Crossroads Bassets is very pleased to announce the arrival of five Basset puppies, 4 girls and one boy whelped March 29, 2009.

If you have ever given thought to owning and AKC Champion Basset Hound and you live in the greater Los Angles, Riverside or Orange County California area, one girl is available for for co-ownership; contact karenspillane@verizon.net

The Dam Crossroads Bassets  AKC Champion Mississippi Mud “Missy”,

the Sire Max and Pat Harder’s Barnyard Bassets AKC Champion Legends of the Fall “Tristan” award of merit winner at the 2008 Basset Hound Club of America Nationals Dallas, Texas.

Dog News

Tally-Ho

Basset Hound Club of America publication

Tally-Ho

Basset Hound Club of America publication

Torrance basset back from NY show

Muddy, owner savor experience

By Josh Grossberg
STAFF WRITER

A Torrance basset hound came home from the Westminster Dog Show empty-pawed Wednesday, according to high-ranking insiders.

Muddy, the 3-year-old hound, entered the prestigious New York contest at the behest of his owner, Karen Spillane. The pair traveled to new York over the weekend to compete against a dozen other bassets.

Spillane said she had a wonderful time, despite losing the event.

“We saw the most gorgeous dogs and well behaved,” Spillane said. “There were the most loving I’ve seen in my life.”

Despite the breed’s reputation for being cuddly, Spillane denied that the dogs at the event were anything of the kind, at least not when they were being judged.

“Cute is a word I wouldn’t use,” she said. “They were there for a purpose.”

For his part, Muddy had a wonderful time, his spokeswoman said, although he developed a fondness for the company of small rodents.

“He sniffed and scooted everywhere,” Spillane said. “He discovered squirrels and he had to stop and bark at them. He was really intrigued with squirrels and how they climb trees.”

Muddy, who will be rejoining the dog circuit with trips in the coming weeks to San Diego and Arizona, hopes to try the Westminster Dog Show again next year.

“He had a marvelous time,” Spillane said. “he loved being there. If he ranks next year in the top 10 dogs, we’re going to go. That’s my goal. He’s got a bright future.”

From The Daily Breeze – South Bay
February 11, 2001

Torrance pooch goes on parade

Muddy isn’t just your average hound

By Josh Grossberg
STAFF WRITER

He may be on his way to canine glory, but Muddy, the rumpled basset hound, can only think of one thing: cheese.

Ribbons of drool fall from his fleshy mouth as his owner; Karen Spillane of Torrance, gets his attention with a piece of cheddar as they pose for a picture together.

“He’s a lovable couch potato, very laid back,” she said. “Yet he’s got a hound’s great nose.”

All droppy-eyed and loosey-goosey, the 3-year-old Muddy hardly seems like the stunning climax of generations of breeding, but he is. He’s already won many local and regional awards and, starting Monday, he’ll compete with other members of the pooch pantheon in the Westminster Dog Show in New York.

‘He started winning a lot’

“I was doing it as a hobby, but last summer he started winning a lot,” Spillane said. “If I can do this part time, what can I do if I really go for it?”
The longest continuously running sporting event after the Kentucky Derby, the Westminster Dog Show is now in its 125th year: Only champions, which are vetted through a series of lesser contests, are allowed to participate in the Nobel prize of the canine world.

“They’ve paid their dues through hard work, training and building a rapport with their handler,” said Nancy Matlock, director of communications for the American Kennel Club. “These dogs will be in top show condition and top physical condition. All these dogs are not only excellent specimens, they have a little extra panache.”

Good parallel planes

Muddy currently ranks No. 20 in the world of basset hounds. To become the best, a dog must measure up to a Platonic ideal of dogdom. In his case, Muddy has good parallel planes (the top of his head and snout are in alignment), his back is nice and straight, as are his hocks, or back legs.

Those who might doubt the interests of the Spillane household need only step aside. Aside from Muddy, and his look-alike friends Jake and Elwood, there are basset hound-themed items everywhere: oven mitts, refridgerator magnets, pillows, stuffed animals, the latest copy of Basset Tales magazine, and of course, a wall nearly covered with ribbons from previous victories.

“I never felt about anything the way I feel about Muddy since my children,” said Spillane, who works at home as regional vice president for Bullova Corp.
Spillane and her husband, Philip, travel to various dog shows with Muddy throughout the year. With children grown and gone, they have the time to spend with the pooches. But they don’t treat the dogs like show pieces.
“First and foremost, they are our pets,” Spillane said. “They are a part of the family.”

While she’d be thrilled if Muddy won first place, Spillane said she’s happy with the experience.

“It’s a long shot,” she said. “If you go to win, you’re going to be disappointed. My dog never knows if he won or lost. He gets as much love either way. We’re not going to win, we’re going to have a fabulous time.”