WHAT MAKES HAVAHUG PUPPIES DIFFERENT?
We only raise Havanese, no other breed. Our adult dogs are health tested and registered with OFA. They are healthy and under continual veterinary care and checked for sound heart, lungs and patellas. Our females receive pre-pregnancy health check-ups prior to breeding. Our healthy and happy Havanese Dogs were specifically selected for their genetics, temperament, coloring and diverse AKC pedigree... pedigrees that include champions such as CH Jocko Dan Of Maxanita, CH Alszegi Villam Bosco, CH Maxanita's Rock The Boat Rocky, CH Maxanita's Mattie Marie, CH Delta Dawn Sir Charles Brown, and CH Simcox's JOJO Of Delta Dawn.
Unlike what is now common practice in show breeding circles, we avoid the practice of inbreeding first degree relatives as evidence supports the fact that it uneccessarily risks and weakens genetic lines. Our pedigrees are intentionally genetically diverse in effort to strengthen our lines. Due to the rarity of the Havanese breed and the small gene pool, we traveled far to ensure that there was no issue with inbreeding within our pedigree. The chocolate gene is recessive and, therefore, it is also considered to be rare. We raise beautiful chocolate havanese that are healthy, happy, playful and sweet.
We are responsible breeders, breeding to AKC standard. We are not a kennel. We are also a homeschooling family, therefore our puppies are always surrounded by a family loving and tending to them. Due to their outstanding qualities, and our love for them, we are doing our part to improve and sustain this very special breed. We find this to be an important endeavor, as it wasn't long ago that the breed nearly became extinct. I can't tell you what a great loss that would have been! The Havanese are a rare gem among dog breeds. Our Havanese are of outstanding temperament, personality and intelligence. They are nurtured by human touch and socialized from their very first day of birth.
We raise our fur babies for those who are looking to expand their family. The physical and emotional health of our puppies is our top priority. Although there will always be exceptions to every rule, we do not remove dewclaws as general practice. We find it to be cruel and unnecessary, similar to ear cropping and tail docking. The care of dew claws, is like that of all other nails. They simply require regular trimming. Research is also showing that removal of dewclaws may lead to joint laxity and arthritis as was reported by Dr. Chris Zink DVM., PH.D who states,
"....with so many carpal bones that don't tightly interlock with the adjacent bones the ligaments of this joint can be easily stretched and even torn when torque (twisting) is applied to the leg. The dewclaws have the important function of reducing the torque that is applied to the front legs, especially when dogs are turning at a canter (the main gait speed in agility) In the canter, there is a moment during each stride when the dog's accessory carpal pad (on the back of the carpus) of the lead front leg touches the ground and the rear legs and the other front leg swing forward to prepare for the next stride. At this point, the dewclaw is in contact with the ground and if the dog turns, the dewclaw can dig in for extra traction to prevent unnecessary torque on the front leg. Without the gripping action of the dog's "thumbs" there is more stress on the ligaments of the carpus. This may cause the ligaments to stretch and tear over time, resulting in joint laxity and ultimately, in arthritis" (excerpt of "Dogs in Canada" article by Chris Zink DVM.,Ph.D) “
We start litter training early, as this makes for much easier potty training and a smoother, stress free transition for both our puppies and their new families. It also makes the overnight hours easier as, at such a young age, their bladders are simply too small for them to hold it for more than a couple hours. They quickly learn to go from litter to going outside. A simple progression takes place. Also, our puppies come with a health guarantee and breeder support should you have any questions. Upon purchasing a HavaHug Puppy, you become a member of the HavaHug family. Please join us on our HavaHug Havanese Facebook Page where we can connect, sharing special moments, updates, pictures and videos.
HOW DOES OUR ADOPTION PROCESS WORK?
STEP 1: Review our site
Our site is filled with pictures to drool over and information to ponder. Learn about the breed and determine if a Havanese is right for you and your family. Look at our Available Puppies and note any upcoming litters and wait list reserves.
STEP 2: Contact me
Please feel free to email me at jessica@havahug.com with any questions that you have. I check my email quite often throughout the day and respond as quickly as possible.
Step 3: Choose to reserve on an upcoming litter or choose your puppy
Choose your puppy from those available or choose to be on a wait list for an unborn, upcoming litter. Place your $500 deposit.
Please note:
'Holds' and 'Wait List deposits" on upcoming litters are non-refundable. Your pick of the litter is based on the order in which your wait list reservations is made.
