The Candies are Leaving (starting today)

 The Penny Candies are beginning to leave for their new families today, three today, a few more tomorrow, perhaps one on Sunday. So it will soon become a lot less noise and laundry around here. But we will miss them. 

The life of a breeder is one of some sorrow and great joy. But, as I've always said, having a litter of puppies is like having a favorite excentric aunt come to visit for a few months. Lovely to anticipate the visit, wonderful to have the day arrive (though it's a lot of work and little sleep), and very nice to see her go home because she can be exhausting at times. (I once used the Yiddish Proverb of the Goat, but the Aunt visiting is a bit more on target.) The bottom line is that they come to us and go away, a sort of bitter sweet thing throughout.

Since their evaluations we have seen quite a bit of development in the pups. We have had three days of relative warm weather and cool early Spring sunshine. So the Candies have been able to go outside for a few hours a day. At first none of them could do stairs and spent most of the time close to the front door, this morning there was a stampede of fur flying through the doorway and out onto the front porch. On day one the hens would come in and intimidate them, this morning one hen was brave enough but three puppies frightened her away.  

We had one minor health thing. The Vet. sold us flea drops called Revolution and many of the pups had allergic reactions (hives). There was nothing too worrisome about this and we used a bit of Cortizone10 on the spots to clear them right up. We lost some hair where the meds were placed, but nothing to visible for the most part. One of the pups had a farily severe reaction and we had to use one-quarter dose Benedryl tablets in some peanut butter for a few days. The problem is fading away slowly and the Vet has seen the puppy three times since (just for the sake of the new family). We recommend and usually use Capstar chewables if there is any signs of fleas in the puppies. Capstar kills the fleas in just a few minutes but does nothing for the longer term. We will go back to the chewable for safety's sake. We do use K9 Advantage in all our dogs about twice a year for those looking for a good recommendation. The K9 Advantage hasn't given us any trouble at all, but we only use drops on the adult dogs too, so there is a difference. 

Everyone has doubled in weight since the last weighing at six weeks. We have reduced feeding to two larger meals and some snacks to bring them into line with their family feedings.  You never experience anything like it when nine hungry puppies dive into dinner.  Of course what goes in must come out and yesterday we washed five loads of laundry. We do one cup of food at morning and evening meals in our adults dogs and this is usually enough. A puppy might eat too much, but never get full at the same time. Bassets can have sour tummies so we try to keep the intake to the right level to avoid having to watch them recycle their dinner.

We will treasure the peace and quiet, but we will definetly miss them, those that go. Two of the pups  will be staying with us for the advanced Basseting Course which goes on for a few more weeks. This is good for the Mother and great for the pups, and not too bad for us as well. We will miss them all and cannot wait to get started missing them. 

All of our Puppies are Taken

Our Penny Candy Littler is completely taken.
Thanks to all who were interested. 

Since out girls go into the "Silly Season" at about the same time every year, and we have a planned schedule where the girls take turns, our next litter is expected to be from Lilly and Rocky, and happen in the July, with deliveries to new family around late September.

Lilly is our best female and her pups are often of very high quality. When Rocky puts his two cent in the results are very good and the ears extra long. This will be Lilly's second litter. 

See you then.

One Little Indian (All are taken)

 Our last little Indian has a home in Southern Oregon. Sorry if you missed out, but there will soon be more.

There is just one puppy left needing a home this morning. Chic-O-Stix remains available but has one family looking at her seriously. 

Chica doesn't want her pictures taken. 

The Penny Candies Litter: Six Week Evaluation : Mary Jane (Taken)

 Pricilla  Pixie Stix (AKC) (AKA: Pixie, Princessa Silly, Pretty Silly) and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades (AKC) (AKA: Rockzilla, RockandRolla) paired up to give us a wonderful nine puppy litter that has come to the sixth week. This is the time when I spend just a bit more time looking critically at their form and personality. All nine pups will be good pets quality dogs when fully grown, but even at this young age there are subtle differences which make each on a person all on their own. 

Generally speaking, all of the pups are in good health. The Banks Vet.  found no bite or bone issues and all have been vaccinated, worm, and flea protected. We will give one more vaccine at seven weeks and all of this is documented in the puppy packets that come with every one of them individually. 

Mary Jane arrived on January 30th and came out ready for the world weighing 12.6 ounces. Today she weighs in at 4.9 pounds, still a bit smaller than the rest.  But being small doesn't mean having less of anything. Mary Jane is a dynamo and has personality. Personality goes a long way.

Structurally speaking, this is a very good example of the Basset Hound at six weeks. Good foreleg bone thickness and hefty paw size, and very good hip setting and stance. Stance is how the dog stands when at rest and Mary Jane has the strong hip stance indicating good hip development and bone health. She also carries her forelegs well and the package looks agressive and solid when she is at  play. And she is always at play.From her shoulders to her hips she tapers smoothly, with not flanged ribs, down to her well proportioned hips. A strong body to start off with. Her head shape is adequate, but not highly domed, and her snout is a bit diminuative as well. Her jaw setting is good. Her ear settting is not quite all the way back of her skull. Overall she is a Basset more of her Dame's type than her excellent Sire, with little of the European traits present. 

