Dear Dr. Kait, What is your knowledge about life expectancy, challenges with training, or general health of dogs with smaller cerebellums that have been diagnosed with Cerebellar hypoplasia? Thank you, Angela Cerebellar hypoplasia is an incomplete development of the cerebellum (a part of the brain). It is a congenital condition, meaning it occurred in utero while the fetus was developing. The cause could be genetic, infection, or can be due to injury or toxins. Though the condition can occur in any breed, it does have a genetic tie to Airedale Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Boston Terriers, Bull Terriers, Chow Chows, Dachshunds, French Bull Dogs, Irish Setters, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Pugs, Shiba Inus, Shih Tzus, Silky Terriers, Weimaraners, and Wirehaired Fox Terriers. In these breeds, there is a higher occurrence rate. There is no connection linked to a certain gender though.