Start your search with the Havanese Club of America breeder directory and verify health clearances from OFA and CERF before committing to a puppy.
Most people find a Havanese puppy online and fall for the photo. The urge to act fast is strong, especially when a litter looks adorable and the price seems reasonable. But a cute face can hide health problems that cost thousands down the road.
The honest answer is that buying a Havanese responsibly takes more than a credit card. You need to vet the breeder, check health testing, and understand the breed’s needs. This article walks through the steps that separate ethical breeders from the rest.
Where to Start: The Breed Club Directory
The Havanese Club of America (HCA) maintains a breeder directory of members who have agreed to follow its Code of Ethics. Starting here filters out many casual or high-volume breeders who skip health testing.
The HCA Directory is free to browse and lets you search by region. Breeders listed are expected to perform recommended health clearances and provide buyers with documentation. You can cross‑reference any breeder you find elsewhere against this list.
Another tool is the AKC Marketplace, which lists Havanese puppies from AKC‑registered breeders. Both sources point you toward breeders who are at least aware of ethical standards. They are not guarantees, but they narrow the field considerably.
Why Health Testing Matters More Than a Cute Photo
Havanese are generally healthy dogs, but like most purebreds, they have breed‑specific conditions. A breeder who skips testing is gambling with your puppy’s future. Knowing which tests to ask for helps you spot a serious operation.
- Hip and patella (knee) evaluation: The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screens for hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Ask for the OFA number so you can look it up online.
- Eye examination: The Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifies that a dog’s eyes are free of hereditary diseases. Annual exams are recommended because eye issues can develop later.
- BAER hearing test: Some Havanese can be deaf in one or both ears. A Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response test confirms normal hearing. This is especially important if you plan to train or show the dog.
- HCA 4 Star Award: Dogs that pass all four tests — hips, patellas, eyes, and hearing — receive this award from the breed club. It is a strong sign the breeder takes health seriously.
When a breeder says they “don’t believe in health testing” or cannot produce certificates, that is a major red flag. Walk away. No photo or video is worth the risk of a puppy with preventable issues.
How to Vet a Breeder Before You Buy a Havanese Puppy
You have found a potential breeder. Now it is time to ask the right questions. A reputable breeder will welcome your curiosity and share documentation openly. The HCA provides a detailed set of questions to ask a breeder that covers experience, litter frequency, and show participation.
Start with how long they have been breeding Havanese and how many litters they produce each year. A hobby breeder may have one or two litters annually; a high‑volume operation often has many more and may cut corners on care. Ask whether they show their dogs in conformation or performance events — breeders who compete tend to prioritize temperament and structure.
Also clarify what kind of puppy you want: a pet companion, a show prospect, or a performance dog. A good breeder will match you with a puppy whose temperament and energy level fit your home. They will also ask you questions to make sure you are ready for the breed’s needs.
| Health Test | Organization | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Hip evaluation | OFA | OFA number and rating (e.g., Excellent, Good) |
| Patella evaluation | OFA | Patellar luxation grade (0 = normal) |
| Eye examination | CERF | CERF certificate, date of exam |
| Hearing test | BAER | BAER test results (bilateral normal) |
| 4 Star Award | HCA | Documentation of all four clearances |
If a breeder is evasive about any of these tests or says they will “send paperwork later,” consider it a red flag. Genuine breeders already have the certificates ready to show. You can also use the OFA browse‑by‑breed tool to look up health screening results for individual dogs.
The Buying Process Step by Step
Once you have identified a promising breeder, the process moves from research to action. Taking it step by step reduces the chance of an impulsive decision you might regret later.
- Interview the breeder in person or via video. See where the puppies are raised. The environment should be clean, and the puppies should appear healthy and socialized. Ask to meet at least one parent if possible.
- Request health certificates for the parents. This includes OFA, CERF, and BAER results. Write down the numbers so you can verify them online through the appropriate databases.
- Read the purchase contract carefully. Reputable breeders include clauses that require you to spay/neuter the puppy, take it to a vet within a few days, and return the dog to them if you cannot keep it. Avoid contracts that sound like a simple bill of sale.
- Ask about the puppy’s early socialization. Good breeders start basic handling, expose puppies to household sounds, and begin crate training. A puppy that is already comfortable with human touch will adjust faster.
- Prepare your home and schedule a vet visit. Once you have committed, set up the space, buy supplies, and schedule a checkup within 48 hours of pickup.
Many first‑time buyers skip the interview step and rely on photos and messages. A video call reveals the breeder’s space and attitude in ways that text cannot. Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is.
Preparing Your Home for a Havanese Puppy
A Havanese is a “velcro dog” — bred to be with people constantly. That means your home needs to be safe for a small breed that wants to be underfoot. Start with a quiet space where the puppy can retreat, such as a pen or crate with soft bedding.
Grooming is non‑negotiable. Havanese have a long, silky coat that mats easily if not brushed daily. Invest in a good slicker brush, comb, and metal pin brush. Many owners also keep the coat clipped short for easier maintenance.
For a complete list of recommended purchases, many breeders share a puppy supply checklist that includes food, bedding, grooming tools, toys, and cleaning supplies. Use it as a starting point, then adjust for your home’s layout and your schedule.
| Where to Find a Havanese | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| HCA Breeder Directory | Breeder follows Code of Ethics, health testing expected | May have limited availability by location |
| AKC Marketplace | AKC‑registered breeders, broad selection | Not all AKC breeders do full health testing |
| Petfinder / Rescue | Gives a home to a Havanese in need, often lower cost | May not have puppies; adult dog history may be unknown |
Havanese are also susceptible to common canine infections like parvo and distemper, so verify that the breeder has started the vaccination schedule. A responsible breeder will provide a health record showing the first vaccines and a deworming schedule.
The Bottom Line
Buying a Havanese puppy responsibly means starting with the right breeder, asking for health clearances, and preparing your home before the puppy arrives. The extra effort upfront can save you from costly vet bills and an ill‑matched dog. Focus on the breeder’s transparency and testing, not on the puppy’s photo alone.
Your veterinarian can review the health paperwork you receive and confirm the puppy is off to a good start. If you have questions about the HCA 4 Star Award or any clearance, bring the certificates along to that first visit — a good vet will help you interpret them.
References & Sources
- Havaneseclubofamerica. “Owner and Puppy Buyer Education” Potential buyers should ask a breeder how long they have been breeding Havanese, how many litters they have each year.
- Narwynhavanese. “Puppy Supplies” A responsible breeder will provide a puppy supply checklist, including recommended purchases for food, bedding, grooming tools, and toys.