Step 4: Scheduled Visits
Scheduled visits are welcomed. However, please understand that young puppies are susceptible to illness and the continued health of our fur family is our top priority. Because of this, we do not allow visits until after the pups have had their first vaccinations. This is after all puppies in our home are, at minimum, 6 to7 weeks of age and have received the 1st vaccination. Upon entering our home, you will be asked to remove your shoes and wash your hands. We must also ask that no other pets be brought with you to our home. This may seem excessive, but illnesses like parvo can be deadly to our pack and, with so many families wanting to visit, we must take precautions. We also ask that you refrain from visiting other breeders/pet stores/ dog parks/sick friends etc. before coming to our home and please reschedule if you, or someone traveling with you, is not feeling well. Human ailments, such as strep, can be passed on to dogs. We must put the safety of our puppies first and foremost.
If you are unable to visit, rest assured, we will send you plenty of pictures, videos and updates on the puppy you choose so that you may get to see and know all about him or her!
Step 5: Full Payment
Full payment must be made by the time the puppy is 8 weeks of age (if paid in cash) or 6 weeks, if you are paying by cashiers check, money order, Zelle, Venmo or the Cash App. This is so that payment has time to clear prior to our babies leaving our care. If full payment is not received in this time frame, you will forfeit your deposit and the puppy will be made available to another family. Payments may be made by bank certified check, money order, Venmo, Cash Card App, credit or debit through Paypal (Paypal fees apply). Clients are responsible for any fees associated with their selected payment option. No puppy will be released if payment has not been made in full. Cash will be the only form of payment accepted on the day of pick up and is due by 8 weeks of age.
**Please Note: Payments made through money order, cashiers check, Venmo, PayPal, and the cash card app, must be made in full by the time the puppy is 6 weeks of age regardless of the scheduled pickup date.
**If you opt to take advantage of the grace period, full payment is still due by this same timeframe.
Step 6: Arrange Pet Flight and Pick Up
Discuss & arrange pick up, personal delivery and/or flight dates.
Holding Puppies Passed 8 Weeks
Puppies are normally ready to go home to their furever families at 8 weeks of age. Please be prepared to pick up your puppy or have your puppy flown/delivered at this time. If needed, we do allow a 2 week grace period for families to arrange a pick up time beyond 8 weeks, if this works for our schedule during that timeframe. Beyond the 2 weeks grace period, 'Extended Boarding' (beyond 10 weeks of age) may be an option, also depending on our schedule. The fee for extended boarding is $50 per day.
**Please Note: Payments made through money order, cashiers check, Venmo, Zelle, and the Cash App, must be made in full by the time the puppy is 6 weeks of age regardless of the scheduled pickup date.
Step 7: Care for you new baby
Please take your new pup to the vet and stay on schedule with vaccinations. Continue potty training and remember that your puppy thrives on family time. Be patient, nurture and love your baby. He or she is adjusting to a new home and new family and is totally dependent on you. Be a good puppy parent and your reward will truly be immeasurable!
WHY DO YOU BREED PUPPIES?
We adore the Havanese breed for all of their wonderful and unique traits; the very traits that are kept in check through the AKC standard. Our goal is to improve on the breed with our own quality AKC registered line and also to assist in expanding on the genetic pool, so as to minimize the potential of inbreeding and the genetic weaknesses it promotes. As animal lovers, we do understand the importance of people adopting from shelters. But people also need to understand that without good and responsible breeders, the pure breeds would eventually disappear. Responsible breeders are the keepers of the pure breeds and offer an invaluable service to the world. Without responsible breeders, the standards would be lost and the pure breeds, with all of their unique qualities, would be all but unrecognizable. Responsible breeders are aware of the needs of their pets. They make certain that their pets receive medical care, health screenings and are raised as family members, knowing human love and touch from the very first moments of life. The Havanese nearly became extinct after the Cuban revolution in 1959. We were down to only 11. Hard to believe extinction could happen, but it nearly did. Shut down the puppy mills and commercial breeders. Shut down those who do not provide proper care and attention.... but responsible home breeding is important in protecting the future of these rare gems and in preventing future extinctions. Our dogs should never end up in a shelter. We will welcome any of our pups back into our family, should you no longer be able to care for him or her. This is the commitment of a responsible breeder.
WHY HAVANESE?
