The Mini Walrus Dog, also known as Ba-Shar or Sharp Asset, is a cross of two purebreds – Mini Basset Hound and Mini Chinese Shar-Pei. Originated in the United States in the 1990s, these adorable pups are loyal, intelligent, friendly, and inherit some of their parents’ best traits. Hence, they are recognized as excellent family companions, have distinct features, unique personalities, dispositions, and love to be around their human family. But unfortunately, they might show indications of separation anxiety when they are left alone for too long.
Mini Walrus dogs interact surprisingly well with kids, especially if the children are older and conscious of respecting canine boundaries. These breeds are an ideal companion for an active family who can offer them enough space to roam and has the time to train and keep an exercise regimen.
Mini Walrus puppy’s body is more of the Basset Hound, but the coat is wrinkly like the Chinese Shar-Pei. However, they need proper socialization and exercise to avoid hunting instincts and detrimental tendencies. In addition, they have a stubborn streak and need lots of mental and physical stimulation. So, pull out all your persistence and patience to get these cue balls into shape. Once trained well, Mini Walrus dogs will serve as perfect watchdogs and furry companions.
Breed Recognition: Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc., American Canine Hybrid Club, International Designer Canine Registry.
Other names: Ba-Shar, Sharp Asset
Basset Hound Vs. Chinese Shar Pei: A Comparison
Features
Basset Hound
Chinese Shar Pei
Image
Origin
France
Guangdong Province, southern China
Height
11 – 14 inches
18 – 20 inches
Weight
55 – 70 Pounds
45 – 60 pounds
Size
Medium
Medium to large
Group
Hound Dogs
Non – Sporting
Children Compatibility
High
Low to medium
Family Compatibility
High
Low
Pets Compatibility
High
Medium to high
Barking Level
Medium to High
Low
Shedding Level
Medium to High
Low
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming Needs
Medium to High
Low
Overall Health
Medium to High
Low
Energy
Low to Medium
Low to medium
Exercise Needs
Low to Medium
Medium
Trainability
Medium to High
Medium
Activities
Hunting, Sledding
Watch dogs and Guard dogs
Complication in breeding
No
Medium to high
Litter Size
6 to 9 Puppies
4 – 6 puppies
Lifespan
9 to 12 Years
9 – 11 years
Other Names
Hounds
Chinese fighting dog
Mini Walrus Personality
The Mini Walrus dog would take the Basset’s stature and the Shar-Pei’s wrinkly coat for the most part. The appearance of the Mini Walrus Dog is square and expansive in the extent of stature and body length. They likely stand around 10-13 inches high and weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. Their physical features are equivalent to their bigger brethren with wide cushion gag, muzzled face, large head with wrinkles on the forehead, low lying ears, loose skin and folds, and short, harsh coats. They come in various coat colors, including white, black, cream, golden, brown, chocolate, or fawn.
However, it is impossible to predict how traits of two different breeds will combine accurately; peeking at parent breeds will give you an exact idea of the possible characteristics of this designer breed.
Basset Hound Personality
The Basset Hound has a disproportionate prevalence of dwarfism, resulting in shortened limbs because of their low stature.
They have long ears, expressive eyes, wrinkled brows, and large heads.
They have a short-haired tri-colored coat with a mix of tan, black, and white.
Chinese Shar-Pei Personality
The Shar-Pei has a ‘hippopotamus’ head, which is large and squarish compared to their body.
They have tiny, cylindrical body shape, triangular-shaped ears, harsh, rough-feeling coats, blue-black tongues, and loose, wrinkled skin.
Their coat is solid-colored, with brown, cream, and black.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
Medium to high
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
Medium to high
Pet-Friendly
Medium
Strangers-Friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Medium
Good for Apartment Living
Medium
Sensitivity Level
Medium to high
Tolerates being alone
Low to medium
Cold Tolerance
Low
Heat Tolerance
Low
Mini Walrus Temperament
Mini Walrus Dogs are known for the following temperaments:
Energetic and agile
Loyal and obedient
Excellent watchdogs
Intelligent but stubborn
Strong-willed and protective
Excellent family pets
Eager to please
Caring and playful
Mini Walrus dogs have a gentle disposition but are also very alert, brave, and protective of their family. They are excellent around children and tolerant of probing and prompting them. These breeds are human-oriented and people-pleasing at all times. However, they may have stubborn streaks that can alter with appropriate and continuous training. Brain stimulation is just as essential as body training, so they should not be left alone for long periods. In addition, they are not avid barkers, so your sleep won’t be disturbed.