What she lacks in size she makes up for in personality. Mary Jane is brave and sure footed. She never shirks a fight or misses a meal. She loves to cuddle, but can be a bit of a handful in trying to keep her on your lap. She wants to go see things. 

We expect there will be more brown showing up in her fur coloring as she grows, eventually becoming a true tri-colored hound. She has wonderful ermine spotting and great facial symmetry. 

Of the six point in our evaluation Mary Jane gets all five for form and half a point for beauty. She will make a fine companion and freind for whoever is lucky enough to get her. I always say there is one in each litter I would keep if I could, this was my pick on day one and is still the one I would want in my Tangle of Hounds if I could have just one more.

The Penny Candies Litter: Six Week Evaluation : Chic-O-Stix (Taken)

 Pricilla  Pixie Stix (AKC) (AKA: Pixie, Princessa Silly, Pretty Silly) and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades (AKC) (AKA: Rockzilla, RockandRolla) paired up to give us a wonderful nine puppy litter that has come to the sixth week. This is the time when I spend just a bit more time looking critically at their form and personality. All nine pups will be good pets quality dogs when fully grown, but even at this young age there are subtle differences which make each on a person all on their own. 

Generally speaking, all of the pups are in good health, with one minor exception in one puppy. The Banks Vet.  found no bite or bone issues and all have been vaccinated, worm, and flea protected. We will give one more vaccine at seven weeks and all of this is documented in the puppy packets that come with every one of them individually. 

Not an easy picture to take. 
This one is wiggly.

Chic-O-Stix was the first of the Candies to arrive. She came to us at the beginning of a rare daylight whelping weighing a healthy 13.5 ounces and was hungry upon arrival. SInce then she has gained a bit and now weighs 6.2 pounds, about in the middle of the pack for size. Chica is a go-go and runs everywhere. But she doesn't spend too much time looking before she leaps. This makes her fun to watch, but watching is a good idea since she will jump from high places if you don't stop her.

Though a bit light in the foreleg bones, she is showing good development and is an all American styled girl Basset (as is her mother).  We expect she will become a thrity-five pound adult with a coat that is a bit tighter, a snout that is a bit slimmer. Her shoulders are slender, but her body tapers back to well formed hips and her stance is agressive and strong. Her stance is great and shows us that her hip development is good. She flows from front to back smoothly and has no rib flanging. She has a thick neck, good head shape, smallish snout and adequate jaw setting. Her ears are well back on her skull too, though ear size is a bit small.

She is an agressive player and a healthy eater. She is very happy sitting on a lap and is often found playing with toys when she is not being attacked by siblings. She seems patient and calm for the most part. Not a part of the party, but not afraid of dancing either. 

Of the five AKC derived points in our six point system, Chica recieves four and a half points. There is nothing wrong with her at all, just not a strong showing of European heavy styling. She willl develop into a wonderful pet. She gets one half of the point we allow for aesthetics simply because she is so darned cute. We expect she will eventually show quite a bit more brown in her coloring, especially in the head and ears. She is a worthy little girl who gets five of the six points available. 

The Penny Candies Litter: Six Week Evaluation : Bazooka Joe (Taken)

 Pricilla  Pixie Stix (AKC) (AKA: Pixie, Princessa Silly, Pretty Silly) and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades (AKC) (AKA: Rockzilla, RockandRolla) paired up to give us a wonderful nine puppy litter that has come to the sixth week. This is the time when I spend just a bit more time looking critically at their form and personality. All nine pups will be good pets quality dogs when fully grown, but even at this young age there are subtle differences which make each on a person all on their own. 

Generally speaking, all of the pups are in good health. The Banks Vet. found no bite or bone issues and all have been vaccinated, wormed, and flea protected. We will give one more vaccine at seven weeks and all of this is documented in the puppy packets that come with every one of them individually. 

Some puppies don't sit still for pictures.

Bazooka Joe arrive on Jnauary 30th and was a bit smaller than most. But he was also a bit quieter too. Since then he has developed well, but is still a bit smaller at 4.9 pounds. The Vet found a slight heart murmer during his well puppy check and called it out. The murmer is not likely going to be an ongoing issue, but we have to call them out when found. Otherwise Bazooka Joe is a good example of the breed. Though smaller than some, Joe is well developed with good bone size in his forelegs. He is a bit slender in the chest, more of his mother's shape in many respects. His hip stance is good and he flows from front to back smoothly, so we don't expect any bone development issues going forward. His snout is smaller, more of the American styling than the European blockiness. Overall he favors his Dame's light characteristics than those of his Sire. 

