Pepsi pics

The chances of finding any moment in time where Pepsi will sit still for a picture are slim at best. She somehow knows when the shutter will click and skirts the image, or blurss it into uselessness.

Last night I spent three hours (at least) trying to get one really good picture. Instead I got about ten merely good ones after one-hundred attempts.

Pepsi is a great little girl dog and everything one expects in a Basset Hound. She walks on her ears constantly; challenges everything and everyone to battle, and succeeds in getting almost everything she wants.

This Friday she will have her hernia operation and the clock will begin to wind down on her time with us.

Just one more way to get out of frame:
Lower your head just a little.

Aunty Cinnamon lets her play with her new collar
and pretends to sleep through it.

Eventually Pepsi crossed the line.
Cinnamon rolled out for battle.

Cinnamon soon left the field of battle
and Pepsi started looking for her next victim.

The battle wore down quickly and
it was time for a nap.

Grooming Mom
She's gotten so big!

Clarke and Pepsi Napping it Up.

Sorry to not have posted more of the baby,  bit she's rarely still enough to photograph. You almost have to wait until she is sleepy or sleeping to get anything that's not blurry.

What a Tangle

Getting home from Camp Creekside is a mess of excitement and excrement.

Pepsi growing up

Pepsi is a great little girl. She is inquisitive and a bit too brave. She plays constantly when awake, but is a bit overly chewy. She cuddles only when she starts  to drift toward sleep. But she cuddles very well.

Pepsi's new bed.

Pepsi needed a stuffed animal to sleep with, but this bed got there first. She lived it from the first minute.

Pepsi stays with us for a while longer.

Pepsi, even though she is claimed by a new family, will have to stay with us until mid-to late January. Boo-hoo!

She is not good at staying still for still photography.

Perhaps the best looking of this litter. Certainly the best female.

Dis-Pepsi-a

Pepsi has two small hernias. One a bit more serious than the other. She is a super fine quality puppy and we are more than happy to get her the care she needs. So we took this as an opportunity to go out to Banks and meet the prospective new Vet for our little tangle of hounds.

Bottom line. . .  No trouble, but we will have to keep Pepsi until the second week of January at minimum. She will never be allowed to breed., which takes her out of the show quality category and makes her a pet. And this is too bad too because she is so very pretty, everything about her is right.

And then there's a bit of expense. But it is not about the money. More news to follow . . .

Week Six Evaluations

Week Six came too quickly this time. Below are the individual evaluations of the wonderful ClarkeBar Griwald and CaramelCorn sanDiego. This is Caramel (Carmen)'s second liter and, other than a slight bout of hair loss, she came thorough healthy and happy. The puppies are exceptional.

Click here for the evaluation criteria

DrPepper Evaluation

BubbleUp Evaluation

Moxie Evaluation

MrPibb Evaluation

Shasta Evaluation

Fanta Evaluation

Pepsi Evaluation

Six Week Evaluation - Pepsi

Pepsi is an exceptional example of a tri-colored Basset Hound. Her  head shape, ears (placement length, and shape) are extraordinary.  Her stance, bone thickness and jaw set are perfect. Her highly domed head is covered with ample loose skin. She has a native beauty which is undeniable. Her body is slim, but muscular and is covered wonderfully in a wonderfully symmetrical coat. She is happy, playful, inquisitive, and loves people. She is a stand out.

Pepsi receives full marks when compared to the AKC standard and the one full point for beauty. This is a exceptional example of the American Basset Hound and might be bred providing that rights to breed her are secured in advance. If paired with the right male she may produce extraordinary pups. At the time of this writing she has a hernia defect which must be addressed carefully so as to not harm her near perfect features.

Six of six possible points, but care must be taken to insure that the results meet expectations. With the currently present traits is is clear that she might be a best of show contender. This is my pick, if I was picking, for addition to a kennel interested in securing the right genes in the right dog.

Not feeling photogenic.

Six Week Evaluation - Fanta

Fanta is a very good example of a mostly red and white Basset Hound. Her  head shape, ears (placement length, and shape) are fine.  Her stance, bone thickness and jaw set are near perfect. Her highly domed head is covered with ample loose skin. Her body is light and athletic,  covered wonderfully in a nearly completely red fur. She is extra happy, always playful, undeniably inquisitive, and loves everything and everyone.

