___________________________ North Star Havanese Club

A regional Havanese Club founded in 2002
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BE AN INFORMED PUPPY BUYER!

 

 

 

 

There are increasing numbers of Havanese in puppy mills and being produced by people solely for profit without regard to health. Puppy mills, brokers, backyard breeders and the neighbor down the street usually do not belong to their local or the national breed clubs. They do not want to draw attention to themselves or be regulated in any way, and clubs have a tendency to ask too many questions. Make sure you read all this information before contacting any breeders.


Health Testing
Prospective new owners need to be aware that health issues do exist in the Havanese. Keep in mind that very few (if any) pedigrees are clear of all health issues. A responsible breeder conducts numerous health tests and makes the results of those tests available to buyers and on the OFA website. If a breeder tells you they don't send in the results, or can't find them, don't be fooled! OFA charges a nominal fee for registering results. Be sure you see PROOF that the health testing was completed.

The health tests currently recommended by the NSHC in accordance with the Havanese Club of America are: Baer test-hearing, CERF test (annually)-eye disease and cataracts, OFA certified Hips and Patella's (knees), Elbow Dysplasia, and Cardiac. Many breeders also test for Legg-Calve-Perthes, Thyroid disease and Liver disease.

What is OFA? The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in a national registry and has developed and maintains database for a number of genetic diseases in canines. Their mission as stated on the OFA website is, "To improve the health and well being of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease." Breeders and potential puppy buyers can use this database to research and verify health information. We have provided sample report forms from OFA to be viewed and used in verifying the health testing that a breeder has done on the parents of a litter. Please note the color coding and all other pertinent details.

Click here to view examples of OFA Sample Reports 

 
 
The Waiting List
Many breeders have a waiting list for puppies. It is possible that a person may have a wait of up to six months to a year. You may want a puppy "today", or have an "ideal" time in mind to bring your puppy home, keep in mind that finding a puppy from health tested parents, a puppy who has been given a good start in life, is far more important than the time you bring the puppy home. Keep in mind, you
                        get what you pay for.

Contracts
Before you buy, make sure the breeder gives you a written sales agreement to be signed by both buyer and seller. Review the contract before you sign it. Most problems arise due to misunderstandings with the wording of a contract or the lack there of. You MUST understand what you are signing. The sales agreement should include the names of the sire and dam and their AKC registration numbers, and a brief description of the puppy (sex, color, pet or show quality). It should also contain the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the buyer and seller as well as some sort of guarantee regarding the puppy's health. The health guarantee should allow you to have the puppy checked by a veterinarian of your choice and should set forth terms and a reasonable time period for returning the puppy should there be a health problem. A good health guarantee would be anywhere from 2-4 years and cover any hereditary problems along with refunding all of your money should a problem occur.

If an advance deposit is required by the breeder, be sure you understand the terms, including any refund policy or conditions. The deposit may be handled as a separate written agreement.
Before paying any money for a puppy, a breeder should provide you with;

1. Copies of the current CERF certificate for BOTH parents. This is an annual test, to be done every
    year until the dog reaches the age of 7. Copies of the exam may be altered, be sure to see the
    actual certificate from CERF.

2. Copies of baer, hip and patella certificates from OFA on the parents.

3. A copy of the contract.

4. A 3 generation pedigree.

5. AKC registration papers, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. Contingencies in the contract
   my include proof of spay or neutering.

6. Copy of the puppies vaccination records.

7. Written recommendation as to feeding, general care, housebreaking, training, feeding, medical
    care, and grooming.

 

You can improve your chances of purchasing a healthy puppy by choosing an ethical breeder who health tests all their dogs, breeds to the AKC Havanese Standard, and who will stand by their breeding offering support, information, and guidance to new owners. By health testing their dogs, breeders are better equipped to make informed and responsible breeding decisions.