Joe has always been a bit quieter than most. He likes the lap, loves his supper, and adores being on the bottom of the pile when they pile up to sleep. He likes his comforts. Joe has a wonderful little bark, but seldom uses it. He will go to his new homw with his brother Hubbba Bubba and they will be fun duo for life.

Bazooka Joe received three and a half of the five AKC derived points for structure and so should not be bred even though he is an attractive member of the breed. He loses half a point for foreleg bone thickness, half a poiint for feature size generally, and half a point for the heart mumer (even though it may be no issue at all). He does receive one half point for easthetics. He is a pretty little boy with great coloring and we expect there is a lot more brown coming into his coat as he grows.  Joe gets four of the six points available. 

The Penny Candies Litter: Six Week Evaluation : Hubba Bubba (Taken)

 Pricilla  Pixie Stix (AKC) (AKA: Pixie, Princessa Silly, Pretty Silly) and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades (AKC) (AKA: Rockzilla, RockandRolla) paired up to give us a wonderful nine puppy litter that has come to the sixth week. This is the time when I spend just a bit more time looking critically at their form and personality. All nine pups will be good pets quality dogs when fully grown, but even at this young age there are subtle differences which make each on a person all on their own. 

Generally speaking, all of the pups are in good health, with one minor exception in one puppy. The Banks Vet.  found no bite or bone issues and all have been vaccinated, worm, and flea protected. We will give one more vaccine at seven weeks and all of this is documented in the puppy packets that come with every one of them individually. 

Hubba Bubba does not like to sit for photos.

Hubba Bubba came into the world a bit heavier than most at 15.5 ounces, but he was a dynamic little guy, ready to start exploration of his world right away. He has grown a bit, now weighing 4.9 pounds, but is still a bit smaller in form than the pups of similar weight. He is a compact little predator. Always on the move, always looking for the next flashy thing. When we put toys into their whelping pen Hubba Babba was the first to notice them and the first to go find out what they were all about. A lovely little hunter. Bubba has a lot of personality. He is a hopper when he play fights and a bit hard to hold down when he is lap sitting. He likes to go. 

In form Bubba is simply a smaller version of a bigger dog. He is light of foreleg bone, but the bones themselves seem denser somehow. His little body is somehow a bit stronger and he carries himself well. His stance, the thing we often look at for hip development clues, is super good, but getting him to stand at rest is a bit of a challenge. Bubba is a bit narrow in the shoulders, but he is strong and smart. This is the puppy most likely to figure out the gate latch first. 

Bubba has wonderfully well set ears, a smaller snout, and a generally smaller form 9but densely packed). His coat is a bit tighter, so he favors his mother's traits and will eventually become a forty pound male. Since he will be spending his days with his litter mate Bazzoka Joe they will make a fine pair of slightly smaller Basset Hounds misbehaving on their leashes.

Hubba Bubba is a good example of the breed, but not of the type that wins at dog shows (where they favor heavier European styling). He gets all five of the five AKC derived standard points, one half a point for being a pretty little boy. Five and a half of the six points available overall. He may be bred to a better quality female, expecially if the female is of the smaller form, providing breeding rights are obtained.

Take six, Bubba standing up. . . 
Okay, we'll just use the best we have.

The Penny Candies Litter: Six Week Evaluation : Twizzler (Taken)

 Pricilla  Pixie Stix (AKC) (AKA: Pixie, Princessa Silly, Pretty Silly) and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades (AKC) (AKA: Rockzilla, RockandRolla) paired up to give us a wonderful nine puppy litter that has come to the sixth week. This is the time when I spend just a bit more time looking critically at their form and personality. All nine pups will be good pets quality dogs when fully grown, but even at this young age there are subtle differences which make each on a person all on their own. 

Generally speaking, all of the pups are in good health. The Banks Vet. found no bite or bone issues and all have been vaccinated, wormed, and flea protected. We will give one more vaccine at seven weeks and all of this is documented in the puppy packets that come with every one of them individually. 

Twizzler was a very pretty puppy on day one and weighed a respectable 13.5 ounces. Since then he has grown to become one of the larger pups in this litter (6.7 pounds). He is a happy puppy with an inquizative attittude and fearlessness when exploring the great unknown reaches of our front room.  Twizzler will go to his new home with his litter mate Tootsie Pup. This is going to be a fun pair. 

Structurally, Twizzler is a good example of the breed at six weeks and the promise of becoming a show quality dog is still a possibility once his coloring declares itself fully. His foreleg bone size is hefty, his hip stance is very good, and his body flows smoothely from shoulder to hips. His head shape is very good and well domed with great ears hanging off the back of his skull. His snout is boxy and has no bite issues.

When judged against our six point system Twizzler received all five points derived from the AKC Basset Hound Standard and almost the enitre point we give for beauty and personality. Twizzler is a joy to snuggle with and is at least a bit patient for pictures and the like. I will give him all six points, but he is definetly a pet quality puppy at six weeks (though he might improve over time).

