Havanese dogs won 2005 Best of Breed at both Westminster Dog Show and AKC/Eukanuba National Championships.
The Havanese (aka) Bichon Havanese or Havana Silk Dog. Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, and a relative newcomer to the US dog world, having been registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1995. Their popularity continues to grow, especially Havanese won 2005 Best of Breed at both Westminster Dog Show and AKC/Eukanuba National Championships.
They're small, ranging from around seven to 13 pounds, and their long but non-shedding coat comes in a variety of colors, including White, cream, champagne, black, black and tan, blue, gold, chocolate, and tri-colored. Havanese origins can be traced to the Mediterranean.
If you've decided you'd like to own a Havanese, the AKC is a good source of breeder referrals. The Havanse Club of America's web site offers referrals to member breeders. According to their Breeder Coordinator in Hampstead, NC, the demand for Havanese pups is greater than the supply, expect waiting lists of six months to two years. And since there aren't Havanese breeders in all states, you may have to travel in order to visit breeders and get a dog.
If you have the opportunity to attend an AKC-sanctioned dog shows, take the time to meet those showing Havanese. They can answer some of your questions and may be able to refer you to reputable breeders.
Ethical Havanese breeders are in the business for the love of the breed. Be certain you find a dog via an ethical breeder. Whatever you do, don't from a mall pet store, backyard breeder or other "puppy mills." These people are in it only for the money. Their animals are over-bred and unhealthy.
If you're seeking for the right Havanese breeder, here are some of the things you should look for:
They specialize in breeding Havanese and are very knowledgeable about the Havanese "breed standards" (the desired characteristics of the breed in areas such as size, proportion, coat, color and temperament), and are willing to answer all your questions. Be wary of breeders who breed more than two breeds of dog, since that frequently indicates a lack of experience or a breeder who "jumps" from breed to fashionable breed.
Breeding, not selling is not their primary work. They are very particular about whom they sell to. Expect to be queried about why you want a Havanese, and whether your home and family situation are suitable for the breed. They will probably ask you to complete an application.
You are welcome to inspect their entire operation. The are happy to let you observe your potential puppy, his dam (mother) and his entire whole litter, and to see how he interacts.
They'll provide references from satisfied customers and vets.
They keep puppies until they're at least 10-12 weeks old before selling them. Pups younger than that are too young to be separated from their mother.
Vaccinate all their pups for distemper, hepatitis, lepto, Parvo, Corona, influenza, and bordetella.
Provide AKC registration papers, a pedigree, and current veterinary records for each puppy they sell.
They will probably ask you to sign a contract that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will be actively involved in showing him or her (which applies to show-quality dogs only).
They're concerned about their dogs for a lifetime, and are available to answer your questions after you purchase the puppy and take him home. In fact, they will provide return or refund policy if the pup get sick soon after you take him home, develops any genetic diseases or if for any reason you're unable to provide him with a good home. They may request you to sign a contract to return the dog to them if you're ever unable to keep him.
Becoming the owner of a Havanese isn't something you do in a weekend. Give yourself the time to find the ideal puppy for you and your family.
