The Havanese is an absolutely wonderful breed, but they are not for everyone. They love to be loved and to give love and are very people oriented. They are by far the fastest growing breed in popularity in the country and because of this, some very disreputable people have decided to cash in.
Be sure your Havanese puppy is from a breeder, not a puppy mill. You will pay less for a puppy from a puppy mill, but you may pay a lot more in the long run because of health, emotional or temperament issues, and may cause you a lot of grief because of the way they were raised. What are the red flags that your puppy may be from a puppy mill?
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They raise several breeds and have dozens of puppies to choose from.
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You cannot see the puppies in their home. They will make excuses about meeting you somewhere else "for your convenience."
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They do not show the parents in AKC conformation events but advertise "champion pedigrees." In addition, very few Havanese breeders actually advertise their puppies in the paper. If you see an advertisement in your local paper, make sure to ask to see the parents, as many of these people are merely brokers for puppy mills.
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Ask to see (and verify) all health testing and certifications. Just because they are "health tested" does not mean they have passed all of their tests or that their results were normal.
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They do not guarantee the health of their puppy, or if they do, it is only for a week or two.
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Most puppies at a pet shop, if not all, are from puppy mills.
One of my Havanese friends (Bev Clark) put it in a poem that I really think this says it all.
To Future Owners
TR and I have been far around
To shows, exhibits, and walks about town.
People stop us often and they look and they say
"What kind of dog is that, anyway?"
TR and I exchange a glance
He wants to know if there is possibly a chance
That this person we met has never read
About the best little breed that's ever been bred.
And so we explain in a voice quite low,
TR is a Havanese, don't you know?
Havs are sweet and smart and really quite cute --
As TR smiles and then licks their boot.
"Where can I get one?" is the question they ask.
Oh my goodness, what a blast from the past!
"You must study and learn" is the answer I give
"For really good breeders choose the homes where they live.
If breeders don't ask about where they are going,
Here's something you really ought to be knowing,
Hav babies need love and lots of attention
And only are given on this one condition...
That you love them and cherish their special affection
So, if you are asked questions, that's not a reflection
On you or your home...it's only a need
Good breeders have. You see, it is more than just feed
That a Havanese must have in order to thrive.
Havs need your time and willingness to drive
To parks, trainers, and vet visits, too
And sometimes to shop for a delectable chew.
So, get one, or even two, when you can!
Lots of good breeders like Arlene and Jan
And Joan and Robin and so many others
Will help you become Hav dads and Hav mothers!"
So many walk away with a sigh in their hearts.
With time and money they aren't willing to part.
They just aren't ready for a dog like TR.
At least, not now, at least not so far.