Champion Topsfield-Sanchu Whoopi joined our family at the BHCA Nationals in Columbus IN, October 2002. Grandson of 2001 and 2002 #1 Basset Hound and # 1 Hound, All Systems, 2003 BHCA National Specialty winner, CH Topsfield Bumper Cars. Father CH Topsfield Sanchu Sportscar slipped into #1 position in 2003 remaining #1 into 2004, winning in prestige venues. Whoopi follows in his father’s, CH Topsfield-Sanchu Sports Cars, Red and White “pawprints”, with excellent confirmation and a warm, loving personality. His lineage is profound with Grandmother CH Sanchu’s Ginger, Best of Winners at the 1999 BHCA Specialty and Champion Mom, CH Topsfield Loop-the –Loop. Breed by Claudia Orlandi, Topsfield Kennel of Vermont, Whoopi is co-owned with Claire “Kitty” Steidel, Sanchu Bassets, San Ynez, CA.

Major Whoopi

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Crossroads Bless Your Heart “Bliss” is from our 1st liter and named, based on The Heartbeats theme when we saw the heartbeats on the ultrasound. Bliss is a busy Bee that enjoys showing and is having fun growing up! Bliss began showing towards her championship and was awarded her first point on her 8th month birthday.


Champion Barnyard Bessie @ the Crossroads became a member of our family at four months with a big red bow around her neck, as our 2001 Christmas present. After hearing the history of Barnyard Bassets and meeting Max & Pat Harder at the 2001 Nationals, we liked what we saw in their award winning Veterans Bitch and knew that their breeding was just what we were looking for. “Bessie”, named for Blues singer Bessie Smith is “Refined Flash” with clear coloring, excellent confirmation and angulation. After much discussion, CH Ol’ South Stonewall Salvatore was chosen to sire our 1st litter as both he and Bessie were bred with strong Barnyard lineage.

Bessie was a real trooper whelping her litter of four males and 2 females weighing in at 12 to 15 oz. This was one of the most special experiences of life! We were coached and assisted by Kevin Whelan and Dr. Jennifer Bell. Bessie became our 4th Champion on May 15, 2004 at the Coyote Hills Kennel Club show. After another litter Bessie will retire to Pet status.


Champion Symphony’s Maestro took us to another level in showing finishing his championship at 11 months. “Muddy” comes from a strong background of Champion performers and winning 5, 4,3, 2, and 1 point shows in a period of six months. After timeout “to grow up”, Muddy started showing at 3 years on a limited basis as he matured. Muddy began to “come on strong” in the summer of 2000, finishing the year with his 19th BOB win and placing #20 Basset in the nation.

We are blessed with good fortune and found ourselves representing the Basset Hound breed in the Hound Group over time. One day to our amazement, a delightful lady with a Bloodhound that regularly wins in Group says, “that’s a really nice Basset Hound”. “Thank you, but Basset Hounds rarely get picked in Group”. “That dog’s nice enough to win in Group” she says, and as they say … the rest is history.

The lady is Gretchen Schultz, a second-generation Southern California; registered and certified Professional Handler.

All because of “Camp” Schultz’s belief in “one nice Basset Hound”, Muddy ranked #4 in Breed and #3 in All Breed for 2001, and #4 in Breed and All Breed in 2002. As one judge told us, “It’s a total package we look for, especially in group.” Muddy competed both years at The Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York and was invited to the The AKC Ukanuba Show for the past 3 years.

Muddy completed his campaign in 2002 with 96 Best of Breed wins and 20 group placements. He was in the top of his breed, invited to the AKC Eukanuba in December, 2003 where he won 1st Award of Merit under Judge Mrs. Elaine Rigden. In 2003- 2004 he showed on a limited basis coming out in March 2004 winning, as a 1st time Veteran, Best Veteran and Best of Opposite Sex at the BHC Southern California Specialty.
Bred by Kevin and Deborah Whelan, Symphony Bassets developed their winning formula breeding their 1993 Westminster KC BOS winner, and Muddy’s Grandmother, CH. Woodhaven’s Symphony, ROM.

With refined features, his straight topline, parallel planed head, low set velvety ears and set back tail, Muddy has a natural perfect “7” hocks, a prominent sternum and deep layback of the shoulder. Highly confident, even in temperament and comical in personality, Muddy is extremely affectionate and an adored pet and family member.


The Blues Brothers were completed when “Elwood” came to our family in April of 1996. Champion Windblown Rope A Star, AKA, “Elwood” was bred by Sandy and Jerry Hopper in the last litter they delivered before moving to Idaho. Elwood, a big red & white took third place in the Open Dog class at the 1998 BHCA nationals and became a champion himself the same year. Elwood was shown selectively in the Best of Breed class in 1999 and won over 58 at the Kennel Club of Palm Springs in Jan. ‘99.


Woodhaven’s Joliet Jake, a loyal companion was acquired in 1995 from Woodhaven Bassets, Fontana, Ca. Jake’s father CH Woodhaven’s Field of Dreams, was an award winning champion with an illustrious record to his credit. Jake trained and responds to obedience commands and is a loyal friend.

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