FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Our puppies are raised with daily socialization opportunities with Havanese of all ages. They are raised with mama and litter mates right up until home-time at eight weeks, as this is a valuable time in a puppy’s life to learn canine communication skills. Many of our previous pups are residing with families who have cats and large breed dogs. These pups have merged into relationships with great success. Havanese are robust, hardy little dogs that suit a variety of lifestyles and companions.
Havanese have a natural process of colour-change as they mature. The “coat of many colours” can move through a series of shades before finishing off. The end result depends on the pup’s genetic code, which is received from the parents. Chocolate can turn silver-chocolate; sable colours lighten with the degree of dark tipping being dependent on their genetic factor; black can turn silver, etc.
We have a good grasp on our dogs’ genetic coding, although still much remains to be understood in this area. We can give you an educated assessment on a pups anticipated coat change and we include this in the puppy’s description at the time of choosing.
The patterns found on Havanese are also determined by genes. The white markings may look random to the untrained eye but there is a rhyme and a reason to it all! Patterns, markings, brindle, pied, piebald, parti, colouring, lack of colouring, colour fading, colour changing, deepening of colour etc., are all coded in your pup’s genetics. Some of these are recessive, requiring a copy on both parent sides, some are dominant. Breeders aiming for a specific colouring are intentional about what is in the lineage of the parents and which mates are matched.
The Havanese have a fascinating history of genetics, modifying genes, and variants. Much research can be done on the kaleidoscope colour possibility of the Havanese, a good resource is found here:
Search under their heading “ Colours of the Rainbow”.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises are conducted once daily from the 3rd to the 16th day, a period believed to be a time of rapid neurological growth and development. Even though puppies are very immature during this time frame, they are sensitive and respond to ENS.
The US Military developed this method to improve the performance of future military working dogs, according to the Breeding Better Dogs program developed by Dr. Carmen Battaglia, an esteemed breeder, judge, seminar presenter, and AKC board member.
ENS requires handling the puppies one at a time while performing a series of five exercises. The handler starts with one pup and stimulates it using each of the five exercises. The handler completes the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. Puppies who have received ENS therapy are also called “ Super dogs” by the canine police force unit.
Unfortunately, well-meaning breeders are often hands-off during this critical time for varying beliefs. When mama feels safe and has trust in her handler she feels confident with her pups being handled.
Once pups have ended the ENS time we continue to daily hold and handle pups. We feel it’s important to have puppies peacefully rest on their back for a tummy and toe massage each day. Cuddling in the crook of an arm in a restful state while experiencing new stimulation around them. The sights, sounds and smells of a home life are experienced in abundance.
De-sensitization is the proactive action to offer differences that stimulate all senses. Floor surfaces, smells, sounds, sights, temperature, the feel of objects in their mouth, toys, moving surfaces, voices, etc….
Audio sounds are played at varying levels starting low and growing louder. Cats meowing, sirens, traffic, firecrackers, horns, doorbells etc….
Puppies venture outside daily as weather permits, even in light rain or snow (depending on age). The sights and smells of nature are a valued part of their puppyhood. It promotes play, curiosity, confidence and outdoor toileting. Going outside helps build the cycle of draining energy outdoors and resting indoors.
When weather isn’t appropriate for young pups we make use of our indoor puppy gym. A 20’x20’ space with natural lighting, in-floor heating and ventilation system. This area is floored with impact mats and age-appropriate items that challenge the senses.
Several areas are set up throughout our home for puppies to spend what we call “puppy socials” Puppies have two activities each day as well as plants of connection times of touch, holding and cuddles. We feel having pups in different areas helps with confidence building.
Skill is involved in knowing your pups by spending time with them, and being aware and perceptive. Reading their cues to provide an appropriate amount of stress. This is true throughout their eight weeks with us. Each week each pup may require something a little different to provide a well-rounded experience.
Understanding and connection are needed to not overstimulate. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake I see often by well-meaning breeders who mimic our programs or feel that the more stimulation, the better. For example: the fifth week is a week of reserved behaviours. Once I noticed this in my pups, my research found this to be a developmental milestone. Mama, by her choice, is away a little more. Pups walking and moving about is still new and they are exercising some independence. In the fifth week, we do not add objects, sounds, or experiences that challenge systems. In fact, we pull it right back and quiet things down neurologically. This week is for affirming safety, peaceful rest, and loads of human affection and bonding.
