Winter is Coming

 

The recently cooler weather has us thinking about pull out our Hound's Winter coats and making sure they are ready. So we figured maybe other people might be doing the same.

We make a nice coat that fits the needs of a Basset Hound very well(maybe even some of the lesser breeds). The coat is machine washable, warm enough for most Winter's days (above twenty and below forty degrees), easy on and easy off, and pretty tough in the right places. Our's take a real beating and usually last a few years. There's no velcro to clog and they are without snaps to fiddle with.

We offer both ready to wear and sew-it-yourself kits to fit nearly any dog or under the tree. Click here for more information. Ready to Wear coats are in standard sizes and cost $49.00 plus $6.00 for USPS ground mail. Sew-it Yourself  Kit versions are only $29.00, plus $6.00 for shipping. The kits takes an hour or two to complete on your first time through and everything is included but the sewing machine. (All of the instructions are here.)

You can order directly from our Square.com page. Or get in touch (mail link) if you have questions. CreeksideFarmOregon@gmail.com

Dreamsickle is No Longer Available

All of Lilly's pups have been spoken for and Dreamsickle now has a family to call his own.  We have a litter due un October for delivery to families in December. If you are interested then click here.

Dreamsickle at six weeks.

One of our prospective new puppy parents suffered a slight setback in their plans and had to abandon the idea of taking a Basset baby home for a while. This is rarely a fun thing, but in our many years of business it happens once in a while. His choice of puppy was Otterpup, my personal favorite. We put the word out about Otter's re-availability and one of our other puppy parents, the family with loads of children and who had chosen two puppies, wanted to swap Dreamsickle for OtterPup. This left Dreamsickle still needing a family. Our experience is that these things resolve themselves pretty quickly. Dreamsickle is a lovely little puppy and will find a home quickly, But for today he is still available. 

The pups turned eight weeks last Saturday, meaning that for many it is time to go to their forever homes and forever families. Three left us Saturday, one Sunday. A few will stay on a few weeks longer, giving them time to learn Basseting with our big dogs and gain some experience. One is scheduled to leave on Thursday. And since the pups are all ready for their new homes Dreamsickle is as well.

If you are interested in finding a wonderful little boy, get in touch. There's an email box to the left of this article (if you are seeing this using your phone you'll need to switch to the full web page version of this blog to see it). Or you can call Ann at 503-three-five-1-0212 and make arrangements to come meet our hounds and puppies. 

We have another litter due, Abba Zabba's, and they will be available in December. Use the same email widget to get on the wait list and we'll send updates as they happen. 

Dreamsickle at Six Weeks

 As is our way. When a litter reaches six week of age we feel that we can evaluate the pups knowing most of what we are looking at. For this we use a pseudo objective six point set of criteria which takes into account the American Kennel Club description of the breed (five points of physicality). And we assign one point which is purely subjective and takes into account beauty of coloring, form, and personality. This six point evaluation has served us well since we started using it nearly twenty years ago. At the time we began using the system those people interested in reserving a puppy would receive the information prior to choosing, but now this is much more of a formality since pups are usually chosen prior to six weeks. This is certainly true of this litter.

This litter of eight pups is the first for our Lilly (Dulce DeLeche AKC) and the third for our younger male Rocky (Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades AKC). The first litter for a female is difficult to predict any outcomes but, at six weeks old, there's ample reason to believe this will be a great litter. Rocky is a great male in the American Basset Hound style. We are trying to breed a smaller form of Basset and, though he carries the genes of a smaller dame (under fifty pounds and quite small), he is nearly sixty pounds at three years old and so is not a small Basset. Lilly is a small form female of thirty-five pounds and so some of her offspring should be smaller in size as adults. Only time will tell. Both parents are great examples of the breed and so we expect this litter will carry these great traits as they grow. Both have exceptionally long ears, we formed heads with thick necks and bodies which taper perfectly to their strong hips. Neither appear to be destined to hip troubles. Both have heavy foreleg bones and deep chests. This litter carries the right stuff and none of the pups will receive less than the full five AKC derived points for form. There is simple nothing wrong with any of them.

