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.
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
No comments:
Post a Comment