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Excelsior’s Havanese
Winston, Oregon
Puppies, Puppies, Puppies !!!
Latte gave birth to 6 healthy puppies on Father’s Day, June 20th.
Three Males, and three Females - two of which are black with white markings,
the other four are Black & White, sorry no Chocolates this litter.
Puppies will be available to take home on August 15th at eight weeks of age.
Get your Applications in and a Deposit to Reserve a puppy.
We are home breeders with only one breeding pair
and breed only once a year.
Application
(click on Application above)
A Written Contract comes with all our puppies.
Do you want a Havanese puppy ...
Then here are some questions to ponder.
Why do I want a Havanese instead of some other breed of dog?
In order to know the answer to this question you should find out everything you can about the Havanese, their temperament, special needs, characteristics, grooming requirements etc.
Here are a couple good reading resources I can recommend:
The Havanese by Diane Klumb: Probably the best book available for new owners, or prospective owners of Havanese.
The Joyous Havanese by Kathryn Braund: Another good book, full of photos and breeding information.
Here is one of the very best Links with all kinds of information specific to Havanese:
The A.B.C.’s of Havanese Information
The Havanese is a very good natured dog with a pleasant disposition, does well with children if socialized at an early age, is very rambunctious, and fun to play with. Every animal has their own personality traits, some are more loving & cuddly, which I have found to be true of my Havanese male, and some are more aloof, as with our dominate female. Both are a real joy, and very playful. Although they are a lot of work, proper training and socialization at an early age is very important, as with any dog, and will make the relationship between dog and master a lifelong joy.
One of the character traits I really appreciate about this Toy Breed is that they are not prone to chew things other than their toys once they get past the puppy stage. We can leave home with complete security in knowing that nothing will have been destroyed while we are away. I’ve heard a lot of terrible stories about damage other breeds of dogs do when the owners are away, not the Havanese!
How much should an adult Havanese weigh?
Breed standard Havanese adults should weigh from about 10 - 16 pounds. The Havanese Standard doesn’t currently have a weight, but a height standard only - “The height range is from 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches, with the ideal being between 9 and 10 1/2 inches, measured at the withers.”
Some unscrupulous breeders breed the runts and call the offspring, “Miniature Havanese” which are actually just underweight and unhealthy dogs. The AKC does not recognize any miniature Havanese! I strongly advise you to avoid these breeders.
Why is there such a wide Price Range for Havanese Puppies?
This is perhaps one of the best questions to be asking a breeder because the information leading to their pricing reflects breeding philosophy. Although the answer to this question will vary from one breeder to the next for many reasons, their answer is very important to understand when choosing your breeder and puppy. It is highly advisable to find a breeder who’s breeding philosophy closely matches your own needs in a puppy. Please also read the question below: How do I know who is a reputable Breeder?
Marketing: Part of the pricing structure has to do with the economics of supply and demand. The Havanese breed commands a higher price than some breeds simply because they have not been in the US market as long as most breeds. Less supply, with higher demand equals a higher price. Some breeders use this as one of their primary pricing structures to arrive at what they believe to be a fare price, or ... the going rate.
Pedigree: This has to do with the qualities, health and closeness to the AKC Standard the offspring will have based on their parents lineage. This information, in the form of a family genealogical tree showing those parents who have obtained championship ratings can be charted by looking up their Pedigree. The higher number of champions in their line, the stronger likelihood of obtaining a puppy with similar healthy and strong genes.
Health: Another reason the Havanese are a relatively expensive dog is that they are also one of the healthiest breeds available with relatively few serious health issues. They are hypoallergenic, don’t have dander, are non-shedding, and what little shedding they do is generally in the form of little cottony clumps, which are easy to pick up.
There are several tests for health that many organizations encourage Havanese adults to have in order to insure passing on good genes and health to their offspring. Not all breeders have all of these tests done, and there are varying reasons why. One of the main reasons is that the testing only shows health at that particular age, not long term potential health. Much of this can be determined through their pedigree, which I believe to be far more important. It is suggested that these tests be done at regular intervals to maintain passing health results. Tests only give a passing percentage mark that falls within certain “normal” criteria, but will not reveal potential future problems. Testing is also expensive, and sometimes hard to locate professionals to administer, some only at certain Universities or at dog shows. Those who advocate all these tests usually ask a higher price for their puppies as well, and are adamant that these tests are necessary.
