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