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Dreamsickle is another of our smaller form Bassets. He is rambunctious and eager to explore his world; the type needing a back yard and a playmate. He is a bit barky when playing and not overy patient with being held. This is an independent personality which can, at times, keeps to himself happily. Every puppy of this litter are quite good when compared to the AKC standard and Dreamsickle is no different. His foreleg bones are adequately heavy, his paws tell us he will likely be slightly smaller than the standard size in the American Basset style. He will likely grow into a robust fifty pound male, but this depends on exercise and restricting his diet somewhat is a good idea, especially after he is neutered.  Dreamsickle might be bred to a high quality female if rights are secured. 

Dreamsickle is quite the family dog in attitude and he will make a fine addition to any family lucky enough to have him, but the patience or personality to win at show doesn't seem to be his forte.  He will do well with children. 

Bon Bon at Six Weeks

 As is our way. When a litter reaches six week of age we feel that we can evaluate the pups knowing most of what we are looking at. For this we use a pseudo objective six point set of criteria which takes into account the American Kennel Club description of the breed (five points of physicality). And we assign one point which is purely subjective and takes into account beauty of coloring, form, and personality. This six point evaluation has served us well since we started using it nearly twenty years ago. At the time we began using the system those people interested in reserving a puppy would receive the information prior to choosing, but now this is much more of a formality since pups are usually chosen prior to six weeks. This is certainly true of this litter.

This litter of eight pups is the first for our Lilly (Dulce DeLeche AKC) and the third for our younger male Rocky (Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades AKC). The first litter for a female is difficult to predict any outcomes but, at six weeks old, there's ample reason to believe this will be a great litter. Rocky is a great male in the American Basset Hound style. We are trying to breed a smaller form of Basset and, though he carries the genes of a smaller dame (under fifty pounds and quite small), he is nearly sixty pounds at three years old and so is not a small Basset. Lilly is a small form female of thirty-five pounds and so some of her offspring should be smaller in size as adults. Only time will tell. Both parents are great examples of the breed and so we expect this litter will carry these great traits as they grow. Both have exceptionally long ears, we formed heads with thick necks and bodies which taper perfectly to their strong hips. Neither appear to be destined to hip troubles. Both have heavy foreleg bones and deep chests. This litter carries the right stuff and none of the pups will receive less than the full five AKC derived points for form. There is simple nothing wrong with any of them.

---

Bon Bon is a wonderful example of the smaller form of the Basset breed we are trying to bring into the world. She is also one of those puppies it is difficult to take a bad picture of. The camera loves her. Though a bit smaller that others, her personality plays a bit larger. She is more than able to stand her ground at play and the food dish, but is also the first to come for cuddles when she feels overwhelmed. She is very patient and loves lap sitting. 

If her smaller form continues she will likely weigh under forty pounds at three years old and will not reach fifty pounds unless over-fed. Bon Bon is, as are all of her siblings, a very good example of the Basset Hound breed. Her foreleg bones are quite heavy, for her size. Her body shape is quite athletic and runs smoothly from her shoulders to her hips. Her jaw is set perfectly and I would expect pronounces facial fews that will give her snout the right amount of "boxiness". BonBon's ears are wonderfully draped and set well back on her well domed head. Her hips are wide and her stance (how she appears when simply standing up) is aggressive and strong.  The combination of smaller frame and good stance indicates she is not likely to have bone issues later in life, but a lot depends on exercise. Structurally, this girl might win a regional show if trained to it. 

As with all Basset Hounds it would be best keep her active throughout her life to avoid becoming sedentary and overweight. Monthly ear and nail care, and a seasonal bath, would be all that is needed to maintain this lovely "lemon" girl.  Bon Bon might be bred to another high quality Basset if rights are secured.  All of this litter are six points in their evaluations, there simply is nothing wrong with any of them and all of them are quite beautiful, but even at a beauty pageant there are stand-outs, Bon Bon is a standout for appearance and attitude. One of the best of this already very good litter. 