Fanta receives full marks when compared to the AKC standard and one point for beauty. This is a very fine example of the American Basset Hound and might be bred providing that rights to breed her are secured in advance. If paired with the right male she may produce extraordinary pups.

Six points of six possible points does not always indicate a best of show contender. But she is the best of the best for someone wishing to gain a great Basset. If I were picking a new Basset for my own kennel, this would be the one. She possesses a wonderful personality and will become a wonderful companion providing her needs are met.

Six Week Evaluation - Shasta

Shasta is a good example of a red and white Basset Hound male. His head shape, ears (placement length, and shape) are very good.  His stance, bone thickness and jaw set are very good. his highly domed head is covered with loose skin. Though not the heavy type of Basset, he is very athletic and everything you might expect to see in a Basset Hound. He is aggressively happy, very playful, highly inquisitive, and loves everyone.

Shasta receives full marks when compared to the AKC standard and the one-half point for beauty. This is a very good example of the American Basset Hound and might be bred providing that rights to breed her are secured in advance. If paired with the right male he might sire very fine pups.

Five and one-half points of six possible points, the half point loss being purely subjective,  means that there is not much likelihood that he will become a best of show contender. But he is the best of the best for someone wishing to gain a great Basset Hound companion. He seems to possess the working Hound nose traits which might be developed into a working dog.

Six Week Evaluation - MrPibb

MrPibb is a fine example of a chestnut brown and white, but still tri-colored, Basset Hound. His  head shape, ears (placement length, and shape) are excellent.  His stance, bone thickness and jaw set are  perfect. His wide and highly domed head is covered with ample loose skin. His body is well muscled  body and covered wonderfully in a symmetrically colored fur. He is careful, reserved, and loves to stay in familiar places. He is also a bit stubborn and may argue with his people as he grows.

MrPibb receives full marks when compared to the AKC standard and the one full point for beauty. This is a fine example of the American Basset Hound and might be bred to improve the breed, providing that rights to breed him are secured in advance. If paired with the right female he may sire extraordinary pups.

Six of six possible points does not a best of show winner make, but with the right handling he might prove better than he exhibits today. He is a high quality Basset Hound pup and exhibits many of the traits one might find in a field dog.

Six Week Evaluation - Moxie

Moxie is a superb example of a tri-colored, Basset Hound male. In him you might find a best of show contender. His wide head shape, ears (placement, length, and shape) are exceptional.  His stance, bone thickness and jaw set are perfect at six weeks. His highly domed and broad skull is covered with very ample loose skin. Moxie is sedate, reserved, patient, and brave. When challenged he does not back down.

Moxie receives full marks when compared to the AKC standard and the one point for beauty. This is a superb example of the American Basset Hound male and might be bred providing that rights to breed her are secured in advance. If his mates are chosen well he might sire something extraordinary.

Six points of six possible points is not a guarantee of success at show, training, grooming, and continuance of those trait he shows today must continue to improve. But in Moxie there is the promise of greatness. Moxie is impressive.

Six Week Evaluation - BubbleUp

BubbleUp is a fine example of a mostly white, but tri-colored, Basset Hound. Her  head shape, ears (placement length, and shape) are very good.  Her stance, bone thickness and jaw set are near perfect. Her highly domed head is covered with ample loose skin. Her body is stout body is covered wonderfully in a uniquely colored fur. She is happy, playful, inquisitive, and loves people.

BubbleUp receives full marks when compared to the AKC standard and the one-half point for beauty. This is a very good example of the American Basset Hound and might be bred providing that rights to breed her are secured in advance. If paired with the right male she may produce very fine pups.

Five and one-half points of six possible points, the half point loss being purely subjective,  means that there is not much likelihood that she will become a best of show contender. But she is the best of the best for someone wishing to gain a great Basset.

Six Week Evaluation - Dr.Pepper

Dr.Pepper is a fine example of a chestnut-brown and white Basset Hound. Her  head shape, ears (placement length, and shape) are perfect. Her stance, bone thickness and jaw set are near perfect. Her wide and highly domed head is covered with ample loose skin. Her body is stout body is covered wonderfully in a symmetrically colored and soft fur coat. She is brave, inquisitive, and loves people.

Dr.Pepper receives full marks when compared to the AKC standard and the full point for beauty. This is a very good example of the American Basset Hound and might be bred to improve the breed providing that rights to breed her are secured in advance. 