Mini Walrus Dogs can get along quickly with other pets, mainly living in the same family. But, never train to chase them as this breed has a prey drive and will not get along with smaller pets. They love to pursue small, furry animals like squirrels and rabbits. If not socialized properly, they might attack other pets.
Mini Walrus Training
Basset Hound and Shar-Pei mix puppies adore to please their owners, but they also have a stubborn streak, making them challenging to train. Housetraining should start from a very young age as these dogs are intelligent and quite determined. They should be socialized with people and pets to become familiar even when fully grown.
The Mini Walrus are intelligent dogs. However, they should be trained gently but with determination and tolerance.
They are independent thinkers and are hard to train.
They have a mild inborn desire to catch and chase, so they must be leashed during walks.
They require patient, solid, and consistent training with positive enhancements.
Being a sensitive dog, you must avoid punishments, harsh treatment, and yelling, likely making them more persistent. Here are some of the training activities that you need to do with your Bashar:
Mini Walrus Dogs will require 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise or interactive play sessions, depending on their age, size, and energy levels. Likewise, take them on walks of moderate distance regularly. This is also an ideal way to combat their inclination for obesity. They might become destructive, restless, or aggressive without proper exercise.
You can meet your Mini Walrus dog’s daily exercise requirements by:
Sadly, Chinese Shar-Peis are predisposed to many health problems that generally affect their mixed breeds. But by crossing them with the firm and healthy Basset Hound, the puppies are less exposed to the health conditions of their parent breeds. Still, there are a few health disorders that you will have to keep an eye out for in your Mini Walrus dogs.
Health Overview
Basic Health
Low to medium
Weight Gain Possibilities
High
Size
Medium
Hip Dysplasia: An irregularity of the hip joint where the socket portion failed to fit the ball portion, causing a risk for joint dislocation. This condition may occur at birth or in early life. As the dog grows, arthritis can develop. Some canines show lameness and discomfort on one or both rear legs.
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): This disorder starts to occur around middle age, and it is radical and can cause blindness. It is initiated by destroying the fibers that keep the lens in place.
Primary Glaucoma: A condition caused by the lowered capability to sink fluid from the eye, resulting in pain and eventual blindness.
SARDS: Shar-Pei is predisposed to SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome). This disorder generally affects middle-aged canines, resulting in blindness.
Allergies: Canines can be allergic to environmental factors like grass pollen and can be identified through allergy tests. Allergies will cause breathing issues and skin itching. Sadly, there are no remedies for allergies as such.
Retinal Dysplasia: The retina becomes detached and abnormal, causing blindness.
Hip dysplasia: Basset Hounds commonly struggle with hip dysplasia, which may pass on to their heirs.
Obesity: A significant health condition causing joint problems, back pain, digestive disorders, and heart diseases. An ideal way to control this disease is by following a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): An illness that strikes the retina’s photoreceptors. This condition makes the photoreceptor cells degrade slowly, causing blindness in the affected canine.
Entropion: This disorder happens when the eyelid rolls inward, damaging the eyeball from eyelashes scratching on the surface. In severe cases, entropion can create a corneal ulcer.
Osteochondrodysplasia: The improper growth or formation of bone and cartilage in dogs with dwarfism, such as Basset Hound.
Glaucoma: An eye condition that causes discomfort and increased intraocular pressure.
Bleeding Disorders: Canines afflicted may undergo small purplish-red patches, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums.
Mini Walrus Diet and Nutrition
Mini Walrus needs a nutritious and protein-dense, preferably dry or wet medium-sized canine food in moderation as per their daily diet; otherwise, they will put on weight quickly. Avoid giving them alcohol, coffee, chocolates, food with chocolates, onions, raisins, salt, grapes, garlic, chives, and other toxic foods for canines.
Mini Walrus Living Condition
Any weather condition is suited for Mini Walrus Dogs. However, extreme hot and cold conditions are not ideal for them. They require a yard to play around. In addition, they need proper exercises to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Considering their size, these breeds are suitable for apartment living. They should not be left alone for an extended duration; keep them entertained with numerous activities and toys.
A Mini Walrus puppy from a responsible breeder costs around $300 to $700.
Things to Remember Before Buying a Mini Walrus
It would be best if you get a Mini Walrus puppy from a reputable and reliable breeder who can deliver you with vaccination, health credentials, and gene testing. Also, it is recommended to meet the purebred Basset Hound and the Chinese Shar-Pei.
