Monday, July 29, 2013

Havanese Breeders Seek Loving Homes For Their Puppies

By Maryanne Goff


This charming toy dog is a wonderful family pet. When researching Havanese breeders, look for someone who loves the breed and is motivated to find loving, lifetime homes for all their puppies. To be sure it's a good fit, the breeder will ask you about your family, pets, and lifestyle. Havanese breeders should be knowledgeable about inherited health problems in the breed. Appropriate testing should have been done on both parents before breeding.

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.

The ancestor of the Havanese was a lap dog for the aristocracy in Spain. It's a Bichon type, most likely cross bred with Poodles. Today it is the national dog of Cuba, sometimes called the Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle. In addition to being a great little family dog, this friendly little canine is a natural as a therapy dog. They also do well in agility, obedience, and musical canine freestyle competitions.

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.

Inherited diseases that affect this breed are retinal dysplasia, cataracts, congenital deafness, heart disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, and luxating patella. A Canine Health Information Certificate guarantees that both parents have passed 4 health exams including hearing (BAER), hips and patellas (OFA), and eyes (CERF). Ask for a pedigree history covering 3 generations.

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.




About the Author:



No comments: