This is a letter I recently sent to a prospective family in response to their inquiry about a new puppy. They love dogs but don’t know much about Havanese. I thought you might be interested in what I have to say.
This is from her email:
Hello.
My husband and I are interested getting a puppy or a dog.
My daughter has a Havanese.
She is in Eastern Pennsylvania. My husband and I live in Michigan. We have had dogs before but not a Havanese.
Do you have a wait list? Do you have a process that you go through to make sure that you sell to responsible pet owners? I’m sure you do.
We’d love more information on the breed, training ,expense, common health issues, nutrition etc
Best regards,
Cindy
My response:
Good morning Cindy!
Thank you for your interest in one of my Havanese. They are a wonderful breed! They are super friendly, love children and love to shadow their people. They are also quite intelligent and quick to train with soft, consistent, thoughtful and perserverant instruction.
They are considered to be hypoallergenic for most people and shed minimally. Which means they need frequent brushing if their coat is left long.
I do have a wait list for my puppies. I don’t breed that often. Maybe once or twice a year. I put a lot of energy and time into each litter and like a little respite in-between. I have been breeding dogs for over 20 years but I do it for fun….not for money!
There is a lot of information about Havanese on my website…. carneyshaven.com.
Yes, I have a 4 page questionnaire that I ask my families to fill out so I can be sure of their ‘worthiness’ before I place a puppy with them. I maintain life long-relationships with them. I ask for references and I also send those references a questionnaire…only 1 page long though! LOL.
I really learn a lot about the family with this exercise.
I am a member of the Havanese Club of America and currently serve on its Board of Directors. It is the only AKC recognized breed club for Havanese. I am also a member of the Great Lakes Havanese Club and was its treasurer for over 10 years.
I also show my Havanese in AKC and CKC (Canada) shows. Not only does winning a championship indicate the dog meets the standard of its breed but it is a great way to meet other Havanese breeders and get into the ‘circle’ of good breeders.
The Havanese are typically a healthy breed. But you need to be certain the breeder only uses health-tested dogs in their breeding program. My dams and sires have all passed the tests for diseases and genetic issues recommended by AKC. Havanese can have issues with juvenile cataracts, poor bone development, cardiac problems and skin issues. The best way to avoid issues is to buy from a reputable breeder.
Breeding good dogs is not to be taken lightly. I owe it to my families, but more importantly I owe it to my puppies, to do my best to put them in a good home. It is also expensive…between the stud fees, vet bills, good food, training, dog show expenses and annual health testing. The cost of a Havanese from reputable breeders runs between $3000 and $3500.
I hope this helps.
Take care,
Jacqui Carney
Carneys Havanese