The basic three are for eyes, deafness and kneecaps. Others include heart, hip, elbow, legs and calves. If any or all of these tests could guaranteed against these future health issues then it would be very important and worthwhile to have them all done at the suggested intervals. The parents of my dogs have had several of these tests done, and I have kept up with the eye testing. I also feel that it is fairly easy to determine deafness and whether the kneecaps are out of joint. I also give my dogs heartworm medication, they are up on their vaccines and have regular health checkups at the Vet. They also live in very healthy and sanitary conditions.
Upbringing: I believe that the first eight weeks of a puppies life will determine how well he/she will adjust throughout the rest of his/her life. Knowing this brief history and the pedigree are the two best criteria in finding the right puppy and breeder. The more you can find out about both, the more comfortable you will be in making this long term commitment. This is why my site is full of information regarding my methods of raising my puppies, and why I include numerous photos to help you as well. I also feel that good communication with the customer is vital, and tells a lot about the character and commitment of the breeder. If you can tell that a litter has been loved, well cared for, are healthy, are learning the basics, and have good pedigree ... and you feel comfortable with the breeder, you can then make a decision on a prospective puppy. Price should reflect these values.
The AKC Show Ring: The AKC is the United States largest pedigree registry and kennel club. To obtain a champion rating through the AKC takes the combination of a quality animal and trainer. A quality animal that is not shown well or is not properly trained for the show ring will never obtain a champion rating by the AKC. Without this champion rating many breeders would have you believe that this dog is not qualified to breed, even though both parents have good pedigree, are registered with the AKC and the offspring would be purebred. I believe a champion rating is only one criteria of determining the quality of a dog for breeding, and it totally overlooks much of the value a dog or puppy has as a pet or long term companion, or even as a potential show dog.
I feel that one of the advantages I have over a breeder who spends a great deal of time on the road showing, or has numerous dogs and numerous litters, is that I can give much more individual attention and time to each of my dogs and puppies.
Breeding: I spent over $4500 for my breeding pair of Havanese, and they have solid pedigrees. Price alone is not a guarantee of overall quality, but Pedigree and knowing your Breeder are your best assurance of getting what you pay for. I hope this helps you in understanding not only my pricing structure but why the price is so varied, and what to look for when choosing your puppy.
Bottom line ... you usually get what you pay for. If you want a healthy, well balanced and happy pet, I advise you to shop around till you feel confident with the breeder, the parents and the puppy. It will pay off in the long run.
Do I have the right situation in order to raise a Havanese puppy well?
You should know that the Havanese is an indoor pet, but also loves to go outdoors in a controlled space. The Havanese doesn’t like to be left alone, but does quite well with another pet for a companion, especially another Havanese.
Why Microchipping is a must!
Instead of repeating what has already been said, let me simply refer you to some good sites that explain it is great detail:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(animal)
http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=e150cade-8ea4-4f5b-9e17-98fb56f0af1e
What do I feed Havanese?
To maintain their premium health and coat quality, as well as to insure that they have a balanced, high protein diet, you will find that the cost of feeding them the very best you can find will pay off in many ways, including saving you money at the Vet and extending the quality and longevity of their lives. There is plenty of debate on which food to feed them, I will gladly tell you what I feed mine, but you will need to be comfortable with that decision yourself. A few factors that I find important are: Human Grade, hormone and antibiotic free ingredients, High Protein and grain-free.
Here are a few of my favorites in alphabetical order, not order of preference:
Acana (can be found at various locations), Back to Basics, Blue Buffalo, Canidae, Canine Caviar, Eagle Pack Holistic Select, Natura (Innova & Evo), Solid Gold “(Barking at the Moon” (can be found at various locations), and Taste of the Wild.
What are a Havanese grooming needs?
You may hear that the Havanese is a non-shedding, hypo allergenic dog, which is mostly correct. The flip side of this coin is that they have a drop coat, which is a cottony under layer of hair that will knot up terribly if not combed out regularly or kept in a puppy cut. What shedding they do is minimal and generally in the form of little cottony clumps, which are easy to pick up. If not brushed regularly you will find that they do indeed shed, but not near what most other breeds do. They are hypo allergenic, and it is my understanding that they don’t have dander, which is a major plus if you suffer from animal hair allergies.
Once they are about 18 months of age the knotting will be much easier to manage. Until that time many Havanese pet owners have them in a Puppy Cut to avoid the grooming requirements. If you are wanting to show your Havanese the only cutting that is generally done is around the base of the feet and the pads.
Are you going to show your Havanese in the AKC Conformation Ring, Agility or Rally Competition?
If you haven’t shown before, I strongly suggest that you first join your Local Kennel Club. You will find people there with similar interests who have invaluable experience and can guide you along in the process. You will find them a great help in assisting your puppy in the vital process of Socialization.
Is shipping puppies by Airlines safe?
My experience has been wonderful, both on the receiving, and the shipping end. It is my responsibility to insure that I ship only healthy puppies that are weaned, are current on their vaccinations, and have a Health Certificate. Making proper preparations is important, I wash my puppies prior to shipping, make sure they have ample room and plenty of absorbent material in their well vented shipping crate, plenty of water and food for travel, along with feeding instructions.
Delta Cargo Agent with Kona flying to South Carolina.
Communication with the customer is also important, so I coordinate flight arrangements well in advance and give the customer complete flight and pickup instructions. I have found several airlines who are accomplished in their shipping procedures and very courteous. I ship only out of the Portland International Airport, and my experience has been very pleasant and all aspects of the process are handled very professionally, with priority given to the safety of the animals.
Live Animal Acceptance Checklist (pdf file)
Gives standard requirements for all airlines to safely transport live animals.
Rest assured, your Puppy will arrive safely and in good health!
How do I know who is a reputable Breeder? Here are a few things to look for and avoid:
“Objective studies by ethologists show that vital animal imprinting begins in hour one of life. That puppies who are bonded to humans during both the neonatal (1-2 weeks) and transitional (3 weeks) period respond by developing faster mentally and physically. They also exhibit greater confidence throughout the entire socialization period.”
The Joyous Havanese by Kathryn Braund
This being the case, it is vitally important to know all you can about the breeders practices, socialization, diet, nursery, care etc. Who you choose is as important as which dog you choose. Ask questions!
Millions of puppy buyers purchase puppies who have been adversely imprinted during their early weeks, causing behavioral problems that are not seen sometimes till after 5 months or until an adult. They can be difficult to live with and extremely hard to train. Our dog pounds are full of these unwanted pets, through no fault of their own.
What is a Puppy Mill ...
(by definition)
- Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers. The puppies are sold either directly to the public via the Internet, newspaper ads, at the mill itself, or are sold to brokers and pet shops across the country.
- A place where several breeds of dogs are raised and the breeder always has puppies for sale.
- A dirty, trashy place where one or several breeds of dogs are kept in deplorable conditions and puppies are always available.
- A place where a single breed of dog is raised in acceptable conditions and puppies are always available.
- A place where lots of dogs are raised, where breeding is done solely for financial gain rather than protection of breed integrity, and where puppies are sold to brokers or pet stores.
Buyer beware, you usually get what you pay for.
Puppy Pricing
Females: $1500, Males: $1200.
Chocolates run higher
Females: $2000, Males: $1700.
$500 Deposit to Hold.
Deposit of $500 is nonrefundable - unless unable to provide a puppy of the requested sex.
I cannot guarantee color, but will honor specific requests in writing.
Payment in full is needed to secure a puppy once they reach the age of 7 weeks and beyond.
All puppies sold with Limited Registration, which means that they come with a spay/neuter contract, and can not be bred or shown in the AKC ring. We sell a limited number of Full Registration puppies that are of potential Show Quality.
- To Be continued ...
Feel free to submit any questions I could possibly answer here for others as well!
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