Dreamsickle at Six Weeks

 As is our way. When a litter reaches six week of age we feel that we can evaluate the pups knowing most of what we are looking at. For this we use a pseudo objective six point set of criteria which takes into account the American Kennel Club description of the breed (five points of physicality). And we assign one point which is purely subjective and takes into account beauty of coloring, form, and personality. This six point evaluation has served us well since we started using it nearly twenty years ago. At the time we began using the system those people interested in reserving a puppy would receive the information prior to choosing, but now this is much more of a formality since pups are usually chosen prior to six weeks. This is certainly true of this litter.

This litter of eight pups is the first for our Lilly (Dulce DeLeche AKC) and the third for our younger male Rocky (Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades AKC). The first litter for a female is difficult to predict any outcomes but, at six weeks old, there's ample reason to believe this will be a great litter. Rocky is a great male in the American Basset Hound style. We are trying to breed a smaller form of Basset and, though he carries the genes of a smaller dame (under fifty pounds and quite small), he is nearly sixty pounds at three years old and so is not a small Basset. Lilly is a small form female of thirty-five pounds and so some of her offspring should be smaller in size as adults. Only time will tell. Both parents are great examples of the breed and so we expect this litter will carry these great traits as they grow. Both have exceptionally long ears, we formed heads with thick necks and bodies which taper perfectly to their strong hips. Neither appear to be destined to hip troubles. Both have heavy foreleg bones and deep chests. This litter carries the right stuff and none of the pups will receive less than the full five AKC derived points for form. There is simple nothing wrong with any of them.

---

Dreamsickle is, by chance alone, at the time of this writing, the last of the litter still looking for a permanent home. This involved a cancellation which we will not go into in detail, but whoever is able to pick him up will surely have a great puppy to raise. 

This is a very playful puppy. He runs wherever he goes, when outdoors, and he can often be found exploring his world alone, though not far from his siblings. In true Basset Hound fashion he loves being with his family and is patient with transgressors. He is not especially aggressive at play, but when challenged will stand up for himself. He is not fearless, but more measured in his approach to life in the pack.  Dreamsickle is not especially cuddly, nor is he very patient with much lapsitting. But when a bit tired he will come and ask to be picked up.

Dreamsickle is a bit smaller than the average puppy in this litter but we expect he will grow into a standard sized male of around fifty pounds at three years. We are trying to breed a smaller form of Basset Hound and he carries the genes for remaining a bit smaller than the average Basset. His foreleg bone size and hip setting are nearly perfect, but there is a slightly flanged rib on his left side which will keep him from winning at the regional level of dog shows.  (The flanged rib is a very minor point of interest and it is likely he will not continue to show this rib as an adult.)  His head shape, jaw set, and ears are as good as it gets with ears wrapping all the way around his snout which is already displaying more than adequate facial fews. His Dame and Sire both have strongly Basset facial features and appearance. This will be a wonderful "lemon" Basset Hound and there certainly is nothing which shows trouble on the near, or far, horizon (providing he is kept active and is not over fed as an adult). 

This will be a wonderful family hound and breeding is certainly not out of the question.  Since all the pups in this litter are perfectly in accordance with the AKC standard, and there are none with any serious flaws in appearance, all will receive six of six points when compared to our evaluation criteria. But there are subtle differences 

Dexter at Six Weeks

 As is our way. When a litter reaches six week of age we feel that we can evaluate the pups knowing most of what we are looking at. For this we use a pseudo objective six point set of criteria which takes into account the American Kennel Club description of the breed (five points of physicality). And we assign one point which is purely subjective and takes into account beauty of coloring, form, and personality. This six point evaluation has served us well since we started using it nearly twenty years ago. At the time we began using the system those people interested in reserving a puppy would receive the information prior to choosing, but now this is much more of a formality since pups are usually chosen prior to six weeks. This is certainly true of this litter.

