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 that you spay or neuter any puppy which does not meet AKC Standards contractually. You may not ever breed a puppy which contains serious defects or deviations from the AKC Standard.

Official Standard for the Basset Hound

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.

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.