Where can I get a Puppy?
Whether you are interested in a new addition to your family or looking for a show dog, here are some things to consider:
Depending on the breed, a healthy dog will live from 10-15 years, or longer. This means that you will be responsible for the daily care, health and comfort of this animal for a long period of time. While your heart may be taken by that cute little puppy face, it's always a good thing to remember that this animal will depend on you for everything for a long time. You must ask yourself if you are willing to make this kind of committment.
Your new puppy will require exercise, training, and some of your time. Even the smallest dogs require some time to run and play. And they will want to have someone to play with...a dog left alone will find ways to entertain himself ...and usually those are not the things you would like for him to be doing. A young dog will have more energy than an older dog. Also, some breeds were bred to do "a job" like herding sheep. It's just not realistic to think that an active breed will be content as a couch potato. Do your homework - choose a breed that will fit with your lifestyle.
All pets require periodic health care visits, which may include vacinations, heart worm preventative, dental care, and other services to ensure that they stay healthy for as long as possible. This means at least a trip or two to the vet every year. Even if nothing is wrong, it's just like us going to the doctor for an annual checkup - complete with the office charge. You must be willing to make the financial investment in your pet's good health.
So, let's say that you agree that the above consideraitons are well within your means, and you can't wait to find a new puppy. Where do you look?
Not all breeders are the same!
Have you ever been in a pet store and fall instantly for that darling little pup in the window? Or, have you ever wandered around through the newspaper or online "pets for sale" ads, and found yourself thinking seriously about contacting the advertiser?
Before you make that phone call or send that email, consider this: Not all breeders are what they appear to be. It doesn't take much to hire a web designer to create a very professional appearing site. Again, you must do your homework to determine if the person selling those cute puppies is a reputable and responsible breeder, a careless back yard breeder, or a puppy mill.
What is a puppy mill?
There are many reasons people breed dogs. The absolute worst reason for breeding a litter is to make money. Follow this link to read more about puppy mills.
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/puppymil.html
A reputable breeder is not in it for the money. In fact, most will tell you that they feel that they are successful if they can break even. A reputable breeder will spend hours researching pedigrees to determine a good match up for the healthiest puppies possible. They do not breed for the money, they breed for the betterment of the breed. And this holds true for the show breeder as well as the pet breeder.
How do I know if a breeder is reputable?
In Havanese, like in every other breed, there are good breeders, and not so good breeders. Before you talk to any breeders, do your homework and find out about the breed. Research the Havanese Club of America's (HCA) website for answers to these and other questions:
what kind of temperament do they have?
are they good with kids?
how do you keep them groomed?
how much exercise do they need?
how long do they live?
what kind of health issues are there in the breed?
During the interview with the breeder, be aware that the breedeer is also interviewing you. Good breeders feel responsible for all the puppies that they produce for the whole live of the dog. For that reason, they will attempt to find out all about a potential puppy buyer. Things like home environment, childrens ages, yard size, other pets, as well as the intentions of the buyer. Be ready to tell the breeder why you want a puppy, and what your plans are - are you looking a therapy dog candidate, a treasured family pet, a show and breeding potential - it's very important to establish a very open and honest relationship with the breeder, as you should always feel you can go back with questions and concerns.
Good luck, I hope these tips help you find that perfect puppy!