Six Weeks Evaluations: The International Candies Litter : Cadbury

 At Six Weeks of age we evaluate our litters using a six point set of criteria. Five of these points are derived from the American Kennel Club Standard for the breed. One point is given that is subjective and purely based on what we like to see for coloring and aesthetic qualities. It is difficult to look into a puppy's future and see what they will truly become, but at six weeks there is enough of the traits emerging in appearance and personality to give it a good guess.

Our breeding program has been aimed toward breeding a smaller form of Basset Hound, something that won't exceed forty pounds when fully adult and perhaps less than fourteen inches at the shoulder. In this litter we only see two pups of this smaller form developing, four which will be of the more normal American Basset size (perhaps fifty pound fully grown and fifteen inches at the shoulder) and one standard sized little boy who will likely top out at sixty pounds. All of the Candies show very good traits, but as is the usual, the sire (Rocky) brought into the mix all that we expect in an American Basset Hound. The very long ears, head shape, boxy nose shape, and heavy foreleg size are all of Rocky's very good features. Lilly, the Dame, is a good example of the smaller form Basset and has very good features as well.

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Cadbury is a great puppy. Fun, strong, fierce, and adventurous. Absolutely a great example of the breed and I really can't say too much to point out his greatness.

Structurally Cadbury is nearly perfect. His well domed head, boxy snout, adequate fews, and extraordinarily long ears make him a prince among his kind. The Head is supported by a thick neck which rises agressively over very heavy foreleg bones. His body tapers smoothly back to a narrow waste and his stocky hips are a joy to watch as he runs. Everything about this puppy is good or better than good. 

He has wonderful skin folding and excellent facial coloring symmetry, he even takes a good picture.  He has a strong will and is hard to catch when he doesn't want caught. If tends toward collecting things he shouldn't have, and this is half the fun. He's a wonderful little boy.

He gets all six points, the five for Form, and the one for Pretty. He is a good prospect for breeding and will likely become something better than he is growing up. Breeding rights are avaiable for him if needed. He's a good one.