Monday, July 29, 2013

Tips For Identifying Responsible Havanese Breeders

By Maryanne Goff


The Havanese is a charming, sturdy little family companion. Everyone knows to avoid puppy mills, but identifying responsible Havanese breeders takes a bit of research. The most important characteristic is the desire to breed healthy, well socialized dogs, and to place them in lifelong homes. A responsible breeder will be knowledgeable about inherited health issues and will have done appropriate testing on both the sire and dam.

If possible, visit the breeders home. The pet's home should be safe and sanitary. This socially needy dog should be raised as a family pet. Deworming and the first round of vaccinations should be done before the puppies are sold. Puppies are ready for their new home when they're 8-12 weeks old.

Bred as a lap dog for the Spanish aristocracy, Havanese are sometimes called the Spanish Silk Poodle. Today they're the national dog of Cuba where they're also known as the Havana Silk Dog. This delightful, friendly little dog makes a great family pet. They love to perform in obedience, agility, and musical canine freestyle competitions. Adorable and friendly, they're also great therapy dogs.

Havanese can be any color and pattern. Their fur is long, silky, and soft. The slightly wavy hair needs regular brushing to keep from tangling. After a bath, the hair should be brushed while blow drying, otherwise it will mat and tangle. Keep ears clean and dry and pluck hair inside the ears to prevent ear infections. Show dogs must have their natural long hair. Family pet owners often prefer a 1 or 2 inch puppy cut.

This toy breed is not overly delicate despite it's small size of 10-16 pounds. The lifespan is 14-16 years. The silky coat is hypoallergenic. Like many toy breeds, housebreaking is a bit difficult. Some owners train this toy breed to use a litter box. This is a tropical dog that will need protection from the cold.

This delightful little dog is smart, loyal, and playful. Havanese tend to choose a favorite member of the family and follow them everywhere. They need lots of social interaction, lots of companionship. This is not a dog that can be left alone to "guard" the property. They don't need a large yard but will joyfully accompany the family on walks and join in playtime.

Common inherited diseases are heart disease, cataracts, retinal dysplasia, congenital deafness, hip or elbow dysplasia, and luxating patella. To receive a Canine Health Information Certificate, both parents must pass 4 exams. At a minimum they should be tested for hearing (BAER), eyes (CERF), hips and patellas (OFA). Puppies should have at least a 3 generation pedigree history.

Whether purchased for show or as a family pet, these dogs need lots of social interaction. This is not a dog for busy families with long hours at work. Ask Havanese breeders about experience with the breed and affiliation with breed clubs. Ask about health issues and what testing has been done. Carefully read the purchase contract. Make sure you understand the health guarantee and return policies. Before departing with your new puppy, get a copy of the health testing records for the parent dogs. You should also have the contract, pedigree records, registration papers, and shot records.




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