There is always one pup with a resurgent Dew Claw.

Twizzler is the one in this litter.

The Penny Candies Litter: Six Week Evaluation : Tootsie Pup (Taken)

 Pricilla  Pixie Stix (AKC) (AKA: Pixie, Princessa Silly, Pretty Silly) and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades (AKC) (AKA: Rockzilla, RockandRolla) paired up to give us a wonderful nine puppy litter that has come to the sixth week. This is the time when I spend just a bit more time looking critically at their form and personality. All nine pups will be good pets quality dogs when fully grown, but even at this young age there are subtle differences which make each on a person all on their own. 

Generally speaking, all of the pups are in good health, with one minor exception in one puppy. The Banks Vet.  found no bite or bone issues and all have been vaccinated, worm, and flea protected. We will give one more vaccine at seven weeks and all of this is documented in the puppy packets that come with every one of them individually. 

Tootsie Pup is tricksy. 
He has been working on opening the gate latch for three days.

Tootsie Pup  came into the world weighing  a healthy 14.7 ounces and at six weeks weighs a hefty 6.1 pounds. He is not the biggest, but he does possess a weighty personality. Tootsie Pup has the sort of high school cool that drives the girls crazy. He will be going to California with his brother Twizzler. 

This boy is the sort of small frame puppy we are always looking to find in our litters. Structurally he is very good with a broad chest and heavy foreleg bone size. He carries himself well, with an agressivness to his stance that usually means strong hip bone health.  His broad chest will eventually deepen , but today it is the beginning of a smoothly put together little boy Basset. He is a smaller form of Basset and we expect he will develope into something very good. We have high hopes for this one. Tootsie has a wonderfully domed head shape with very good ears which hang very far back on his skull. A wonderful example of an American styled Basset baby. 

Personality wise, Tootsie is a clever little guy. He has been working on finding a way out of the pen for the past few days, and he almost has it figured out. He is not particularly loud and usually keeps to himself, when the others allow it. He doesn't shirk a goof fight, but isn't the sort to go looking for trouble either. On day one I thought he might be showing signs of becoming a field dog, but so far he just seems to be a pretty boy instead. 

The only thing keeping Tootsie from having show dog good looks is a slightly tight coat, otherwise he is nearly perfect. He recieves all five of the AKC Standard derived points, and also the single point for aesthetics. This one might grow into becoming a very good Basset Hound. Six out of Six points.

The Penny Candies Litter: Six Week Evaluation : Necco "Niko" (Taken)

 Pricilla  Pixie Stix (AKC) (AKA: Pixie, Princessa Silly, Pretty Silly) and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades (AKC) (AKA: Rockzilla, RockandRolla) paired up to give us a wonderful nine puppy litter that has come to the sixth week. This is the time when I spend just a bit more time looking critically at their form and personality. All nine pups will be good pets quality dogs when fully grown, but even at this young age there are subtle differences which make each on a person all on their own. 

Generally speaking, all of the pups are in good health. The Banks Vet. found no bite or bone issues and all have been vaccinated, wormed, and flea protected. We will give one more vaccine at seven weeks and all of this is documented in the puppy packets that come with every one of them individually. 

Niko is a hard charging little boy. 

Necco (Niko) was the biggest of the litter on day one, weighing a full pound. Today he is still the champion weighing a solid 6.8 pounds. He is as cuddly a puppy as any, but if left alone he will explore every room in the house at a full gallop. And he is a scrappy little guy, a big growly, a lot barky. He has a big personality. I have always liked this puppy, he has pazzazz.

Structurally he is very good and very strong. His foreleg bone size is wonderful and his stance, perhaps the best way to tell how the hips are formed, is perfect. His stance is very agressive and he strains to get moving whenever his feet hit the floor. Niko has a wonderful head shape with a good jaw setting and perfect ear setting. He has his father's big nose and ample fews, so he will look very Bassety even when he is young and skinny. His ears are exactly right for placement and size. From his wide chest he flows smoothly back to his wasp waist and very chunky hips. I expect he will become a full sized Basset as an adult, perhaps fifty-five pounds at three years. Giving him lots of excersize will keep him from getting too big, too early. The boy likes his food. . . 

Niko is a Basset with a stubborn streak, but he doesn't mean anything by it. He is not the type to sit around when there may be things to go and see. He is not the sort to spend a lot of time lap sitting and can be a handful at times. He is an independant sort and built tough.

Of the five AKC Standard derived points he gets all five, there is nothing wrong with the boy. He also gets the full point for pretty, but we don;t expect he will develope the European Traits that seem to swin dog shows. He is going to be a wonderful family pet. Six of six points is as good as it gets.

