Michigan Havanese Breeder

Why Do Puppies Twitch When They Sleep?

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If you watch a young puppy sleeping you will notice it twitching, jerking and sometimes making little sounds.

This is perfectly normal and actually a healthy activity. Because puppies spend so much of their days and nights sleeping, the twitches help their little muscles develop and strengthen. Likewise for the sounds which strengthen their vocal chords.

The older the puppy gets, and the more time it spends moving around its space, the less twitching you will notice.

I find it so endearing!

 

 

Sienna’s Puppies–Day 3

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As a first time mom, Sienna was a little bewildered when her puppies began to arrive. But after the fourth pup descended (she has 7!), her instincts kicked in big time.

Fast forward to Day 3 and she has got this!!

In the video below she is seen picking up one of the pups to gently (puppy never made a peep) and place him in the circle of babies so that she could curl her body around all of them for nursing. I think this is just amazing!

Day 2–Everyone is Gaining!

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With seven puppies, I expect them to be small. There is, after all, only so much room in mom’s belly! I weigh my newborns twice a day to catch any weight loss that may have to be addressed with supplemental feedings. I was particularly concerned about the little boy who weighed in at just 90 grams (3 ounces) at birth.  I was ready to start to feed him, but really wanted him to take full advantage of mom’s colostrom during those critical first days. (A dam’s milk does not usually come in until the 3rd day or so). Colostrom is loaded with nutrients and antibodies for puppies. Nature’s way of getting them off to a good start.

Suffice it to say I was nervous.

It is quite common for puppies (and human babies, as I understand it) to lose a bit of weight their first couple days of life. Imagine my surprise and glee when all the puppies actually gained weight their first 24 hours of life! Even the little guy.

Kudos to Sienna!

Sienna’s puppies, day 2. The little guy is on the left just below the dark brown and white pup that is about twice the size!

We Have Puppies!

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It has been over five months since I’ve had tiny paws padding around my house so I am excited!

Sienna whelped 7 beautiful (but tiny) babies last night. She was four days early which is rare in dogs. But I am certain because I had her progesterone tested twice and the breeding was by artificial insemination. My boy Tiger is the sire.

Sienna taking a nap with me on the lounge chair

This breeding combines multiple lines and pedigrees that I love and respect. My first champion, Lily, is the great grandmother! And my boy Tiger, who lives nearby, is the sire. Suffice it to say I can’t wait to see how these kids develop.

 

Sienna enjoying some quality time on my lap in the lounge chair the day before pups arrived!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rewards of Breeding

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Breeding dogs is hard work. A LOT of hard work!! It is a full time job…not a hobby.

But the rewards far outweigh the burdens.

One of the rewards is the friendships I have with my puppy owners. Daily my inbox is full of notes, photos and updates on what they are doing.

This week my “Summer Weather” litter enjoyed their 3rd birthday. They are out Luna and of  These are some photos their families sent me to celebrate!

This is Rainbow. She lives in Washington DC and just got a birthday groom! I love her scarf!

This family has three of my Havanese! Birthday girl, Guillia, is in the front. At right is Valentina and at left is Rosie. Their owner said they are frowning because she just arrived to pick them up from the groomer.

This is Wrigley! In the background is his roommate, the pretty cat. I think what Tasha is thinking here is, “You may be higher than me but I have the couch!”