Six of six possible points means that there exists a possibility for high marks at show. But anyone seeing her will fall in love. She is beautiful.

Six week evaluations Criteria

Once more we are doing a six week evaluation. This time for a Carmen and Clarke Litter. This is an exceptional litter, a bit better than the last time Clarke and Carmen got together. And having a bit of experience with the offspring our reservations about Carmen's slight genetic flaw are not longer worthy of concern. At this point I see two champion quality dogs in this litter, but one of these has an abdominal hernia and so will not get full marks. All are of the higher quality and so marking them down will take some work. We will be very picky here, but are not likely to find much to complain about.

Below you will find the Quasi-objective six point evaluation system we use. In this litter you will find all of what people commonly call American Basset traits. We do not expect any of these to compare to a true European Basset for size of features.

Our Six Point Evaluation System

We use a six point system for valuing our Basset Hound puppies.

1. One point each for: Head, Forequarters, Body, Hindquarters, and Coat if all of the AKC Standard is present in the puppy and the parents. (If the trait is not yet present in the puppy because of age , but is present in both of the parents, one point is awarded. If only one parent displays this trait then a half point may be awarded if the trait is likely in the puppy.)
2. We add one point for symmetrical and desirable coloring at the time of grading. (Knowing that the coloring of the puppy will likely change drastically during it's life. Beauty is worthy of at least one point and may add to the value of the puppy.)
3. Points are deducted for negative traits (marked below in red). The negative traits may be present, even if not found, within otherwise sound puppies if that negative trait is present in one of the parents.
4. If we claim that a puppy is pet quality, this is the same as saying that the puppy's score is at least three points of the five AKC based points available. An additional point for beauty or desirableness of coloring may mean that a puppy earning five points may be of exceptional quality, but is not of show quality. 
5. If we claim that the puppy is of show quality, this is the same as saying that the puppy is at least five of five points using the AKC Standard below, or that these traits are to be found within both of the parents even if not currently seen in the puppy. An additional point for desirable coloring is meaningless to the AKC Standard while still adding to the desirability and price of the puppy.
6. If any puppy does not earn at least three of the five AKC Standard points, that puppy will not be eligible for AKC registration no matter how wonderful it may be as a pet. We require contractually that you spay or neuter any puppy which does not meet AKC Standards. You may not ever breed a puppy which contains serious defects or deviations from the AKC Standard.

Official Standard for the Basset Hound

The AKC Standard

General Appearance: The Basset Hound possesses in marked degree those characteristics which equip it admirably to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain. It is a short-legged dog, heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while its movement is deliberate, it is in no sense clumsy. In temperament it is mild, never sharp or timid. It is capable of great endurance in the field and is extreme in its devotion.

Head: The head is large and well proportioned. Its length from occiput to muzzle is greater than the width at the brow. In overall appearance the head is of medium width. The skull is well domed, showing a pronounced occipital protuberance. A broad flat skull is a fault. The length from nose to stop is approximately the length from stop to occiput. The sides are flat and free from cheek bumps. Viewed in profile the top lines of the muzzle and skull are straight and lie in parallel planes, with a moderately defined stop. The skin over the whole of the head is loose, falling in distinct wrinkles over the brow when the head is lowered. A dry head and tight skin are faults. The muzzle is deep, heavy, and free from snipiness. The nose is darkly pigmented, preferably black, with large wide-open nostrils. A deep liver-colored nose conforming to the coloring of the head is permissible but not desirable. The teeth are large, sound, and regular, meeting in either a scissors or an even bite. A bite either overshot or undershot is a serious fault. The lips are darkly pigmented and are pendulous, falling squarely in front and, toward the back, in loose hanging flews. The dewlap is very pronounced. The neck is powerful, of good length, and well arched. The eyes are soft, sad, and slightly sunken, showing a prominent haw, and in color are brown, dark brown preferred. A somewhat lighter-colored eye conforming to the general coloring of the dog is acceptable but not desirable. Very light or protruding eyes are faults. The ears are extremely long, low set, and when drawn forward, fold well over the end of the nose. They are velvety in texture, hanging in loose folds with the ends curling slightly inward. They are set far back on the head at the base of the skull and, in repose, appear to be set on the neck. A high set or flat ear is a serious fault.

