A good breeder strives to improve the quality of the breed and adheres to the code of ethics required of all members of the Havanese Club of America. Often,however, prospective puppy owners are not sure which questions to ask. Below are some questions designed to provide you a general idea of what you might want to be concerned with in your search for your new puppy. Most good breeders care very much about the placements of their pups and find that a good placement in the beginning will eliminate dogs winding up in shelters later on.
Questions for Breeders
A personal recommendation from a satisfied owner is an excellent way to find a Havanese
breeder. They may know of a Havanese breeder and would know about the quality of the pups and the breeders relationship with the new puppy owner. Alternatively you may contact the Breeder Referral Coordinator for the HCA, Joan Ambrose at :
. Be prepared with some questions to ask the breeder, for example:
1. How long have you been breeding Havanese?
2. How many other breeds do you have?
3. How many litters have you produced?
4. What are the most significant health problems with the Havanese?
5. What type of contract, conditions or guarantees are involved with the sale of the puppy?
6. What temperament problems can be encountered?
7. Is it an easy breed to train and housebreak?
8. Do the pups have shot and vet records?
9. If not documented, move on, this breeder is not for you.
10.Has the breeder's privileges ever been suspended with the AKC or with any of the other breed specific clubs for Havanese?
11. Does the breeder have the AKC registration papers in hand as well as a current CERF
certificate or eye exam result for both parents of the pup?
12. How often does the breeder breed their females?
13. Could they give you a reference (s) of someone who acquired one of their pups in the past? If you have any doubts as to the honesty of any of the information the breeder gives you--check it out. It is your right and responsibility to make your purchase from someone who takes all steps necessary to produce dogs of quality and health, and then stand behind what they sell!
Questions you can expect to be asked by the
Havanese Breeder
Havanese Breeders who do not question you about your
home; family situation or how you intend to care for your
Havanese should send up caution flags. Also remember the
responsible breeder will want to ensure the Havanese puppies are going to the best home possible for their pups.
1. How old are your children?
2. If they are young, do you and they understand a Havanese pup is quite fragile until about six months of age despite its boisterous and playful demeanor?
3.Do you have ample space for a havanese? Is your yard fenced or is there another suitable enclosure for the dog?
4. Do you have other pets?
5. Have you ever owned a Havanese before?
6. Have you had a dog/pet before? What happened to it?
7. Why did you choose the Havanese breed?
8. Who will be the primary caregiver of the pup?
9. Will you agree to a spay/neuter agreement for a pet?
10. Will you agree to have your Havanese's eyes checked each year and register it with CERF?
11. Do you rent? If so, does the landlord allow pets and would you be willing to submit a letter from the landlord to that effect?
12. Do you have the patience and are you prepared to put in the time it takes to housebreak a new pup?
13. Do you understand the difference between limited registration and full registration of your havanese pup?