The Penny Candies Litter: Six Week Evaluation : Smartie "Cash" (Taken)

 Pricilla  Pixie Stix (AKC) (AKA: Pixie, Princessa Silly, Pretty Silly) and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades (AKC) (AKA: Rockzilla, RockandRolla) paired up to give us a wonderful nine puppy litter that has come to the sixth week. This is the time when I spend just a bit more time looking critically at their form and personality. All nine pups will be good pets quality dogs when fully grown, but even at this young age there are subtle differences which make each on a person all on their own. 

Generally speaking, all of the pups are in good health. The Banks Vet.  found no bite or bone issues and all have been vaccinated, worm, and flea protected. We will give one more vaccine at seven weeks and all of this is documented in the puppy packets that come with every one of them individually. 

Cash is to be the third Rocketdog Boy in the family.

Cash (Smartie) is a lucky little boy. The family he will go to has two one year old males to keep him company. He is ready for the challenge. 

Cash came into the world the largest of the lot at 13.3 ounces. Since then he has grown a bit and now weighs a healthy 7.0 pounds, still the largest of the lot. He likes being the biggest and uses his size to get what he wants. 

Structurally Cash is very good, almost perfect. His hip stance is very agressive and this add to the way he looks when at reast. He is a very strong puppy and looks the part. His foreleg bone size is very good and the chest they are attached to is quite broad and strong. He tapers smoothly from shoulder to hip and has a physique quite a lot like his Sire. He is built for speed (if only in the short run). Cash has a good head shape and is quite wide in the skull. His jaw setting is great and sits well under his boxy snout. This wntire litter is of the American styling, so the coat is not loose, but Cash will likely grow large fews on his face, just like his father. 

Cash is a big boy and has a big boy personality. He will need that agressive behavior where he is going. But I bet he rules the roost before too long. Cash is quick and snarly. He gets what he wants.

Of the five ALC Standard points he gets all five. This one might be a good breeding opportunity since he is an excellent example of the breed. He also gets the full point for pretty. There simpy is nothing wrong about him. 

The Penny Candies Litter: Six Week Evaluation : Dot "Winnie" (Taken)

Winne refused to stay still for pictures.
Much too much to see and smell.

 Pricilla  Pixie Stix (AKC) (AKA: Pixie, Princessa Silly, Pretty Silly) and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades (AKC) (AKA: Rockzilla, RockandRolla) paired up to give us a wonderful nine puppy litter that has come to the sixth week. This is the time when I spend just a bit more time looking critically at their form and personality. All nine pups will be good pets quality dogs when fully grown, but even at this young age there are subtle differences which make each on a person all on their own. 

Generally speaking, all of the pups are in good health. The Banks Vet. found no bite or bone issues and all have been vaccinated, wormed, and flea protected. We will give one more vaccine at seven weeks and all of this is documented in the puppy packets that come with every one of them individually. 

Winne, who had been named Dot on day one, came out talking loudly and so far hasn't been the least bit quiet, though some of the others have bigger voices. She is a funny and barky little thing who has her own  opinions and likes to share them. She was born on January 30th at 2:40 in the afternoon and weighed a healthy 13.8 ounces. Since then she has packed it on a bit and now weighs a repectable 6.2 pounds. She will be living on the Oregon Coast in Astoria where she is sure to become a tourist attraction of sorts.

At birth I predicted she would be colored more red than white, but it seems I was wrong. Bassets change colored quite a bit in their first three years but I expect she will eventually become largely white in color with large red patches. In the next few weeks her ears will likely hang to the ground. In time we expect she will become a mid-sized Basset of around forty-five pounds. Her Veterinary check-up found no health issues. She has been vaccinated, wormed, and flea drops applied.

What a face. 

When judged against out six point standard Winnie is a very good pet quality Basset Hound with good foreleg bone size and an adequate hip stance. Stance often gives us a good idea of how the hips are developing and Winnie, despite her wigglishness, has a strong easy stance. Her chest height is normal for a puppy her age, but we expect she will develop a nice deep chest by three years old. From her shoulders to her hips the structure of her ribs flows smoothely and without and flangeing. Winnie's head shape is well domed and symmetrical with a good jaw setting. Her snout is a bit blockish, with well draped fews, a trait of her boxy nosed sire Rocky's exceptional facial features. Her ears are well set back on the head, not optimally, but certainly adequate to the job. 

Winnie has a strong personality. She has always been something of a talker and just this morning she could be found barking orders at the big dogs (who were merely trying to eat breakfast). She is a lover, but never shirks a good wrestle either. This one likes to raom and is usually the puppy that needs caught when it is time to return to the kennel after meals. She is fearlesss and opinionated. 

Winnie is soft furred and has a symmetrically colored face with a very large white blaze. Of the five points available using the AKC system Winnie is a solid five of five. She is a well built Basset Hound at six weeks. For the bonus point I have to say that despite her cutenesss, she has little of what we look for in aesthetic beauty points and psycological traits we often equate with a show dog. She is a lovely little girl and will become a great companion. Overall Winnie gets five and one half points of the six available. 

