SAMPLE ARTICLES

Jean Dills: Evaluating Puppies

Raising a Performance Litter

Happy Beagling: Whelping Puppies at Chardon

Chondrodystrophy Gene Mapped!

Agility Guidance

The Sternum & Chest

From The Jean Dills System
of Evaluating Puppies
(2007)

First published in SBQ in July 1995 as part of a “Meet The Breeder” interview, Mrs. Dills’ system of evaluating a puppy has been widely used and, over time, adjusted by many breeders to generally prove accurate within their own programs. We felt it was worth publishing again in March 2001 and because we like it so much, here it is once again. She says:

“I like to emphasize that this system worked well for my own line. Other lines may show variation, so breeders should keep records on their own line and perhaps adjust the parameters accordingly.

Once a puppy “measured in” to my specifications, we would evaluate other things such as ear, eye, tail set, angulation, temperament, etc.. In the next few months, the puppy would probably look like one thing one week and another the next, but if the proportions were correct at 6 1/2 weeks, they would be right at one year.”

Jean Dills is a well respected former breeder and owner of the well known Pickadilly Beagles, best remembered from the 60’s and 70’s. She is an AKC judge and resides in Arlington, Washington....