This litter of eight pups is the first for our Lilly (Dulce DeLeche AKC) and the third for our younger male Rocky (Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades AKC). The first litter for a female is difficult to predict any outcomes but, at six weeks old, there's ample reason to believe this will be a great litter. Rocky is a great male in the American Basset Hound style. We are trying to breed a smaller form of Basset and, though he carries the genes of a smaller dame (under fifty pounds and quite small), he is nearly sixty pounds at three years old and so is not a small Basset. Lilly is a small form female of thirty-five pounds and so some of her offspring should be smaller in size as adults. Only time will tell. Both parents are great examples of the breed and so we expect this litter will carry these great traits as they grow. Both have exceptionally long ears, we formed heads with thick necks and bodies which taper perfectly to their strong hips. Neither appear to be destined to hip troubles. Both have heavy foreleg bones and deep chests. This litter carries the right stuff and none of the pups will receive less than the full five AKC derived points for form. There is simple nothing wrong with any of them.

---

Dexter was given the name "Klondike Bark" at birth,
but her family has chosen to call him Dexter. 

Dexter is a wonderful example of the Basset Hound breed. He is sharp eyed and happily aggressive in his approach to life. He loves his food and enjoys rough play with his siblings. And he can be something of a bully at times as well. This is a puppy that might grow into being a handful of trouble is he is not supervised sufficiently. 

This little boy is very good structurally with a wonderful head shape and well placed ears but, at the time of writing this, he is said to have a slight overbite which will likely resolve itself when his adult teeth arrive in a few months time. This overbite is not considered a  serious flaw, but should be called out when considering breeding him later in life so as not to pass this genetic trait on. (Minor flaws are sufficient reason not to breed a Basset Hound since they are already bred into genetic dwarfism.) Otherwise Dexter is a perfect little puppy at six weeks, as are this entire litter. It is hard to find anything to write about which is not about attitude.

It is easy to see, in the picture above, that Dexter carries his American Basset style to an extreme. His snout appears boxey from already ample facial fews, his ears nearly drag the ground today. Both of these desirable traits will give him the exaggerated appearance prized in this breed. And while some might consider him more European in his heavy Basset Hound puppy appearance, these very ample skin folds are not likely to continue into adulthood. He will likely remain quite athletic in appearance until four or five years old. His coloring will likely remain red and white in equal amounts. Keeping this boy active will never be a problem. Calming him might be. 

Dexter is going to be a beautiful dog, but not a show dog. One might consider breeding him, while we would not. He has the temperament and attitude to become a good field dog. But he may also become a good companion for those interested in having a  slightly independant doggy partner. All of the puppies in this litter received six of six points using our evaluation criteria. There simply is nothing wrong with any of them.

Miley at Six Weeks

 As is our way. When a litter reaches six week of age we feel that we can evaluate the pups knowing most of what we are looking at. For this we use a pseudo objective six point set of criteria which takes into account the American Kennel Club description of the breed (five points of physicality). And we assign one point which is purely subjective and takes into account beauty of coloring, form, and personality. This six point evaluation has served us well since we started using it nearly twenty years ago. At the time we began using the system those people interested in reserving a puppy would receive the information prior to choosing, but now this is much more of a formality since pups are usually chosen prior to six weeks. This is certainly true of this litter.

This litter of eight pups is the first for our Lilly (Dulce DeLeche AKC) and the third for our younger male Rocky (Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades AKC). The first litter for a female is difficult to predict any outcomes but, at six weeks old, there's ample reason to believe this will be a great litter. Rocky is a great male in the American Basset Hound style. We are trying to breed a smaller form of Basset and, though he carries the genes of a smaller dame (under fifty pounds and quite small), he is nearly sixty pounds at three years old and so is not a small Basset. Lilly is a small form female of thirty-five pounds and so some of her offspring should be smaller in size as adults. Only time will tell. Both parents are great examples of the breed and so we expect this litter will carry these great traits as they grow. Both have exceptionally long ears, we formed heads with thick necks and bodies which taper perfectly to their strong hips. Neither appear to be destined to hip troubles. Both have heavy foreleg bones and deep chests. This litter carries the right stuff and none of the pups will receive less than the full five AKC derived points for form. There is simple nothing wrong with any of them.

