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.