Although they do require brushing, havanese are non-shedding and hypo-allergenic. They are safe for those who are normally allergic to dogs, as was the case with my husband who is allergic to many different breeds. They have extremely high intelligence and incredible temperaments. They are often used as circus performers and therapy dogs and excel in both arenas. I can attest to the fact that they are very quick to learn new tricks and love to entertain. Also, it is a known fact to anyone who has had the pleasure, that a Havanese cuddle is wonderfully therapeutic. Their fur is soft, flowy and light, like silk. They are a toy breed, but notably sturdy. While small, they are not delicate and are able to enjoy games and playtime with young children. They have easy going, jolly and playful personalities, but they also make fantastic watch dogs. They will alert you when someone is at the door, however, they are not yappy, like many other toy breeds. Their bark is minimal. They love to entertain and work very hard to please. They are extremely friendly and social. They enjoy playing with children and other pets as well. Havanese thrive on praise and attention. They are very easily trained and of such a happy nature, that they actually smile! Yes, it is true... they really do smile! - It just doesn't get any better than a Hav!
HAVANESE DESCRIPTION
While the Havanese are a toy breed, they are not delicate. They are very outgoing, jolly and have a sweet disposition. They have a smile that will melt even the most callous man into a puddle on the floor. Believe me, I have seen it happen. The wavy, silky coat is profuse, but remains extremely light, like raw silk floss, insulating against the tropical rays in much the same way that yards of silk sari protect the women of India. In its native Cuba, the coat was never clipped for this reason, and the hair never tied into a topknot, as the Cubans believe it protects the eyes from the harsh sun. Their compact size makes them a good choice for house and apartment living alike. They do not bark excessively, only during play or to alert you that a stranger is near. They are people pleasers and performers of the highest caliber.
They are a healthy and sturdy toy breed with a long average life span of 15 years. They do not have the "dog smell" and they are a very social animal. I cannot stress that enough. They love people and other animals. They are meant to love and to be loved. They thrive on companionship and touch. They want nothing more than to be with their families. Bred, originally as showy lapdogs for Cuban nobility and aristocrats, and as sturdy playmates for royal children, it was their endearing nature, outgoing personalities, and their eagerness to please that have made the havanese a precious gem among dog breeds. These qualities make the havanese dog a dream to train and an absolute joy to be around!
HAVANESE STANDARD - GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm. The native dog of Cuba, he is beloved as a friendly, intelligent and playful companion. He is slightly longer than tall, with a long, untrimmed, double coat. The Havanese has a short upper arm with moderate shoulder layback and a straight topline that rises slightly from the withers to the croup. The plumed tail is carried arched forward up over the back. The unique springy gait is a result of the breed’s structure and playful, spirited personality. These characteristics of temperament, coat, structure and gait are essential to type.
Size, Proportion, and Substance
The ideal height is between 9 and 10 1/2 inches, with an acceptable height range from 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches. Height at withers under 8 1/2 inches or over 11 1/2 inches is a disqualification, except that the minimum height shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age. The height is slightly less than the length from the point of shoulder to point of buttocks, creating a rectangular outline. The Havanese is moderately boned and should never appear coarse or fragile.
HAVANESE HISTORY (akc.org)
New to the AKC, the Havanese is an old breed with title to a colorful history. The Havanese is the National dog of Cuba and its only native breed. The dog's journey to Cuba most likely was aboard the trade ships sailing from the island of Tenerife chronicled in ship's logs of the early sixteenth century. Cuban trade was highly restricted by the Spanish, for many years allowing Tenerife to be one of the only open ports, and it would appear these little dogs who had found their way into homes of Cuban aristocracy developed without much outside influence. The tropical environs of their homeland appears to have influenced the Havanese development, specifically their unique coat texture. Once called the Havana Silk Dog, or the Spanish Silk Poodle, the coat is like raw silk floss, profuse, but extremely light and soft, insulating and protective of harsh tropical rays. As Colonial Cuba developed and prospered the popularity of the Havanese grew. By the mid-eighteenth century they were trendy in Europe, often exhibited in European dog shows and type was well established. As Cuban culture shifted the little dog of Havana, adaptable as always, became a family dog extraordinaire, playmate of children, watchdog, and herder of the family poultry flock. With the advent of the Cuban revolution, the class of Cubans who owned Havanese was the first to leave. A handful of them found their way to the United States, and by the end of the 70s a gene pool was being rebuilt. All the Havanese in the world today, save those from the "iron curtain" countries and those remaining in Cuba, stem from 11 little immigrants. Remarkably, through all their travels, Havanese type and purpose has remained virtually unchanged for the past hundred and fifty years.