Follow Play Explore: is our intentional effort to encourage pups to follow. This positive, fun exercise aids in a strong future re-call. Offered both as a pack and individually, puppies are encouraged to follow. As this is successful we ask for a little more, calling from further, than without eye contact (not walking backwards anymore) and calling from a still position. This activity begins with two handlers only a short distance away. Each interaction is rewarded with an abundance of affection. If the question we asked seemes difficult, we ask again in a simpler mannor, always setting them up for success.
Puppies are held daily by men, women and children of varying ages. Children are always supervised and have a strong understanding of appropriateness. Puppies are not permitted to treat children like toys and vice versa. Boundaries and limitations are vital from the beginning.
We believe it is important pups are raised with the natural rhythm most patrons live. Life usually doesn’t permit all-day, everyday adventure. Puppies need to be able to relax and not be trained to require activity all the time. Many patrons are gone throughout the day or are elderly. Our puppies have bedtime, where they are not in a play area but are in their specified night time location equiped with a crate and litter. Beside this 10×4 pen is a large window for natural light. We believe this is important for health and natural rhythms. This area has indoor heating and a professional ventilation system.
We also implement quiet days. This is where we meet the needs of puppies as if we were a family who is away during the day. These experiences offered during the critical impacting age will be tools relied upon throughout their life.
Many of our patrons acquire our pups for therapy purposes, professionally or personally. Anxiety companions, nursing homes, women’s safe housing, hospital visitations, autism, therapist offices, learning differences, depression, loneliness, non-verbal, confined, stroke patients, recovering cancer, trauma, sibling support, and so much more.
We regularly are updated by families and individuals about the impact their pup has in their life, their children or the community they serve with their dog.
Please take the time to watch videos on Instagram to see a snippet of what we poured into our pups that equip them to thrive.
We are not a Kennel; we raise our pups in our home. Therefore do not have a time when we are “open” to public for visiting.
We keep our home a “Closed Kennel”. It is imperative for the health of our parents and pups. Those who have put their trust in us to raise a healthy puppy greatly value protecting the environment as they aren’t yet immunised. Parvo works quick and swift with expecting mamas and young pups. Sadly we hear these tragic experienced. We do not administer harsh drugs, as many kennels must in abundance, because of public traffic.
Please visit our website, Facebook and Instagram pages. You will find over 100 testimonies of others who have purchased dogs in the past.
These web pages contain everything related to life with our our Havanese on a daily basis. (feeding, walking, training, outside excursions, trips to the vet, bathing, grooming, etc.. )
We are very transparent on our media pages. We post nearly everyday so others can share the in the experience with us.
This Transparency is all very intentional on our part to make everyone feel very comfortable and confident with who we are. We are passionate about parents quality of life, ethical breeding, puppy socialisation and individual care.
Yes! This is one of the greatest highlights of the breed. Havanese are a sturdy, amicable dog with a peaceful nature that adores the affection of children and enjoys taking part in their play. Havanese are sometimes coined the ‘velcro dog’, as they love to ‘stick’ to their companions.
The seven children of Charles Dickens were quoted as rarely being seen without their loyal Havanese companion.
It is not possible to guarantee that any dog is 100% hypoallergenic, however, we have had great success in this area. We have never had anyone react or have discomfort from our Havanese.
Some of our own family members have severe allergies to animals – dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, guinea pigs, et… and yet, we live comfortably with our dogs under foot. Even grooming them in our home with no issues!
A notable perk of the Havanese is their hair, it carries no dog smell, even when being washed, no wet dog smell to contend with here!
Should you have a concern about allergies, we are happy to mail you a sample of adult Havanese-hair for you to have tested with your allergist.
Yes, all of our puppies are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
We are premium members in good standing since 2009.
Yes, all parents must be registered to register puppies. They also all have a four generation Canadian Kennel Club pedigree.
Yes, puppies are screened and checked by our licensed veterinarian. Hips, patellas, heart and over-all wellness are thoroughly checked.
Puppies are de-wormed with medication at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. This is through our vet and is of top quality.
Puppies are implanted with a microchip at 8 weeks, this is for identification should your dog ever be stolen or lost.
