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Havanese Breeders And Dog Breed Information

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 at all possible, visit the facility. It should be safe, clean, and sanitary. This is a social dog. Parents and puppies should be raised as family members. Initial vaccinations and deworming will be done before puppies are sold. Your new puppy should be at least 8 weeks old. Many breeders prefer to wait for 12 weeks.

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.

The long silky coat is hypoallergenic. It's also a great sunshade but doesn't offer much protection from cold weather. Like all toy breeds, this is an indoor pet. Like many toy breeds, they can be difficult to housebreak. Many owners report improved success with puppy training pads or even a litter box. Full grown they weigh between 10 and 16 pounds. Lifespan is 14-16 years.

The charming little Havanese is a loyal, and playful companion. This is a dog that will attach to a beloved owner following him or her from room to room and chair to chair. They don't like alone time. They don't bark a lot, making this toy breed a good apartment pet.

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.

Before contacting Havanese breeders, decide whether you want a show dog or a delightful pet. Ask about health issues, what testing has been done, pedigree, and the breeders affiliation with clubs. Ask what has been done to socialize the puppies with people and other pets. Read the prospective contract word for word. Be sure you understand the health guarantee, and any puppy return clauses. If you buy, your new pup should come with registration papers, pedigree records, shot records, signed contract, and a copy of all health testing performed on the parent dogs. Be sure you have a lifestyle that meets the companionship needs of the Havana Silk Dog.




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