ARE PET FLIGHTS AVAILABLE?
Currently families are asked to fly in to the Detroit Metro Airport to pick up their baby for a return flight home together OR to use a nanny service for travel. As a courtesy, we will meet you or your travel nanny at the airport upon landing, free of charge.
WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY PUP?
Our Hav's health and nutrition is of vital importance and they enjoy both wet and dry foods in their diets. In general, a five star dog food is one that is high in meat content and free of any by-products, suspicious chemicals or plant-based protein boosters. Through much research, and information found on the dog food advisor board, we chose to feed our dogs a 5 star rated natural, dry puppy food, "Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula". We will send some home with your puppy on your adoption day! For wet food, we chose the "4Health" assorted canned dog foods, receiving a high, 4.5 star rating on the dog food advisor board. Of additional benefit, these can be purchased online or found at local Tractor Supply Stores as well.
Beef Broth, Chicken, Egg, Peas, Beef, Potatoes, Carrots, Dried Beet Pulp, Guar, Salt, Flaxseed Meal, Natural Flavor, Caramel, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide)
Information on 4Health Wet Dog Food can be found at ...
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/4health-dog-food-canned/
Information on other Diamond Naturals Foods and their ratings can be found at...
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/diamond-naturals-dog-food/
WHAT IF I CANNOT KEEP MY PUPPY?
Because it is so important to us that you and your puppy be happy, after purchasing, we give a timeframe of 1 full week to determine if your puppy will be a good fit your family. In the unlikely event that you decide to return your puppy, you may do so within the first week of ownership, however you will forfeit 1/2 the purchase price. All puppy documentation and registration must accompany them and you are responsible for supplying them safe and reliable transportation.
If you cannot keep your puppy at any time thereafter, he or she is welcome back in our home. There is no reason, or excuse, for one of our precious pups to ever end up in a shelter! However, there is no refund for return after the first week. Contact us if you cannot keep your puppy.
We only raise Havanese, no other breed. Our adult dogs are health tested and registered with OFA. They are healthy and under continual veterinary care and checked for sound heart, lungs and patellas. Our females receive pre-pregnancy health check-ups prior to breeding. Our healthy and happy Havanese Dogs were specifically selected for their genetics, temperament, coloring and diverse AKC pedigree... pedigrees that include champions such as CH Jocko Dan Of Maxanita, CH Alszegi Villam Bosco, CH Maxanita's Rock The Boat Rocky, CH Maxanita's Mattie Marie, CH Delta Dawn Sir Charles Brown, and CH Simcox's JOJO Of Delta Dawn.
Unlike what is now common practice in show breeding circles, we avoid the practice of inbreeding first degree relatives as evidence supports the fact that it uneccessarily risks and weakens genetic lines. Our pedigrees are intentionally genetically diverse in effort to strengthen our lines. Due to the rarity of the Havanese breed and the small gene pool, we traveled far to ensure that there was no issue with inbreeding within our pedigree. The chocolate gene is recessive and, therefore, it is also considered to be rare. We raise beautiful chocolate havanese that are healthy, happy, playful and sweet.
We are responsible breeders, breeding to AKC standard. We are not a kennel. We are also a homeschooling family, therefore our puppies are always surrounded by a family loving and tending to them. Due to their outstanding qualities, and our love for them, we are doing our part to improve and sustain this very special breed. We find this to be an important endeavor, as it wasn't long ago that the breed nearly became extinct. I can't tell you what a great loss that would have been! The Havanese are a rare gem among dog breeds. Our Havanese are of outstanding temperament, personality and intelligence. They are nurtured by human touch and socialized from their very first day of birth.