We have requirements that need to be met in order to consider this request.
Please contact us and clearly share your goals. Breeding a dog without rights is an illegal act and breach of contract that results in fines, charges and re-possession of the dog and any offspring.
In order for us to consider this request, there are specific requirements that must be met.
Please contact us.
These are are some general observations:
- Female dogs tend to bond to one member of the family, they are often loyal to one. Male dogs bond to the whole family, they are chummy with everyone.
- Female dogs house train quicker as they mature faster. Male dogs take longer to reach maturity.
- Female Havanese can be (not always) smaller than males.
- Female dogs enjoy more personal affection, male dogs tag along with all the family action, happy to be part of the crew.
- Female dogs are content to observe family independence, male dogs take more notice and enjoy the family being together.
- Typically Female dogs get along best with another male dog. Male dogs get along with both another male or female dog.
- Female may be interested in something one day, not the next, male dogs tend to be steady in preference.
We have many testimonies from families who have a female or male pup and they are very happy with their companion of either gender.
Most of our puppies are reserved before birth by deposit. Patrons wait in order, and as we have an available puppies we contact you. If at that time you do not feel the timing is right, or the pup available is not to your desire or needs, you may pass, moving to a later litter.
If you you have decided you are ready to commit to providing a quality home for one of our puppies, it means you have spent time researching Havanese and what it means to welcome a puppy home.
A puppy is a life commitment of time, companionship, energy and finances. We ask that you take the initiative to read our quality care contract that will be signed at the time of acquiring your puppy.
Please familiarise yourself through our website, Facebook page and Instagram page with how we raise our puppies, in order to ensure we are the breeders for you.
We reserve the right, at anytime, or any reason, to refund your deposit and advise you seek a puppy elsewhere. We are morally responsible for every puppy’s quality of life, and we take our responsibility seriously.
If you feel confident, please contact us to arrange reservation. Deposits are sent via e-transfer, and they are transferable, non refundable.
We post photos and pictures on social media of litters once the safely arrive.
Puppies are chosen in the order reservations have been made and based on requests of timing, gender and colouring. The more specific the request, the longer the wait.
We understand people have preferences, especially if they have experienced the loss of a previous beloved companion. One of the alluring aspects of Havanese is the kaleidoscope array of colouring and patterning presented in the breed. The more particular the requests, the longer the wait. Opportunities become slim if many variables are of great importance. For example, If one desires a tri-coloured Parti female, ready to go home in May, Sired by Sully, that is five variables and will take great patience.
A dogs temperament is made up of several components. Each are needed to raise a balanced, well tempered dog. Genetic make-up, environment and experiences are key ingredients.
Conditioning and socialization in the early weeks of a pups life are critical. Early exposure to children, touch, household noises, smells, rhythms of family life, and so on are valuable lessons in the life of a pup whose job is to be a companion.
Great effort and intention is poured into our puppies throughout each day to give a plethora of experiences. This, coupled with a balance of rest time, litter mate play, and human affection gives each of our puppies the foundation needed for you to build upon.
Our start gives you the springboard needed to launch into a healthy relationship with your dog.
Can a dog who has experienced a poor early life finish off well balanced? According to in-depth studies on these pour souls, even with professional training, it is unlikely, usually never.
Can a well balanced, genetically privileged pup be ruined by pour experiences and environment later in life? Absolutely.
We are confident in the role we play in our puppies lives. The provision and care of each pup is intentional. Copious amounts of research, energy and time are poured into our efforts. When we pass the baton of care on to you, it is your efforts that continue making your dog who they are. Great dogs have great care takers!
Havanese are a wonderful breed, who score high in aptitude testing. After a wonderful start it is you who makes your dog a wonderful family pet. We have given you the right ingredients to compose a wonderful companion. When the integrity of breeder and owner combine, we honour the lives of dogs.
Yes, you are required to sign a non-breeding agreement and contract of quality care. We take great responsibility for each life and require that our pups are acquired by persons who will make them a part of their family, living comfortably as companions.
Please carefully read our contract in full as it is required.
We offer limited boarding opportunities to our patrons. A separate panel pen or crate sleeping area is set up in our home. If sleeping with a human is needed for comfort, we move a bed into that room for the handler. Boarders are walked on leash daily and given one on one care by the same family member for their stay. Interaction with our dogs is your choice, completely separate or for a supervised playtime daily.
