The first 8 weeks

The first 8 weeks we didn't get to see Hudson. As it was the breeder that took care of the litter was on the other side of the country and when we first made contact the pups where already 6 weeks old.

Hudson was born of a Dam by the name of Aranka Dogo Dogino and a Sire by the name of Indigo Louis Simici kridla at the Kennel Country Strong; he is among the pups born of the first litter of either dog. As is customary here, the dogs where named with A names. Our Hudson was thus called Country Strong’s Aiden.

Here is Hudson at 5 days old:

Eyes and ears still closed and curled up next brother Aquim in Yin-Yang style. Aquim stayed with Indigo and Hudson and he meet regularly and really go to town on each other when they get together. It is great to see them play together.

Here is Hudson at 3 weeks old. By now Nose, Eyes and Ears are all working. His eyes are no longer the blue that you can see here (reminiscent of the Melange Eyes from Dune).

We are not exactly sure how old Hudson was in this shot, but it would be around 4-5weeks old.

Here is the picture that made us fall head over heels for him:

Notice the change in eye colour already. Now you can begin to see his development. This picture was taken at 6 weeks of age. We were told that he has a strong stubborn personality. He appears to have a similar disposition to his father and looks similar to his mother. Though his brindling is not as pronounced.

 When we came to pick him up he was well adjusted with his brother Aquim. It was great to meet all three Catahoulas, though Indigo had just returned home from a SAR (Search and Rescue) Operation. So he was already in a relaxed state and more than likely tired. It was also great to see Indigo discipline the boys when they got too boisterous. A quick sharp bark and nudge and both pups sat quiet as a church mouse and still as a rock. Only when they both realised the situation is ok did they trot off again, this time much calmer. It was great to see how an older dog allows the pups to play and them reels them back in line.

When we left we just picked Hudson up and took him to the car, plonked him on our laps and that was that, within minutes the little fella was asleep.