We raise our fur babies for those who are looking to expand their family. The physical and emotional health of our puppies is our top priority. Although there will always be exceptions to every rule, we do not remove dewclaws as general practice. We find it to be cruel and unnecessary, similar to ear cropping and tail docking. The care of dew claws, is like that of all other nails. They simply require regular trimming. Research is also showing that removal of dewclaws may lead to joint laxity and arthritis as was reported by Dr. Chris Zink DVM., PH.D who states,
"....with so many carpal bones that don't tightly interlock with the adjacent bones the ligaments of this joint can be easily stretched and even torn when torque (twisting) is applied to the leg. The dewclaws have the important function of reducing the torque that is applied to the front legs, especially when dogs are turning at a canter (the main gait speed in agility) In the canter, there is a moment during each stride when the dog's accessory carpal pad (on the back of the carpus) of the lead front leg touches the ground and the rear legs and the other front leg swing forward to prepare for the next stride. At this point, the dewclaw is in contact with the ground and if the dog turns, the dewclaw can dig in for extra traction to prevent unnecessary torque on the front leg. Without the gripping action of the dog's "thumbs" there is more stress on the ligaments of the carpus. This may cause the ligaments to stretch and tear over time, resulting in joint laxity and ultimately, in arthritis" (excerpt of "Dogs in Canada" article by Chris Zink DVM.,Ph.D) “
We start litter training early, as this makes for much easier potty training and a smoother, stress free transition for both our puppies and their new families. It also makes the overnight hours easier as, at such a young age, their bladders are simply too small for them to hold it for more than a couple hours. They quickly learn to go from litter to going outside. A simple progression takes place. Also, our puppies come with a health guarantee and breeder support should you have any questions. Upon purchasing a HavaHug Puppy, you become a member of the HavaHug family. Please join us on our HavaHug Havanese Facebook Page where we can connect, sharing special moments, updates, pictures and videos.
HOW DOES OUR ADOPTION PROCESS WORK?
STEP 1: Review our site
Our site is filled with pictures to drool over and information to ponder. Learn about the breed and determine if a Havanese is right for you and your family. Look at our Available Puppies and note any upcoming litters and wait list reserves.
STEP 2: Contact me
Please feel free to email me at jessica@havahug.com with any questions that you have. I check my email quite often throughout the day and respond as quickly as possible.
Step 3: Choose to reserve on an upcoming litter or choose your puppy
Choose your puppy from those available or choose to be on a wait list for an unborn, upcoming litter. Place your $500 deposit.
Please note:
'Holds' and 'Wait List deposits" on upcoming litters are non-refundable. Your pick of the litter is based on the order in which your wait list reservations is made.
Step 4: Scheduled Visits
Scheduled visits are welcomed. However, please understand that young puppies are susceptible to illness and the continued health of our fur family is our top priority. Because of this, we do not allow visits until after the pups have had their first vaccinations. This is after all puppies in our home are, at minimum, 6 to7 weeks of age and have received the 1st vaccination. Upon entering our home, you will be asked to remove your shoes and wash your hands. We must also ask that no other pets be brought with you to our home. This may seem excessive, but illnesses like parvo can be deadly to our pack and, with so many families wanting to visit, we must take precautions. We also ask that you refrain from visiting other breeders/pet stores/ dog parks/sick friends etc. before coming to our home and please reschedule if you, or someone traveling with you, is not feeling well. Human ailments, such as strep, can be passed on to dogs. We must put the safety of our puppies first and foremost.
If you are unable to visit, rest assured, we will send you plenty of pictures, videos and updates on the puppy you choose so that you may get to see and know all about him or her!
Step 5: Full Payment
Full payment must be made by the time the puppy is 8 weeks of age (if paid in cash) or 6 weeks, if you are paying by cashiers check, money order, Zelle, Venmo or the Cash App. This is so that payment has time to clear prior to our babies leaving our care. If full payment is not received in this time frame, you will forfeit your deposit and the puppy will be made available to another family. Payments may be made by bank certified check, money order, Venmo, Cash Card App, credit or debit through Paypal (Paypal fees apply). Clients are responsible for any fees associated with their selected payment option. No puppy will be released if payment has not been made in full. Cash will be the only form of payment accepted on the day of pick up and is due by 8 weeks of age.
**Please Note: Payments made through money order, cashiers check, Venmo, PayPal, and the cash card app, must be made in full by the time the puppy is 6 weeks of age regardless of the scheduled pickup date.
**If you opt to take advantage of the grace period, full payment is still due by this same timeframe.
Step 6: Arrange Pet Flight and Pick Up
Discuss & arrange pick up, personal delivery and/or flight dates.
Holding Puppies Passed 8 Weeks
Puppies are normally ready to go home to their furever families at 8 weeks of age. Please be prepared to pick up your puppy or have your puppy flown/delivered at this time. If needed, we do allow a 2 week grace period for families to arrange a pick up time beyond 8 weeks, if this works for our schedule during that timeframe. Beyond the 2 weeks grace period, 'Extended Boarding' (beyond 10 weeks of age) may be an option, also depending on our schedule. The fee for extended boarding is $50 per day.