Week Five in Full Effect

 The Candies are growing by leaps and bounds due to their newly found favorite thing: Eating Solid Food!

They went from eating around a cup of Puppy Chow last weekend to polishing off a bit over two cups this morning. Of course what goes in, must come out again and this is a bit of a laudry problem. But we are somewhat used to doing laundry all day, every day, for the last three or so weeks heading toward them going to their furever homes. 

For the last few years we have masked the scent of puppy poo using a simmering pot of cloves and cinnamon. And this workeed pretty well. But this year I bought a handful of incense sticks to try and keep the cost down a bit.  So far so good and lighting the sticks isn't necessary until they sort of run out of naturally nice stuff. 

This week we have well puppy checks at the Banks Vet.  and Six Week Evaluations early next week.

We still have two pups looking for families. If you are interested just give Ann a call at 503-351-0212.

People are Useful Things

We did vaccines this morning, so as of Saturday morning we'll all be able to handle the Candies and things get a bit more fun. There are still two tri-colored pups available so get in touch if you need to know more. Ann won't let me keep any of them or they'd be mine right now. :-)

Our puppies have all decided that being picked up and cuddled is okay fine. We work hard at socializing the babies . . . Real hard.

The pups are all still toddlers, big eyes in a new world, but they are eating solid food with gusto. Pixie is doing what she can to fill up their gaps so they are gaining weight pretty quickly right now.  

Puppy Chow Time

There are still two pups which have yet to find families. 

Chic-O-Stix

Mary Jane

This morning we jumped the gun on weening a few days. Pricilla Pixe Stix wasn't keeping up with nine pups demands so we decided to ween two days before scheduling. Once upon a time we used Organic whole milk for this but changed to organic beef broth two years ago. The pups love the stuff and today we gave them about a tablespoon of kibble each, just about the size of their little tummies. 

The upside to all of this is that they will begin sleeping a regular schedule, so it follows that we will be sleeping the night through as well. The downside of  this is that laundry will soon be an all day every day thing. When we ween puppies Pixie won't help keeping things cleaned up. 

The Candies really love it.

Once very soft, but not completely mush, in it goes.

We douse the kibble in organic beef broth.

The whole clan waiting for the Candy's First Breakfast

The Candies are Playing

There are still two pups which have yet to find families. 

Chic-O-Stix

Mary Jane

One of the things we are always looking forward to is the week that our pups start into figuring out how to amuze themselves. Last Monday they began figuring things out so we added little toys to the Areana, but these got little notice until yesterday. One particular banana is always a favorite because it has petals which makes it easy to carry around a big thing. Others are there mostly to carry around once they figure out how.

Playing between themselves looks a lot like gumming whatever is closest, at first, then evolves into pushing and pulling each other around by whatever fur shows up. Some get right into wrestling, some ignore it for as long as they can. Some snarling happens, a few challenging barks, a lot of growling. Occasionally there is something like the chase game that gets started, but they forget what the goals are and the game lasts just a second or two. They have room to explore and more than enough for large games of tag.

Yesterday I spent some quality time with a few of the pups and it was easy to play "catch the nose and challenge games. We try not to allow biting games with humans because it gets very tiresome defending against parahna attacks from puppies that are out for blood. We spend a lot of time "working" at socializing the babies and getting them ready for when visitors begin dropping by. The vaccines will happen soon and we'll be able to let people handle their choices, but for now it is still strictly hands off so you might just hold off coming before a play date. Either way we're glad to have you.

This morning, and I mean two in the morning when someone has to get up an supervise, they were all hard at it. Growling, snapping, wrestling, puppy danger everywhere. Toys flying, gate crashing, puppies barking everywhere. It was beginning to look a bit rough. But this is just the start. And we like it.

It is going to get noisy pretty soon. Closed caption television happiness will become a thing. 

The Penny Candies at Three Weeks

Pricilla Pixie Stix and Rocketdog Rockford Rhoades have brought us some wonderful and widly varied pups. This is Pixie's first litter so it is nigh on impossible to tell what is going to turn up until they show up. So far we have a wonderful bunch of fur bearing critters and no health issues at all.

The Candies are all growing at about the right rate, as judged by weight, though every litter is different. We expect them to grow quickly and these all have. If someone appears to be falling behind they get a bit of extra attention and some time to catch up. We clipped all the little nails and weighed everyone for this three week check-up. They will be given their doctor's visit in mid-March. Our next evaluation is the Six Week Final Evaluation at six weeks. 

Each pup show whether he or she has a family or not in the title. If you have an interest in knowing more please call Ann at 503-351-0212 and we'll tell you anything you want to know.

Twizzler - Taken

Twizzler has a family in Roseville and will live there with his brother Tootsie Pop Twizzler is now a 40 ounce wiggler, so is a bit hard to hold down. He is a beautiful puppy with a very nice ermine spotting showing up in his fur.