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Miley was named Nutty Buddy at birth.

Miley, named by her forever family. Has always been something of a beauty queen. Her coloring is technically tri-colored, but this is because she has a slightly darker nose.  She is a lovely little girl pup and will likely become a beautiful Basset as an adult. Miley is a cuddler, but not so much if there's a fight to be found. She has her own mind. She loves lap sitting, but does not seek it out. She loves finding interesting things to chew on, but doesn't carry sticks or stones around as trophies. She eats with gusto and since birth has always sung a little tune when eating.  She is an interesting puppy in a great many ways. 

Comparing her to the AKC Standard, at six weeks, show that she may well be of show quality (though these often look for heavier European traits and features). Her frame, leg bone size, head shape, and the setting of her ears, all are perfection. She carries herself well, always having her tail high, but her tail lacks the ubiquitous white tip that makes a Basset easy to follow in the field. She has very ample skin folding, a silky smooth coat that is almost entirely colored mahogany red. We expect the dark coloring on her snout will tend to becoming more red over time. The shape of her head is extraordinarily good and her ear setting is optimally set back near her neck. She is a lovely little girl with a lovely outlook on life.  None of the pups in this litter are anything less than perfect when compare to our evaluative criteria, just some are slightly better than others. Miley is one of the slightly better group. 

Miley is, and always has been, one of the beautiful people. We expect this to continue. 

OtterPup at Six Weeks

 As is our way. When a litter reaches six week of age we feel that we can evaluate the pups knowing most of what we are looking at. For this we use a pseudo objective six point set of criteria which takes into account the American Kennel Club description of the breed (five points of physicality). And we assign one point which is purely subjective and takes into account beauty of coloring, form, and personality. This six point evaluation has served us well since we started using it nearly twenty years ago. At the time we began using the system those people interested in reserving a puppy would receive the information prior to choosing, but now this is much more of a formality since pups are usually chosen prior to six weeks. This is certainly true of this litter.

This litter of eight pups is the first for our Lilly (Dulce DeLeche AKC) and the third for our younger male Rocky (Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades AKC). The first litter for a female is difficult to predict any outcomes but, at six weeks old, there's ample reason to believe this will be a great litter. Rocky is a great male in the American Basset Hound style. We are trying to breed a smaller form of Basset and, though he carries the genes of a smaller dame (under fifty pounds and quite small), he is nearly sixty pounds at three years old and so is not a small Basset. Lilly is a small form female of thirty-five pounds and so some of her offspring should be smaller in size as adults. Only time will tell. Both parents are great examples of the breed and so we expect this litter will carry these great traits as they grow. Both have exceptionally long ears, we formed heads with thick necks and bodies which taper perfectly to their strong hips. Neither appear to be destined to hip troubles. Both have heavy foreleg bones and deep chests. This litter carries the right stuff and none of the pups will receive less than the full five AKC derived points for form. There is simple nothing wrong with any of them.

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Wow!

OtterPup caught my eye at the first moment he drew a breath. He has that certain something which the camera loves and we have yet to take a picture that didn't show him in his best light. But looks alone do not make a better puppy. He is also perfect in every other way and, though there are a few potential standouts in this very good litter, Otter is by far the best of the lot. This is a lovely little boy and a potential champion in his breed.

Otter is not a small form of Basset, though he certainly carries the genes. He will eventually become a sixty pound male with wildly exaggerated Basset features and traits. His personality is as good as his looks. He loves people, puppies, adult dogs, our chickens, our ducks, his food, and nearly everything else he sees. His tail is ever wagging. He loves lap sitting, loves getting down from the lap too. He loves cuddling close, being held, and being put down to play. He love playing with his siblings, and loves playing alone. This one is special.