**Please Note: Payments made through money order, cashiers check, Venmo, Zelle, and the Cash App, must be made in full by the time the puppy is 6 weeks of age regardless of the scheduled pickup date.
Step 7: Care for you new baby
Please take your new pup to the vet and stay on schedule with vaccinations. Continue potty training and remember that your puppy thrives on family time. Be patient, nurture and love your baby. He or she is adjusting to a new home and new family and is totally dependent on you. Be a good puppy parent and your reward will truly be immeasurable!
WHY DO YOU BREED PUPPIES?
We adore the Havanese breed for all of their wonderful and unique traits; the very traits that are kept in check through the AKC standard. Our goal is to improve on the breed with our own quality AKC registered line and also to assist in expanding on the genetic pool, so as to minimize the potential of inbreeding and the genetic weaknesses it promotes. As animal lovers, we do understand the importance of people adopting from shelters. But people also need to understand that without good and responsible breeders, the pure breeds would eventually disappear. Responsible breeders are the keepers of the pure breeds and offer an invaluable service to the world. Without responsible breeders, the standards would be lost and the pure breeds, with all of their unique qualities, would be all but unrecognizable. Responsible breeders are aware of the needs of their pets. They make certain that their pets receive medical care, health screenings and are raised as family members, knowing human love and touch from the very first moments of life. The Havanese nearly became extinct after the Cuban revolution in 1959. We were down to only 11. Hard to believe extinction could happen, but it nearly did. Shut down the puppy mills and commercial breeders. Shut down those who do not provide proper care and attention.... but responsible home breeding is important in protecting the future of these rare gems and in preventing future extinctions. Our dogs should never end up in a shelter. We will welcome any of our pups back into our family, should you no longer be able to care for him or her. This is the commitment of a responsible breeder.
WHY HAVANESE?
Although they do require brushing, havanese are non-shedding and hypo-allergenic. They are safe for those who are normally allergic to dogs, as was the case with my husband who is allergic to many different breeds. They have extremely high intelligence and incredible temperaments. They are often used as circus performers and therapy dogs and excel in both arenas. I can attest to the fact that they are very quick to learn new tricks and love to entertain. Also, it is a known fact to anyone who has had the pleasure, that a Havanese cuddle is wonderfully therapeutic. Their fur is soft, flowy and light, like silk. They are a toy breed, but notably sturdy. While small, they are not delicate and are able to enjoy games and playtime with young children. They have easy going, jolly and playful personalities, but they also make fantastic watch dogs. They will alert you when someone is at the door, however, they are not yappy, like many other toy breeds. Their bark is minimal. They love to entertain and work very hard to please. They are extremely friendly and social. They enjoy playing with children and other pets as well. Havanese thrive on praise and attention. They are very easily trained and of such a happy nature, that they actually smile! Yes, it is true... they really do smile! - It just doesn't get any better than a Hav!
HAVANESE DESCRIPTION
While the Havanese are a toy breed, they are not delicate. They are very outgoing, jolly and have a sweet disposition. They have a smile that will melt even the most callous man into a puddle on the floor. Believe me, I have seen it happen. The wavy, silky coat is profuse, but remains extremely light, like raw silk floss, insulating against the tropical rays in much the same way that yards of silk sari protect the women of India. In its native Cuba, the coat was never clipped for this reason, and the hair never tied into a topknot, as the Cubans believe it protects the eyes from the harsh sun. Their compact size makes them a good choice for house and apartment living alike. They do not bark excessively, only during play or to alert you that a stranger is near. They are people pleasers and performers of the highest caliber.
They are a healthy and sturdy toy breed with a long average life span of 15 years. They do not have the "dog smell" and they are a very social animal. I cannot stress that enough. They love people and other animals. They are meant to love and to be loved. They thrive on companionship and touch. They want nothing more than to be with their families. Bred, originally as showy lapdogs for Cuban nobility and aristocrats, and as sturdy playmates for royal children, it was their endearing nature, outgoing personalities, and their eagerness to please that have made the havanese a precious gem among dog breeds. These qualities make the havanese dog a dream to train and an absolute joy to be around!