There is always one dewclaw in every litter that comes back, this is the one.

Bazooka Joe - Male Taken

Bazooka Joe has found a family in Vancouver and will be going there with his brother Hubba Bubba. It is half the work to have two Bassets.

Joe is a smaller form of Basset at 32 Ounces. His Ermine spotting is beginning to show. Joe is adorable and has great form at three weeks

Mary Jane - Available Female

Mary Jane is a Model of exceptional beauty. She is a smaller form and weighs 31 Ounces today.

Her whiter than white fur is beginning to show ermine spotting.

Chic-O-Stix - Available Female

This Chic is a GoGo and happy as can be. A very pretty, very energetic little girl.

She has some spotting showing up in her white places. A larger puppy, she weighs 39 ounces bone dry.

Hubba Bubba - Male Taken

Bubba has a family in Vancouver and they are in for a treat.
Bubba is a atheletic little fellow at 33 ounces.

Hubba Bubba is a kissy face who loves giving attention.
His family has taken his brother Joe as well.
The two will both cause, and stay out of, trouble together.

Tootsie Pop - Male Taken

Tootsie will live in Roseville with his brother Twizzler.
Tootsie Pop is a super nice boy and weighs a heafty 39 ounces
He has great form for a field dog with his heavy bones and broad skull.

I see this one developing into a wonderful Basset of the Euro style.
This one is a fierecracker. Loads of fun and snuggles after.

Winnie (Dot) - Female Taken

The sweetest little girl in the bunch.
Winnie is a cuddler of exceptional skill.

Calm and patient. With a eyes you might lose yourself in.
Winnie is a big one at 42 ounces.

Necco (Niko) - Male Taken

This is potentially a Field Basset with stout legs and independat spirit. He is a hefty little lemon at 44 ounces.

Necco has a family waiting in San Mateo Look at the naturally strong stance at three weeks.

Cash (Smarty) - Male Taken

Cash will go to a home with two other Rocketdog males So his life will be a riot and he will hold his own.  Two Bassets is easier, but three is may be a wild bunch. Cash is a lovable little monster.  This one is very active, very engaged, and very snuggly. He is by far the largest at 49 ounces.

A Big Big World

The Penny Candies Strarted escaping the Whelping Pool.

Necco - Male - Red and White - Has a family in central California. 
Tootsie Pop - Male - Red and White
Dot - Female - Red and White - Has a nice family in Astoria to take care of.
Mary Jane - Female - Tri-colored
Smartie - Male - Red and White has chosen a home with two Rocketdog Brothers.
Twizzler - Male - Tri-colored
Hubba Bubba - Male - Tri-colored - Has a wonderful new Family in Vancouver. 
Bazooka Joe - Male - Tri-colored - Will be going with Hubba Bubba to Vancouver.
Chic-O-Stix - Female -  Tri-colored

It usually happens, just after their little eyes come open and their little legs get under them, that a few intrepid souls slip the bonds of their Whelping Pool and go out looking for Momma. It is an exciting milestone which triggers our taking out the protection of the pool and lets the real fun begin. They all started running yesterday so it was just a matter of when.

There are still four of these little beauties available for families interested in having some fun. Just call Ann at 503-351-0212 or use the email widget on the page and we'll put two and two together. 

We Have Peepers!

We See You Too!
 Ain't it neat?

 There is a milestone in all of our lives which we often just assume is nature's way and so sort of mundane and we don't celebrate it for what it is. One of those things is the day our eyes open for the first time. Sort of a big deal when you stop to think about it. Something deserving a moment of appreciation at least . . .

Today our little Penny Candies have started opening their eyes and we always celebrate the day by picking each one up as we see their eyes open and exclaim "Peepers!" and the say hello to this newly aware lump of poop and fur and need and joy.  Congratulations Penny Candies: 

Well Hello Little Peepers!

Deposits are Open for the Penny Candy Litter

 We are accepting Deposits on the Penny Candy Litter. Look over our Contract and the guidance we offer before deciding anything.. We encourage visiting us before making your deposit and can Video Conference vists as needed. 

To help out a bit here are the nine puppy pages I made, one for each.

Necco - Male - Red and White
Tootsie Pop - Male - Red and White
Dot - Female - Red and White - Has a nice family in Astoria to take care of.
Mary Jane - Female - Tri-colored
Smartie - Male - Red and White has chosen a home with two Rocketdog Brothers.
Twizzler - Male - Tri-colored
Hubba Bubba - Male - Tri-colored - Has a wonderful new Family in Vancouver. 
Bazooka Joe - Male - Tri-colored - Will be going with Hubba Bubba to Vancouver.
Chic-O-Stix - Female -  Tri-colored

January 30 Update: This morning we removed dewclaws. A simple surgery which gets rid of a hard to maintain thumbnail and stops a common injury when the dog is running in the fields.  Even though this is a good thing to do, makes the puppy's life easier, doesn't hurt the babies, and will make the family more comfortable, I really dread Dewclaw Day. This amounts to a paper cut injury that is over a second after it begins. It really is a minor thing and you will thank Ann for doing this because your puppy will hug you with wonderfully soft and furrry arms. But the day is a bit of a tough sell for me. 

