Red Flags To Look For In A Breeder!

Click here to see the Mid Florida Havanese Club Breeder Directory

1. Ask about the Breeder’s contract, health Guarantee, and puppy return clause.

A reputable breeder provides a written contract. The contract and its details vary from breeder to breeder, but usually spells out the rights of the seller and buyer, health information, genetic health guarantees, required altering and buy-back/return policy.
A reputable breeder requires that “pet-quality” animals be spayed or neutered and sells them on Limited Registration. Be wary of breeders who do not mention altering.A reputable breeder shows passion, love, and tremendous knowledge about the breed. He or she cares about placing puppies in excellent homes and will often interview potential buyers thoroughly, ask for references and will refuse to sell a dog if the home is not appropriate for the breed or for a puppy.

2. Does the breeder compete in AKC conformaton? What titles have been earned?

“Our Puppies come from champion lines” this is basically meaningless. This can mean anything from one great-great-great grandsire having his championship in an “oops” breeding to a handful of championed dogs in a pedigree.

A reputable breeder is actively involved in the dog fancy, including showing and/or breed clubs. A “back yard breeder” might only breed one litter per year, raise it with love in their kitchen, and try to find a good home for each pup. But they don’t do any or enough health testing; they don’t have a solid knowledge of trying to preserve or improve the breed; they don’t have that strong sense of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for the breed and for each individual!

3. Always, always, always visit the home of the breeder. A responsible breeder not only welcomes prospective families into their home, but they require it. If a breeder wants to “meet you” continually outside of their home it is a huge red flag. What are they hiding? You should expect to meet the mother and see the environment the puppies are being raised in. Temperament is the MOST inheritable characteristic of all. If you want to know what your puppies personality will be like meet the mother. If you are not enthralled with the mother’s temperament, there is a good chance you won’t be happy with her offspring’s temperament.

4. Responsible breeders do not ship puppies! Period.

5. Responsible breeders do all the health testing recommended by the Havanese Club of America and more…Look for a CHIC number. When a breeder has completed the tests recommended by the Parent Club and registered the results with the Orthopedic Foundation of America the Havanese is given a CHIC number. All health testing should be verified at offa.org. Type in the registered name or search for the kennel. Don’t be fooled. All responsible breeders register all health testing results for OFA. RED FLAG!