| IDEAL PUPPY - Price and Delivery Options
When you are looking for a Havanese puppy, keep in mind that quality Havanese remain in high demand. The reasons are simple; this breed is being “discovered”. They are fun, festive, loving and devoted dogs. Some have called them the most ideal dog in the world. Well bred Havanese dogs strive to please their owners, they love attention, and they are anxious to be your perfect pet. (Not to mention they do not shed and they lack the often typical “doggie odor” found in some breeds)
These days not all Havanese puppies develop into dogs with the classic Havanese temperament. The reason is that there are now many lines of Havanese which have emerged via breeding in recent years. Some Havanese have been imported from Europe. Some breeders have used some Bolognese lines in breeding and some have just not taken care to breed carefully. You need to look beyond the Havanese puppy and look at lines and breeder reputation. No one wants a Havanese who turns into something other than the playful and delightful highly touted Havanese when they mature.
Respected Havanese breeders, working with The Havanese Club of America and state clubs such as the Tropical Havanese Club, are attempting to keep the Havanese breed away from what is commonly called “puppy mills” and low quality breeders, however this is and will remain a challenge. Get to know your breeder and talk to other breeders who know them. I am a former board member in the Tropical Havanese Club, the Havanese state club in Florida. Feel free to contact my breeder references. They know me, my reputation and my lines.
To summarize, it is important to keep in mind that carefully bred dogs from good lines will help ensure you will get a healthy dog with the classic Havanese temperament, as well as a dog with a solid genetic background. You should be looking for a quality puppy. Also a word of caution… should you find one in a pet store or one that seems “bargain-priced” you best proceed with more than a bit of caution. The cute “pet store or bargain-priced” puppy may well mature into a pet with quite a different temperament than the classic Havanese. The other reality is that poor genetics, lineage and breeding very often leads to health issues and large vet bills in the mature dog.
PUPPY CHECK-LIST
Here is a checklist you may want to review before you buy your Havanese:
- Talk to the breeder and ask important questions related to the breed. Try and determine their philosophy on breeding. Discuss the puppy qualities and know the lineage of the puppies. Remember you are looking for a quality pup. Request health records and be sure you get the parent's CERF and other health records provided with puppies. Most states require a puppy health certification by a veterinarian, but that does not cover important heath screening of the parents for the Havanese breed. NEVER buy a Havanese puppy without getting this information and documentation! You are looking for facts and information not hype about “the cute puppy”. You are in reality making an important addition to your family environment.
- Remember Havanese are “people-pets”, they like to be around people and don't like to be left alone for extended periods. Be sure your home environment is one that provides time to “socialize” your pet.
- Havanese is a long haired breed. That ideally means regular grooming. However, you can clip the Havanese into a “puppy-cut”, or short-hair cut. Some Havanese owners prefer the “puppy-cut”.
- Havanese dogs are great with children. However if you have young children under the age of five or six, you need to supervise play. Havanese is a toy breed. Remember, small dogs can be accidentally injured by children if left unaccompanied.
- When you find the “puppy of your dreams” don't expect the breeder to hold the puppy for you without a commitment. The reality is that the top breeders often have a waiting list for their puppies. Many will wait several months for a certain color from specific lineage. Once you have made a decision on a puppy (and made a commitment), a good breeder will establish a rapport with you. Quality breeders will keep you up-dated on your puppy until the puppy is old enough to travel to their new home.
- Don’t fall into the price trap. You get what you pay for in a Havanese puppy. Over the lifetime of the Havanese a quality breeder must charge more for their puppies to cover their expenses. In all reality you are literally talking about a few pennies a day in the Havanese price range when factored over the lifetime of a Havanese. Select a puppy wisely; they will be an important family member year after year.
- Don’t fall into the “cute puppy trap”. Most all puppies are cute, fun and cuddly. The puppy life-stage is short. You want a puppy that will be as delightful and fun and healthy 10 years beyond the 10 week stage of life. One of the biggest regrets of many pet owners is not doing their homework beyond the “falling in love” with the puppy syndrome.
- Owning a Havanese is a responsibility. They need love and care and time to play. A well bred Havanese should give you the years of joy and companionship that you are seeking. Understand also, that dedicated Havanese breeders want good homes for their dogs.
Price:
The Havanese Club of America web site states the current price range of $1800.00 to $2500.00. (Dogs placed in show homes are in most cases more expensive and that is the result of the contract and the agreement to place the dogs in show and competition). This price range normally reflects puppies raised by breeders who have made the investment in a quality breeding program.
T-Wags can personally deliver your puppy to your home
Breeder References:
FINDING A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER –MYTHS & FACTS
http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/goodbreeder.html
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