Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Contact A Reputable Breeder When Searching For Havanese Puppies For Sale

By Tameka Ware


When searching for Havanese puppies for sale, it is a good idea to contact local registered breeders first. They will be keen to retain their good reputation. Being a rare breed, it is important to be aware that Havanese puppies for sale at pet shops may not be healthy or even purebred.

As different breeds become fashionable, the price rises, particularly if the breed is rare. Those breeders keen to supply a demand and make a profit may resort to inhumane practices to attain their ends. 'Puppy mills' turn out a great number of pups with little thought given to the health and well-being of them or their unfortunate parents. A reputable breeder will take pains to raise happy, healthy animals. Any pups being offered for sale should have the required vaccinations before being sold.

The correct name for the breed is the Bichon (bearded) Havanese. Early in their history, they were known as Spanish Silk Poodles or Havana Silk Dogs. It is believed they were first taken to Cuba by early Spanish explorers and settlers. Through the 18th century, Cuba became the playground of the European aristocracy. The visitors were enchanted by the white lap dogs with their silky coats. With the Cuban revolution, many of the dogs were taken from the country with their owners. The Havanese became rare in its native country. It is now the national dog of Cuba and its only native breed.

The body is sturdy and solid. The breed has some unique traits apart from the silky coat. The shoulders are slightly lower than the rump so the top line rises a little. They also have a distinctive high-stepping action. This makes them agile but they are not fast.

The eyes are bright and alert and the head is carried high. They will cope with plenty of exercise. They are playful, active little dogs with a gentle, charming temperament. The six to eight inch long coat gives good insulation in tropical conditions. The coat is very profuse but soft and light like raw silk. The high-set, plumed tail coils loosely over the rump.

Shedding is minimal and the breed is regarded as hypo-allergenic. Regular grooming is needed to remove dead hair and dander. The hair around the eyes and genitalia is often clipped making maintenance much easier. Although the dogs are often seen with a topknot nowadays, the hair was once left as a protection from the fierce sun.

These are classified as Toy dogs and make very charming companions. They are brave and self-confident. They enjoy interacting with adults or children and get along well with other pets. The lifespan is around 14 years. The breed standard gives an upper height limit of around 11 inches.

These are obedient little dogs, easy to train and keen to please. They are sometimes used as therapy or assistance dogs. If they develop health problems, it is usually of the eyes or skin. Some develop luxating patellas or slipped kneecaps. By choosing to contact a reputable breeder when looking for Havanese puppies for sale , there will be very few health problems to contend with.




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