It feels like going to summer camp for the dog. Acres of green, country air, activities, enthusiastic leaders, and social time.
Rabies, distemper must be up to date and proved. A lice & flea check done before and at arrival.
Tune up Training, brush & bath, and additional exercise is an option for a fee.
Boarding starts at $80 daily
We have home Havanese and fostered Havanese. Most live at Bramble Field with a few of our dogs living in guardian homes. We go to great effort to ensure each of our Havanese live a pet life, this is the focus and purpose of guardian homes. Foster homes keep the balance and ensure everyone is provided with individual care. Their emotional, mental and physical need are met by a family who feel they receive as much as they give. Sadly, many sire dogs live an isolated, undesirable life. Our sires live as the only dog in the guardian home, they have freedom without the desire to mark territory and do not need to be isolated from females during heat cycles.
Our foster families are home throughout the day, providing lots of companionship flowing both ways. We receive sires and dames home at breeding/whelping time and when their guardian is on holiday. Fostering has proven very successful for all involved, each family adores their Havanese and they are a wonderful part of their lives.
We occasionally have a dog that is either retiring, or for various reason, due to no fault of their own, are graduating from our breeding program. These dogs are very sought after and hard to come by because of their maturity, training, familiarity of home life and compatibility with children of various ages.
For some, skipping the puppy stage is very attractive. We know these dogs very well and love them even more so. We have specific, varying requirements that need to be met for each individual dog. We carefully select candidates we feel would be a compatible match. The acquisition fee is dependant on age, ability, training and needs.
At this point, our government has expressed and acknowledged the positive effects animals have to our lives, the importance of companion animals and the place they hold in our daily home lives, thus supporting our ongoing work.
Our vet still checks the puppies and gives immunizations.
At Home Time, puppies are received on our porch, maintaining distancing. Contracts are signed, payment exchanged and puppies received.
Extensive communication flows throughout weeks leading up to Home Day. All the care puppies receive is the same. Family day isn’t as inviting as we usually enjoy but we have had positive feedback and success welcoming with distance.
Thank you for understanding.
We acknowledge there are varying believes in animal health care. Recommendations and opinions are affected by experience, time and place of training, mentors/teachers understanding, personal belief and amount of scientific research from all options. You will find pro early altering vets, and vets who aim for less intervention and encourage waiting.
Your pup needs their growth hormones to grow strong and complete. Altering needs to wait until after at least one year of age if you desire your pup to grow as natural intended. Altering your pup earlier robs the whole body, specifically joints and growth plates. Giant breeds recommend 2- 3 years, our Havanese complete growth much sooner.
Please spend time researching growth hormones to make a confident decision regarding your pups health.
It is dangerous for small breeds, particularly Havanese. To shorten it up we will give a top three as urgently exspressed by Dr. Patricia Jordan second by Dr. Michael Garven
#1 “The lyme vaccine is more dangerous then the lyme disese”
( lifetime non-treatable autoimmune arthritis worse than arthritis caused by lyme for one.)
#2 “Lyme vaccine contains dangerous ingredients”
(Formaldehyde, aluminum, mercury, thimerosal) the amount of live or inactive virus is so small the immune system won’t recognize it. These chemicals are added to create an exaggerated immune response. It can cause hypersensitivity disorder. Aluminum and thimerosal can travel to the brain and cause inflammation, producing a fearful and reactive dog. Lyme vaccine is deemed safe for humans, why would we give it to our dog?
#3 “Most dogs don’t get lyme symptoms…..even when they have Lyme disease”
(Researchers at the U of Pennsylvania infected bagels with lyme disease. The only dogs in the group that showed any signs were the puppies and after four days of on and off symptoms, every puppy showed no signs of Lyme disease. Meryl Littman, the leading researcher explains “95% of exposed dogs don’t get sick but they become Lyme antibody positive on a test,, which may scare people into thinking they need to be treated” thus affecting statistics.
Please spend time researching the measure of protection and the long term health risking involved with toy breeds receiving the Lyme vaccine. Ultimately we each need to make our decisions based on what we feel is best for our individual needs and situation.