Forequarters: The chest is deep and full with prominent sternum showing clearly in front of the legs. The shoulders and elbows are set close against the sides of the chest. The distance from the deepest point of the chest to the ground, while it must be adequate to allow free movement when working in the field, is not to be more than one-third the total height at the withers of an adult Basset. The shoulders are well laid back and powerful. Steepness in shoulder, fiddle fronts, and elbows that are out, are serious faults. The forelegs are short, powerful, heavy in bone, with wrinkled skin. Knuckling over of the front legs is a disqualification. The paw is massive, very heavy with tough heavy pads, well rounded and with both feet inclined equally a trifle outward, balancing the width of the shoulders. Feet down at the pastern are a serious fault. The toes are neither pinched together nor splayed, with the weight of the forepart of the body borne evenly on each. The dewclaws may be removed.

Body: The rib structure is long, smooth, and extends well back. The ribs are well sprung, allowing adequate room for heart and lungs. Flatsidedness and flanged ribs are faults. The topline is straight, level, and free from any tendency to sag or roach, which are faults.

Hindquarters: The hindquarters are very full and well rounded, and are approximately equal to the shoulders in width. They must not appear slack or light in relation to the overall depth of the body. The dog stands firmly on its hind legs showing a well-let-down stifle with no tendency toward a crouching stance. Viewed from behind, the hind legs are parallel, with the hocks turning neither in nor out. Cowhocks or bowed legs are serious faults. The hind feet point straight ahead. Steep, poorly angulated hindquarters are a serious fault. The dewclaws, if any, may be removed.

Tail: The tail is not to be docked, and is set in continuation of the spine with but slight curvature, and carried gaily in hound fashion. The hair on the underside of the tail is coarse.

Size: The height should not exceed 14 inches. Height over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder blade is a disqualification.

Gait: The Basset Hound moves in a smooth, powerful, and effortless manner. Being a scenting dog with short legs, it holds its nose low to the ground. Its gait is absolutely true with perfect coordination between the front and hind legs, and it moves in a straight line with hind feet following in line with the front feet, the hocks well bent with no stiffness of action. The front legs do not paddle, weave, or overlap, and the elbows must lie close to the body. Going away, the hind legs are parallel.

Coat: The coat is hard, smooth, and short, with sufficient density to be of use in all weather. The skin is loose and elastic. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification.

Color: Any recognized hound color is acceptable and the distribution of color and markings is of no importance.

Disqualifications: Height of more than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder blade. Knuckled over front legs. Distinctly long coat.

The CKC Standard (for Norman Bassets)

Approved January 14, 1964 

Though the AKC does not set seperated standards for variants of the Basset Hound Breed, the Continental Kennel Club standards for the Norman Basset are: 

• Dome-shaped, narrow and strong. Eyes: Large and dark. Ears: Very long, soft, cone shaped, and pointed at end. Muzzle: Medium size and well proportioned to head.
• Nose: Black and self-colored according to coat. Bite: Scissor or level. 
• Neck: Fairly long with slight dewlap. 
• Top-line: Level. Chest: Round, with sternum being clearly visible. 
• Body: Firm back, and twice as long as it is high. 
• Legs: Forelegs and hind legs are short and thick, with strong hocks that are only slightly bent. 
• Feet: Large, with all the toes resting on the ground. 
• Tail: Strong at the root and tapering towards the end. 
• Movement: Swift and very agile, with flowing gait. Temperament: High-spirited, yet very lovable.

- See more at: https://ckcusa.com/breed/?id=722#sthash.lrxqkqKC.8VR0iKrE.dpuf

We expect than none of our Norman Basset bred Hounds will pass muster for becoming show quality dogs. But they will make very fine pet quality hounds with better than average training ability.

A few puppy pictures

November 16, 2017 Week Five Video

November 11, 2017 Weening

We usually start puppies weening off of Mother's milk in the fourth week by giving them whole cow's milk,  then we start taking them off of cow's milk in the sixth week when we begin leaving a watering dish in the pen with them all of the time. By the seventh week Mom doesn't have much to do with the feeding of her puppies, but often does anyway. In this way they are ready for a diet of dry foods and water by the eighth week when they leave us.

Last night I gave them their first taste of puppy food soaked in Cow's milk and heated a bit. They didn't take long to figure out what to do with it.

This morning I gave them a bit larger portion.

The big box just didn't fit anymore.