Happy Paws Havanese

Warning: Be careful of puppy mills and scams!    

Although looking for a new canine best friend is fun, be careful when selecting a breeder.

• What exactly is a puppy mill?
• A puppy mill is a place where many dogs and sometimes many breeds are housed often in cramped, unsanitary conditions. These dogs are treated as livestock, producing puppies as much as possible until the dogs are too old or unhealthy to continue. Puppies produced in puppy mills may not be socialized or given proper care due to the large number of dogs being produced. Proper ventilation, food and water may not be available. Adequate human contact that is necessary for a well-adapted family pet is usually not given.
• Although puppy mill breeders may sell their dogs at a cheaper price because they produce so many, these puppies are often inbred and/or will have physical or mental problems down the road. Many health problems will not be apparent in the first few days with your new puppy. Genetic problems reveal themselves over several years of the dog's life! Usually, puppy mills won't do the necessary health testing before breeding because proper health testing is costly, over $500 per dog. 
• Be careful of advertisements that advertise dogs priced unusually low for that breed.  Also advertisements that advertise several litters of several different breeds of dogs (this does not always indicate a puppy mill, however). Do your research and know what to expect for a price range. The Havanese Club of America suggests to pay between $1500-$2500 for a Havanese!
• Essentially, you get what you pay for when it comes to dogs; research the breed, and be careful when selecting a breeder. Spending a few more dollars for a puppy from a reputable breeder is well worth it in the long run.
• NEVER EVER buy a puppy from a pet store!!!! They may look cute and healthy in the window, but these puppies are from puppy mills! Reputable breeders will never sell to a pet store because they don't know who their puppy is going to or how it will be treated.
• Be careful of scams!
• If you see a dog priced unusually low, or just feel something is not quite right about a puppy, an advertisement, or a breeder, trust your gut!
• Ask to meet the puppy, and if that is not possible, ask for several pictures of the puppy. Ask to see one or both of the parents of the litter, or pictures of them.
• Also, get the puppy checked out by the vet after you get it; finding out that something is wrong sooner will save you grief later. All puppies should be vet checked before leaving the breeder...ask to see proof of the vet visit and the vet's findings about your puppy!

•     A Second Warning is for those "Backyard Breeders"
• Backyard Breeders are those that know little about the breed(s) they are breeding. They may have bred for profit or for "fun". An example might be someone that thinks their dog is cute and so thinks it will be fun to breed; or a family that wants to "teach the miracle of birth" to their children. Or it may just be someone looking to make a few dollars that doesn't care how their puppies turn out or what they are breeding.
• Usually these breeders have bought their dogs from other backyard breeders or from puppy mills. Reputable breeders will not sell AKC full registration dogs or dogs they know will be bred without being shown or seriously evaluated first (as well as health tested!).
  

• Although these breeders are usually well-intentioned, their lack of knowledge about their breed, reproduction and the correct way to improve the breed, greatly hinders the puppies they produce. They may not do all necessary health testing and use all precautions needed for serious breeding. The result can be puppies with genetic or other health problems or a maladjusted or socialized dog.
  
• Especially if you are looking for a show or breeding dog, avoid BYB (backyard breeders). AKC standards are strict and the percent of dogs that can/should be shown and bred is very small compared to the overall population.
  
• How to spot a BYB:
  
• First of all, do your homework. Know what to look for in a Havanese and what health testing is appropriate for the breed: OFA hips, elbows, patellas, heart, BAER hearing test, CERF eyes, and even a liver bile acid and thyroid test. A reputable breeder should know all about the breed and what testing is necessary (as well as having actually completed all the testing).
  
• Your breeder should be able to answer all your questions including general puppy questions.
• Ask if the parents fall within the AKC standard
• BYB usually do not show their dogs or do not compete in AKC events.
• Make sure the puppies are AKC registered. There are other breed registries such as APRI that do not have as strict guidelines. By buying a puppy that is AKC registered, you are assured it is a purebred dog.
  

• I highly suggest choosing a breeder that currently shows the breed. It takes a lot of money, effort, time and knowledge to compete and win in the conformation ring. A serious breeder that is willing to prove their dogs are worthy and correct and a breeder that is very knowledgeable and experienced will provide you with the best possible puppy--even if you are just looking for a pet. Don't buy a dog impulsively or just for the cute face. They are going to be your longtime friend and companion so research and careful selection is well worth it!