We choose natural pro active preventative measures over chemical treatments. We spray our dogs when entering a higher risk situation for ticks. Each is body checked and brushed after hiking and woodland adventure, just as we would for ourselves and children. Keeping some length of hair in the summer months helps to prevent ticks from getting to the skin quickly and will be found catching a ride on the hair.
We do not allow our dogs to have close contact with other dogs. They have their canine friends at home. This greatly reduced the opportunity for flea and lice problems.
Lepto, like Lyme is not a “core” vaccine. These are optional but may be presented as essential depending on your vets view. A high percentage of dogs do not develop protective immunity, or develop immunity for only a short duration of time, for a select number of strains. Lepto has been found to greatly affect toy breeds, especially Havanaese. Vaccine damage can take months and years to develop. There are 230 servers of Lepto, only a few with are pathogenic. Lepto vaccines are serovars specific. Any vaccine administered for specific serovars will only create agglutinating antibody to those specific serovars. Lepto is real and serious. It is found in the urine of affected animals, predominately in countries where standing water, flooding and rats are common. We keep our dogs on lead in areas we feel could be a risk. We bring our own clean water for drinking so they are not drinking from unknown water sources. Should a dog become ill with Lepto, we would treat under our vets care with doxycycline, which would rid the blood and urinary track.
Please see our recommended products page.
We free feed all our dogs, including puppies. Free feeding means they always have food available to them during the day, some also choose at night. We find a period of fasting, at night, to fall in line with natural rhythms.
Our food is natural and full of good stuff. All our dogs maintain excellent weight free feeding coupled with daily exercise. We have coached many owners around the world and locally who received advice to restrict food. We have helped them move away from picky, guarding and anxiety feeding with free feeding. Havanese are small dogs with a varying ebb and flow of energy needs and growth spirts. Generally they manage their needs well with free access to high quality food. As always, be deserving about your individual dogs needs. This would not be suited for many breeds, we fins it beneficial for Havanese.
No, every pup is registered as required by the Canadian Kennel Club and the pedigree act.
Yes, yes, yes! The Havanese is uniquely different than other breeds with their “coat of many colours”. One of the most intriguing is the coat change that can occur with some colouring. Chocolate can turn silver, sables to almost white, white legs to spotted legs, a black face mask to white, gold to red, brown trim to white and more. Colours can be displayed as a single solid colour or a combination of two or three. Markings and patterns add to the wide variety. I encourage you to visit havaneseabc.com to browse the colours of the rainbow. The before and after galleries are especially helpful. Those who have an interest will enjoy the genetic section, learning that all these combos, patterns and marking do have a rhyme to the reason How can a black mother and red father have a light coloured pup? Havanese genetics are tricky, complicated and fascinating!
The US Military developed this method designed to improve the performance of future military working dogs, according to the Breeding Better Dogs program developed by Dr. Carmen Battaglia, esteemed breeder, judge, seminar presenter, and AKC board member.
ENS requires handling the puppies one at a time while performing a series of five exercises. The handler starts with one pup and stimulates it using each of the five exercises. The handler completes the series from beginning to end before starting with the next pup. Puppies who have received ENS therapy are also coined “ Super dogs” by the canine police force unit. Puppies who have received ENS therapy are also coined “ Super dogs” by the canine police force unit.
The skill involved is to know your pups by spending time with them, being aware and perceptive. Reading their cues to provide an appropriate amount of stress. This is true throughout their eight weeks with us. Each week and each pup may require something a little different to provide a well rounded experience.
Understanding and connection are needed to not over stimulate. Unfortunately this is a common mistake I see often by well meaning breeders who mimic programs or feel the more the better. For example; the fifth week is a week of reserved behaviours. Once I noticed this in my pups my research found this to be a developmental milestone. Mama is away a little more, walking and moving about is new, they are exercising some independence. Fifth week we do not add objects, sounds, experiences that challenge any systems, in fact we pull it right back and quiet things down neurologically. This is a week of affirming safety, peaceful rest, and loads of human affection and bonding.
Follow, play explore is an intentional exercise to build strong patterns for recall. From ability to walk pups are encouraged to follow. This is practised as a pack and individual. You can find many videos on Instagram that show this exercise. SO many activities may look just cute or amusing but they are very intentional and orderly.
Puppies are handled and touched by man, women and supervised children of all ages.