The Jelly Belly Litter: Six Week Evaluations: Popcorn

Popcorn at Six Weeks

 Abigail (Abba) Zabba and Rocketdog Rockford (Rocky) Rhoades got together for the very first time and gave us nine wonderful Basset Hound Puppies. As we have done in all previous litters we evaluate the puppies at six weeks. There are a few good reasons for this, the first being that the pups develop some personality traits by six weeks of age, the second being that the pups display some key physical characteristics which they are likely to carry through life. Each puppy in this litter will be evaluated as an individual using a quasi-objective standard. It is a good idea to read about it by clicking here. It's a good idea to understand how we look the pups over as individuals. There are some things worthy of stating about this litter in a more general sense.

The Jelly Belly litter has been an easy one for us. All of the puppies came into the world in an effortless fashion. We had no still-born pups and none needed any sort of help at birth. Each and every puppy was naturally inclined towards feeding and none needed to be shown the way. They all were healthy at birth and only one had anything at all to report in their veterinarian checkup last week. All of the Jellies were up and walking with their eyes open and ears attentive -right on schedule. And since we have been able to take them outside, once the weather turned nice, we now know something about their outdoor personalities. The whole group are winners.

At the time of this article we still have two male puppies available for new families. Just send us a note using the Email widget to the left of this and we'll get you all the information you need.

Popcorn is a nicely made Basset puppy which follows more in his Dame's form than his Sire's. This means he will likely develop into a Basset which shares styling with the Normande Basset line that the heavier Europeans. His Sire has strong European features in a sleek American body and these traits may emerge as Popcorn grows, but for now I must assume he will have a slightly tighter coat and more narrow features found in his mother's line. The Normande Basset is often a bit more clever than are the American or European cousins but this cannot be known at six weeks.  Popcorn came to us weighing just over twelve ounces and has since gained quite a bit. He now weighs a solid six pounds, three ounces. A bit smaller than some but he more than makes up for size with personality. 

Structurally. Popcorn is very good and quite close to Basset form.  He is sleek and narrow, but his sternum is nice and low, his body tapering well from shoulder to tail. Popcorn has a thick neck which supports a very well domed head, long ears, and slightly tapered snout.  He carries heavy feet on forelegs which are fairly heavy in bone, not indicating a larger dog in future, but giving the impression of perhaps a good field Hound. His stance, the way a Basset appears when simply standing, is very strong and this is a good indicator of future hip health.  His jaw set, though a bit narrow, is well made and his facial few are likely to become a bit lighter as he grows. 

Popcorn has no white tail tip and this is somewhat uncommon in Basset Hounds, but he holds his tail high and is quite a happy fellow. He is covered in mostly black fur with a small flare between his eyes and not much white or brown showing, but I expect he will come to have a bit more brown to his coloring as an adult.  His fur coloring is wonderfully symmetrical. He's a pretty little boy.

This puppy likes to stick with the crowd and close to home. When we take the pack out to play Popcorn prefers to stay nearer the front door of the house than most. He is never timid or shy, but he does keep to himself and out of trouble. Not a loner, but certainly not a leader.  A lover, not a fighter. He loves to cuddle and stay close to people. He will be a fine addition to the Nitin Kulshrestha family in Seattle. 

Of the six points available in our rating system Popcorn deserves four of the five AKC derived points and one half a point for beauty. In the Basset world the Normande style is not highly prized or rewarded at show, but they make fine pets and ought to get better treatment. Popcorn is a lovely pet quality baby Basset who will grow to be a wonderful addition to his new family. But just in case, lock the gate, hide the treats, and get him lots of exercise and human contact. Normande Bassets love their freedom and love their people, but can act out when dissatisfied.