We would love to hear from you and see if you are a good fit for one of our sweet puppies. The process includes a phone interview, hopefully meeting in person, (perhaps at a dog show), your completion of my questionnaire, and Facetime chats.

Please take a moment to read our Puppy Care and Products pages.

Yes I keep a list of potential buyers.

Proud member of

RED RIVER HAVANESE CLUB

and

The HAVANESE CLUB OF AMERICA

Why should I pay more for one of your dogs when I can get a dog for less ?

That’s a question with a long answer. Before we dive into the reasons why buying from a caring preservation breeder with the best interest of the dam and puppies in mind, let us say that we don't breed to make money.

Breeding dogs the correct way is very expensive in time, effort, and money.

The preservation and health of the breed mean everything to us.

I am interested in the development of the puppies from birth to new home, and in providing healthy socialized puppies to loving families while preserving the Havanese breed traits! And that is why we breed. There are a lot of expenses in raising a breeding dog and taking that dog through the conformation process. It can take thousands and thousands of dollars and 9 months to 2 years to finish conformation. Then there are the required health tests for a Havanese, stud fee, care of the dame and the puppies, and the purchase of all of the equipment to whelp the puppies. Once the puppies come, it’s ‘on-call work’ for 9 1/2 - 10 weeks.

So let’s delve into why buying from a preservation breeder is important and what the differences are..…..

First, it’s the pedigree – just like it’s “location, location, location”, our dam and sire are from carefully chosen HEALTHY lines, furthering the classic Havanese traits embodied by physical conformation, health, coat, and temperament. Puppies that are bred from pairs like this are less likely to develop issues. One can find other dog sellers with lower costs and ‘champion’ dogs. You get what you pay for and with a reputable, preservation breeder you are getting a thoughtfully bred and conscientiously raised puppy.

***** An important note about Health Testing…. Our parent club, Havanese Club of America, has specific health testing requirements which members pledge to uphold. These tests are done by specialists and registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, OFA. A ‘health check’ done by a vet is not in depth enough, and doesn’t conform to the Havanese Club of America’s standards for breeding. Those who advertise ‘health testing’ and do not offer OFA registered information are giving a very incomplete health picture of their pups. It is important NOT to breed a dog with patella, eye, or hip issues, and these are the big three for which we test. Our dam is also tested for basic cardiac and hearing, listed on her OFA account. A DNA profile of our dam is available as well. To see the testing, click the button below, then click on the registered name of our dog, Nauti Heartfirst Sasha ma non troppo.

Second, socialization is accomplished using Puppy Culture Protocols.  This is a program developed for neonates consisting of procedures and developmental markers to guide breeders through the puppy’s time in our homes. Our whole aim is to set up a puppy to succeed in life through early stimulation and training that is time specific. Puppy’s raised this way have a solid basis for future well being and training.

As mentioned before, I highly recommend the DVD’s or Videos on demand that you can purchase through Puppy Culture, as well as the MadCap University Program With Open Arms and a Level Head, and the incredibly helpful free MADCAP RADIO PODCASTS. Because I am a hobby breeder who only breeds occasionally, ALL my daily efforts are directed toward one litter at a time. This is an important distinction.  I also don’t maintain a kennel full of dogs. Puppies are raised within our home with love and lots of attention.

Third, I become a partner in the rearing of your puppy. I’m available to answer questions to the best of my ability 24/7 for the life of your puppy. I want you to succeed as new puppy parents and I want the best possible home environs for the puppies I place. Also, if something happens in your life, whether it be illness or some kind of upheaval, and you can not take care of the dog, I am here to take the dog back. The dog can not be rehomed without consultation with me. This is noted in the puppy contract. This added backstop means that the dog is safeguarded from being surrendered to a situation that is bad for the dog.

Fourth, puppy gut biome is populated at weaning with the introduction of solid foods using a variety of raw and fermented foods, setting up puppy for a healthy tummy, intestinal tract, and cognitive function.

*Puppies are sold under contract with a limited AKC registration, meaning they must be spayed or neutered at an appropriate age, usually 18 months. These puppies are meant to be companion dogs that will become valued members of your family.

*I ask that you follow Dr. Jean Dodds vaccination protocol, listed in the Puppy Care section of this website.

*I ask that you carry insurance on your puppy for at least a year.

*Families may pick-up puppies at 9 ½ - 10 weeks. They will have been wormed, taken for their vet clearance, given their first shots, and microchipped. While you are here, we will register your puppy with AKC.

*Puppies must be checked by your vet within 7 days of pick up. Plan for this vet visit before picking up your puppy.

If I don’t have a litter available and you don’t want to wait, as a member of the Red River Havanese Club and the Havanese Club of America I have reputable preservation breeder friends to whom I can refer you.

Be sure to check out our Puppy Care, Products, and Books pages.

Navigate from the top.