of the excessive number of wrinkles on their faces.
They often stand between 10 and 14 inches tall.
They each weigh between 30 and 60 pounds.
Their average life expectancy is nine years.
They are devoted, intelligent, and enjoy the company.

Temperament

The mini walrus dog is a breed of mixed dog. The breed originated from a white mixed-breed puppy that was abandoned on an island in northern Quebec, Canada. They are known for their long hair and webbed toes. As a result of being isolated from other breeds for so long, they are very loyal and playful with those they love. They can be described as energetic, intelligent, happy-go-lucky with strangers, great family dogs, and require lots of grooming and training. However, some describe them as stubborn and hardheaded when it comes to doing things that are asked of them.

Grooming

The mini walrus dog, requires regular grooming for its long hair. Regular brushing helps keep this type of dog’s fur from matting and may prevent them from developing allergies. Brushing also stimulates their skin and will help remove any mats that have formed in their coat.
Each week, they brush their bodies.
To keep them clean, bathe them once or twice every week. After a bath, they completely dry their body. They typically have an excessive number of wrinkles; that is the more reason you need to keep them clean and dry.

Although hair loss (shedding) is a common issue for dogs, Mini Walrus dogs don’t shed much, so there’s no need to be concerned.

You should also take him to the vet right away for a checkup if you notice any health issues. This will enable you to take quick action and allow sufficient time for treatment.

Give them appropriate, nutritious food, seek the advice of a professional, and only give them what is advised, as we all know that food is the most important thing that will make your Mini Walrus dog grow fast and stay healthy.

Also, you need to brush your teeth with your dog every two to three days.

You should clip them when their nails get long because they might get harmed. After all, they have a habit of scratching different parts of their bodies, and we might get hurt if we play with them. When trimming nails, seek a veterinarian’s assistance because it is not a simple task.

Health issues

The problem with owning a mini walrus dog is that it can be prone to developing the following health issues.
Hip dysplasia can happen when the femur head does not fit into its socket properly. To diagnose hip dysplasia, veterinarians often have their owners perform a series of exercises with their dogs in order to detect any stiffness or lameness after some time. Various medical treatments are available for this condition, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory drugs, and even surgery (if needed).

Glaucoma: A condition known as glaucoma affects the eyes and results in an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). Tonometers are devices used to measure intraocular pressure.

Allergies: In the dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized (in one area) or generalized (all over the body). In some cases, the symptoms involve the respiratory system, with coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Sometimes, there may be runny discharge from the eyes or nose.

Retinal Dysplasia: Retinal dysplasia may also affect Shar Pei dogs. The retina is deformed in this hereditary condition. It may result in blindness and retinal detachment.

Retinal dysplasia can potentially lead to cataracts and glaucoma.

The severity of retinal dysplasia varies. It might only cause spatial awareness issues or blind patches, or it might be more severe and result in blindness.

SARDS: Because of changes in the retina, the condition known as Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) produces quick and irreversible blindness. It takes at least 30 days for this condition to manifest, while certain cases may do so more gradually. SARDS-related blindness frequently appears to develop relatively instantly in affected mini walrus dogs, who suddenly lose the ability to make up for their impaired vision.

Training

Training a mini walrus dog is important as it helps create a happy, social, and well-mannered pup. To start, you’ll want to introduce your pup to new things slowly.

You will need to give this dog breed substantial training if you want to make them active because the features of the two parent breeds are not the same thing at all.

Walrus will also inherit the aggressive, angry, and stubborn temperament of Shar-Pei. Therefore, you must provide them with the right training so they can control their rage and maintain their composure.

You must give them 30 minutes of daily training and exercise to keep them fit and healthy. So, before getting a Walrus dog, consider whether your busy schedule will allow you to dedicate time to their training.

If you offer them rewards, they will readily prepare for the training. After they complete the program, reward them with their favorite foods or another favorite item. You will be able to complete the course fast and successfully if you do it in this manner.

Before your guests, teach them appropriate behavior. Take care of this issue as well because they typically bark before strangers. Make them interact with humans, and they’ll stop barking at people and start to trust them. Dog training professionals are available for consultation, and you may even employ them.

Because they are so energetic and frequently become agitated and start running, keep them on a leash.

Just remember the advice above, train them properly, and persevere—we know it won’t be easy—because the benefits will be very clear. You can acquire some helpful advice by talking to a qualified trainer and watching online training videos.

Living Condition

They have an average life span of 10-15 years and should live in homes with plenty of outdoor space. They are sensitive to heat and humidity and need adequate shade while they’re outside. Mini walrus dogs do not like to be wet, so their coats should be brushed two or three times a week during shedding season (which starts in April). These dogs also shed, so you’ll need to brush them about twice a month.

Diet and Nutrition

A healthy diet is especially important for a dog as big and active as a walrus. Dogs of this size require at least twice the amount of food per day than smaller breeds. So, just like humans, different dogs have different needs with regard to what foods their bodies can handle or will benefit from eating. For example, if your mini walrus dog has allergies or food sensitivities, talk with your veterinarian about which types of food might be better for them.

Lifespan

The exact lifespan of a walrus dog is not well documented, but it can be safely assumed that it would not differ much from that of other breeds. On average, most dog breeds live anywhere from 10-15 years. So if you are prepared for having a 15-year commitment with your new pup, then have at it!

How Much Does a Mini Walrus Cost?

Caring for a mini walrus can be difficult, requiring lots of attention. Make sure you are prepared to take on all their responsibilities, which include grooming and training. Plus, it is hard to find shelters that will take them in. In general, prices vary based on breeders and owners. Prices usually range from $400-600 for an unaltered animal; to $500-700 for a spayed or neutered one.

Pros and cons of owing mini walrus dog

Pros

They are very devoted and make great guard dogs.
Mini walrus dogs are very intelligent.
The breed gets along well with all family members and is wonderful around kids because it is quite lively.

Cons

They are scarce and not easy to get
They need to be socialized from a young age because they can be rather stubborn towards strangers.
It is a mixed-breed dog, and both of its parent breeds have a history of serious health problems; therefore, it may experience certain health conditions.
They enjoy chasing smaller animals, so avoid keeping a cat, fish, or any other tiny pet in the same home as them. It will cause you problems.
They like to be surrounded by people rather than be left alone. When their master is not home, they experience separation anxiety, so keep this in mind if you plan to spend most of your time away from home for work-related reasons.

Do Walrus Dogs Make Good Family Dogs?

Yes, walrus dogs make great family pets! If you live in a climate that doesn’t get cold, you can have one outside year-round. But if you live in a colder climate, it’s best for them to be inside and close to heaters during the winter. They have relatively short coats, so they’re more sensitive to temperatures than some other breeds. Plus, they love swimming in cold water!

Conclusion

The miniature walrus dog is known for its personality and cuteness, but they have a history of being passed over in favor of more popular breeds. Despite the challenges this small dog faces, we hope this blog post has helped inform you of some of the secrets behind this special breed. I hope this mini walrus dog post has answered some of your questions and given you a good sense of what the breed is like. If you have any more questions, please let me know! I’ll do my best to answer them for you.