Six Week Evaluations: The Lady Drinks Litter(s): Bellini

 

Belinni is taken. His new family is in Everett, Washington and loves to hike.

This is the first litter for Abigale (Abba) Zabba and GlarkeBar Griswold so this is an untried pairing. Abba Zabba is of the Basset Artésien Normand style. She conforms entirely to the Standard of the American Kennel Club, but has few of the heavier traits found in American and European styled Bassets. The traits of the Normand Basset are a tighter coat, a narrow head and face, and a slightly pointed snout without facial fews. Normand styled Bassets are not very droopy in appearance and these droopy European traits are what wins at dog shows. What the Normand type Basset lacks in droopiness, it more than makes up for in a cleverness and speed. ClarkeBar Grizwold is an all American Basset. He does have the European droopy traits in his head features, but he is more of a hunting hound in his body construction and these traits often shine through in his offspring. 

At Birth we too one look at Bellini and found a movie star. There is something in his gaze that makes you look. At Birth he had a distinctive pattern in his fur which has since become more average, but he is still a very good looking boy. His body shape, leg bone size, paws, and generally tapering shape are all very good, He has a nicely domed head from which great ears are placed perfectly.  He still has those movie star looks. The only area where we are not simply thrilled is in the lower rib cage and sternum, which may still develop a bit more. He is very well built, though light in the rib cage.

Bellini's coloring very good, he is black from tail to foreleg, a mixed black and white to the very symmetrically colored head. He is a beautiful little boy. 

Bellini gets four and half points of the five AKC derived Standard points, and the full point for beauty. Other than needing to grow up, this is one very pretty Basset Hound. He is brave, doesn't startle, and quick. A wonderful puppy.