Structurally he is as good as I have seen. He has a heavily built frame, thick foreleg bones, and a smooth appearance from shoulder to hip. His backside is stocky and chest already seeming deeper than his age would indicate. His stance is easy, but strongly aggressive in appearance. Again . . . a potential champion give the time and training. This is what good looks like. But if all you want is a great dog, there's none better than Otter. 

I rarely say that a dog ought to be bred. In this case, at six weeks, I am certainly saying it. All Bassets should start off this strong. All of this litter received full marks in their evaluations. There are only six points. Otter deserves one more. If I could keep him, I would.

DillyBark at Six Weeks

 As is our way. When a litter reaches six week of age we feel that we can evaluate the pups knowing most of what we are looking at. For this we use a pseudo objective six point set of criteria which takes into account the American Kennel Club description of the breed (five points of physicality). And we assign one point which is purely subjective and takes into account beauty of coloring, form, and personality. This six point evaluation has served us well since we started using it nearly twenty years ago. At the time we began using the system those people interested in reserving a puppy would receive the information prior to choosing, but now this is much more of a formality since pups are usually chosen prior to six weeks. This is certainly true of this litter.

This litter of eight pups is the first for our Lilly (Dulce DeLeche AKC) and the third for our younger male Rocky (Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades AKC). The first litter for a female is difficult to predict any outcomes but, at six weeks old, there's ample reason to believe this will be a great litter. Rocky is a great male in the American Basset Hound style. We are trying to breed a smaller form of Basset and, though he carries the genes of a smaller dame (under fifty pounds and quite small), he is nearly sixty pounds at three years old and so is not a small Basset. Lilly is a small form female of thirty-five pounds and so some of her offspring should be smaller in size as adults. Only time will tell. Both parents are great examples of the breed and so we expect this litter will carry these great traits as they grow. Both have exceptionally long ears, we formed heads with thick necks and bodies which taper perfectly to their strong hips. Neither appear to be destined to hip troubles. Both have heavy foreleg bones and deep chests. This litter carries the right stuff and none of the pups will receive less than the full five AKC derived points for form. There is simple nothing wrong with any of them.

---

When we put Lilly and Rocky together we expected a litter of tri-colored Basset babies. DillyBark turned out to be the only truly tri-colored pup in the group of eight. And, at birth, we thought he would become our true potential champion prospect. This may still be true, he is well above the average of pups for our Rocketdog kennel, but only time and training will tell us if he indeed champion material. 

Dilly is structurally perfect, with the expeception of a minor jaw set issue. This overbite will likely clear itself when his adult teeth arrive in a few months and we have seen this sort of thing before. Basset Hounds are genetic dwarves and some mismatching of parts is common. But all of Dilly's other parts are perfect. His foreleg bone size is quite heavy, for a pup that will eventually reach sixty pounds. His thick neck hold a perfectly domed head up high. His snout is wonderfully boxey, sporting large facial fews and extraordinarily long ears which nearly reach the ground. His body tapers smoothly to hips muscular hips. The hips themselves are chunky in appearance and hold his rear leg stance back in aggressive posture. This is a good start on growing a strongly built Basset Hound boy.

Dilly is very patient, adding to the idea of his becoming show material. But his patience is subjective. He loves to play hard. He runs everywhere and loves to climb where he can. He is not the best climber in the group, but he keeps at it and has occasionally run down stairs effortlessly.  Dilly rarely comes for cuddling and has little patience for lap sitting, but he will hold a pose for pictures. Dilly prefers the company of dogs over humans, but is not overly aggressive at play or the food dish. Dilly has always barked at stranger danger. He barked at me at two weeks old, so he is naturally protective of his space.

Dilly's coloring is in flux. His ears are changing to red, from black, so it is difficult to say how he will appear as an adult. But he is still a prospect for becoming a show quality dog.