Seda Havanese

The Puppy Puzzle Evaluations ✨🐾

Another important milestone for the Soirée litter!

At approximately 8 weeks of age (+ or - 3 days), we complete structural evaluations using the Pat Hastings Puppy Puzzle method.

Unlike temperament testing, which looks at personality and responses to the world, the Puppy Puzzle focuses on structure — evaluating how the puppy is physically put together and predicting how that structure should mature into adulthood.

For over 10 years now, I’ve travelled to visit Trudy Taphorn for these evaluations. Trudy is now a CKC licensed judge for limited breeds and has years of experience evaluating puppies and structure. One of the reasons I value having another experienced set of eyes involved is that it helps prevent “kennel blindness” — sometimes we become so familiar with our own puppies that it’s harder to remain fully objective.

We saw Tudy at 8weeks plus 3 days which was Friday, May 22nd - my first day off is 6 straight. I always evaluate in birth order, so Beau was first up 💙

💙 Beau (our pick male) has a very strong front with excellent prosternum and a lovely blend from neck into shoulder with fabulous layback. He preferred sitting over standing on the table 😄 which made evaluating his rear a little trickier, but even so, he showed good hock length, nice overall lines, and a very strong topline both standing and in suspension. Add in his beautiful scissor bite and gorgeous head, and it’s easy to see why he continues to stand out.

🖤 Seren was our top female and, honestly, that surprised me a little. When she was younger, her topline had looked somewhat soft to me. But this is exactly why evaluations at this age are so important — we evaluate the puppy in front of us as the dog they are expected to mature into, not simply based on earlier stages.

Seren consistently scored 8-8+ (out of 9 where 5 is considered show average) across the board in front, shoulders, rear, topline, and overall balance, making her the overall pick puppy of the litter ✨

💙 Valor is above show average throughout and takes after his sire a bit more, particularly with a somewhat shorter neck, but stronger rear and a gorgeous head. What really stood out, however, was his eye contact and engagement. Trudy agreed that Valor is likely to be a very biddable dog — a lovely quality for obedience, rally, and other performance sports. Such a kind-hearted little guy.

✨ Astra was my surprise puppy. I had been quietly watching her as a possible show prospect, but this is another reason why outside evaluations are so valuable.

Astra has a very strong rear and is well above show average in that area. She is a little more upright in her shoulder, which will naturally create a higher head carriage in the ring. Ultimately, however, it was her length and shape of chest that moved her out of consideration as a breeding/show prospect.

That said, she is going to make an absolutely wonderful companion for a very lucky family 💖

❤️ Tino is also above show average with a strong rear and nice topline. Like Valor, he is somewhat upright in shoulder with a shorter neck, but he was relaxed and easy to evaluate. Handled this evaluation better than his temperament test which confirmed to me he was just starting his first fear stage last week. Such a thoughtful and sweet little boy.

The puppies actually travelled better coming home than they did on the trip there 😄

Apparently sharing crates with siblings on the drive up was a serious injustice that needed to be loudly discussed 🤣🐾

Thank you once again Trudy!