HAVANESE STANDARD - GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm. The native dog of Cuba, he is beloved as a friendly, intelligent and playful companion. He is slightly longer than tall, with a long, untrimmed, double coat. The Havanese has a short upper arm with moderate shoulder layback and a straight topline that rises slightly from the withers to the croup. The plumed tail is carried arched forward up over the back. The unique springy gait is a result of the breed’s structure and playful, spirited personality. These characteristics of temperament, coat, structure and gait are essential to type.
Size, Proportion, and Substance
The ideal height is between 9 and 10 1/2 inches, with an acceptable height range from 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches. Height at withers under 8 1/2 inches or over 11 1/2 inches is a disqualification, except that the minimum height shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age. The height is slightly less than the length from the point of shoulder to point of buttocks, creating a rectangular outline. The Havanese is moderately boned and should never appear coarse or fragile.
HAVANESE HISTORY (akc.org)
New to the AKC, the Havanese is an old breed with title to a colorful history. The Havanese is the National dog of Cuba and its only native breed. The dog's journey to Cuba most likely was aboard the trade ships sailing from the island of Tenerife chronicled in ship's logs of the early sixteenth century. Cuban trade was highly restricted by the Spanish, for many years allowing Tenerife to be one of the only open ports, and it would appear these little dogs who had found their way into homes of Cuban aristocracy developed without much outside influence. The tropical environs of their homeland appears to have influenced the Havanese development, specifically their unique coat texture. Once called the Havana Silk Dog, or the Spanish Silk Poodle, the coat is like raw silk floss, profuse, but extremely light and soft, insulating and protective of harsh tropical rays. As Colonial Cuba developed and prospered the popularity of the Havanese grew. By the mid-eighteenth century they were trendy in Europe, often exhibited in European dog shows and type was well established. As Cuban culture shifted the little dog of Havana, adaptable as always, became a family dog extraordinaire, playmate of children, watchdog, and herder of the family poultry flock. With the advent of the Cuban revolution, the class of Cubans who owned Havanese was the first to leave. A handful of them found their way to the United States, and by the end of the 70s a gene pool was being rebuilt. All the Havanese in the world today, save those from the "iron curtain" countries and those remaining in Cuba, stem from 11 little immigrants. Remarkably, through all their travels, Havanese type and purpose has remained virtually unchanged for the past hundred and fifty years.
ARE PET FLIGHTS AVAILABLE?
Currently families are asked to fly in to the Detroit Metro Airport to pick up their baby for a return flight home together OR to use a nanny service for travel. As a courtesy, we will meet you or your travel nanny at the airport upon landing, free of charge.
WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY PUP?
Our Hav's health and nutrition is of vital importance and they enjoy both wet and dry foods in their diets. In general, a five star dog food is one that is high in meat content and free of any by-products, suspicious chemicals or plant-based protein boosters. Through much research, and information found on the dog food advisor board, we chose to feed our dogs a 5 star rated natural, dry puppy food, "Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula". We will send some home with your puppy on your adoption day! For wet food, we chose the "4Health" assorted canned dog foods, receiving a high, 4.5 star rating on the dog food advisor board. Of additional benefit, these can be purchased online or found at local Tractor Supply Stores as well.
- 4Health Canned Dog foods Beef & Vegetable Stew Ingredients: 4.5 STAR (ASSORTED VARIETIES AVAILABLE)
Beef Broth, Chicken, Egg, Peas, Beef, Potatoes, Carrots, Dried Beet Pulp, Guar, Salt, Flaxseed Meal, Natural Flavor, Caramel, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide)
Information on 4Health Wet Dog Food can be found at ...
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/4health-dog-food-canned/
- Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Ingredients: 5 STAR
Information on other Diamond Naturals Foods and their ratings can be found at...
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/diamond-naturals-dog-food/
WHAT IF I CANNOT KEEP MY PUPPY?
Because it is so important to us that you and your puppy be happy, after purchasing, we give a timeframe of 1 full week to determine if your puppy will be a good fit your family. In the unlikely event that you decide to return your puppy, you may do so within the first week of ownership, however you will forfeit 1/2 the purchase price. All puppy documentation and registration must accompany them and you are responsible for supplying them safe and reliable transportation.
If you cannot keep your puppy at any time thereafter, he or she is welcome back in our home. There is no reason, or excuse, for one of our precious pups to ever end up in a shelter! However, there is no refund for return after the first week. Contact us if you cannot keep your puppy.