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February 2 update: We did weights today and everyone looks very good. We have three that are a bit light weight, but nothing remotely like a failure to thrive thing. They are all up on their feet and scoot walking fast around the whelping pool. We expect to see peepers in a few days along with toddlers, so we are watching for spoots and swimmers to make sure there's no rear end issues. After the first week we are not seeing any trouble worth calling out and everyone is cuddly and bright.

Four of them have furever homes in the first week, two go to one family so they are going to have a wonderful time chasing animals and finding trouble together. One little boy will go to a family with two young males, so they are in for the full treatment.  Five still need families but if the past tells us anything it is that there will only be one remaining at the end of next week. Please come visit before making a firm decisions, we can video conference if this is the best you can do. Call Ann at 503-351-0212 to set up a visit. 

The Penny Candy Litter Day Three

 We don't usually do daily updates, so this might be the last daily update for a little while, just until we get eyes opened and they start walking and wagging. All three are milestones leading up to the more important weening and fun stuff. 

This is a Winter litter, so our days are largely a bit wet and far too cold for babies to go outside to play. But we are hoping for some fun days outdoors and it happens . . . I will update pictures when there is something new to see, otherwise the pictures we have posted are all there is. We can take picture and send them as requested. If you want a Zoom, Facebook, Cellphone, or some other virtual visit, just ask. We have many vidoe visit tools to use. 

The pups are strong and doing very well. There are a few loud ones, a bit of puppy barking going on in there too. The whelping pool gets pretty nasty as Pixie drops the remainder of her birthing liquids and other gross stuff, but cleanup is a snap. Laundry is always a thing for us since we only use linens to soak up the nastinesses that come with lots of dogs in such a small spot. In a week or two we will remove the pool and let them learn to run. 

Our larger tangle of hounds is respectful of Pixie and her brood by not trying to look at them. Pixie is being very patient with everyone and very, very, patient with Ann and my constantly counting noses and cleaning things up. The Moms usually are thankful for the help. 

People who wish to reserve their choice of puppy(s) can go ahead.  Just call Ann at 503-351-0212 and we'll walk you through the process. But it is pretty simple: You pick a puppy, we send out an invoice (via Square.com only) for the non-refundable deposit, the Contract is agreed to when you put the payment down. We offer breeding rights, delivery, Air Delivery (to the airport of your choice), and a big discount for people wishing to have more than one Basset in their lives. It is half the work to have two Bassets for many good reasons (ask around). 

We only use Square.com for our transactions, but cash is okay so long as it is in person. Once you have made your choice(s) you can name the pup or use our kennel name until you decide later on. Waiting before choosing is a great idea, but it rarely happens that people hold off until six week evaluations and things are always on a first deposit wins basis.  Deliveries to families can begin at the end of March, but you might leave the puppy with us for a few extra weeks and they will be given advanced Basset Hound training from our Tangle of Hounds. It makes for a more Bassety puppy generally.

We allow visits and encourage a visit before making any cash decisions, but until the fourth week vaccines we don't allow touching puppies. We are north of Banks, Oregon, and west of North Plains and have great access to Highway 26.  After the four week vaccines we encourage people to come play with puppies and things get more fun. Distemper and Parvo vaccines are required before anyone touches anything here, but we also do Para-Influensa and Adeno, as well as worming a few times. We do not do any sort of testing since we own our male for two generations and they are tested for AKC requirements. Nothing of note genetically is passed from the Mother so we don't believe testing adds anything usefull to the process or points out anything important, so please don't ask. Eye care is done at the six week Veterenary Visit. Our Six Week Evaluation will spot anything worrisome about bone problems early on but good diet and lots of excersize will help ensure good bone development. 

After vaccines we begin weening so the place will have a smell to it that is undeniable. Call Ann to make a vistation arrangment because having too many people here at once makes things more complicated than they need be. We have a great many Bassets and they are all much too freindly so plan you fashion choices accordingly. But do come.

The Penny Candy Litter - Necco - Day One

Some puppies are just big, by far the heavyweight champion at one pound even, and happy. This is the only way to describe Necco (Niko), a very large male that will likely become a mottled red and white happy boy pal. He arrived  at 3:05 P.M. on January 30th, 2026 and was happy to wander slowly around until he ran into Pixie for a late lunch and a nap. I liked him the moment I saw him and this is something I am looking for in the pups, instant likability. I look forward to watching him develope.

Male
Red and White

16 Ounces
23.10 1st Week
Very Strong