Q: What kind of lifestyle does this breed require?
A: This breed is meant to be a house dog. It will not be happy living outside, or away from its family. They thrive on interaction with their humans. They love to lounge around when things are quiet, but are ready to get up and play at a moments notice.

Q: What personality traits should I be informed about?
A: Havanese and Coton de Tulear dogs love to please. They long to be with their family members. They will be happy as long as they can be with you. They are eager to learn commands and tricks. They are gentle natured and safe around children. Both breeds were originally bred to be companion pets for children.

Q: What grooming requirements are there with this breed?
A: Both breeds require a good brush through once per week. This will prevent tangles and matting from occurring. The coat is thick and hypoallergenic. They lose hair like people do, so there will be some hair left in the brush. You should not find clumps of hair or extensive hair loss in these breeds. The coat will continue to grow until it reaches about 6 inches in length. A puppy cut also looks good on the Havaton.

Q: What type of exercise does this breed require?
A: Havatons do not require much exercise, but a daily walk will keep your dog in shape.

Q: Are there any common health problems associated with this breed?
A: Havatons are generally very healthy. They are sturdy and vigorous. There are no known hereditary defects with the Coton de Tulear. Luxating patella (slipping knee cap) and cataracts have been reported in the Havanese breed. We strive to breed only the healthiest, best dogs possible. Our adult dogs are healthy and problem free. They receive regular attention to their health.

Q: Can I meet the puppy's mother and father?
A: The mother is usually on site. The father is kept in another location to ensure that there will be no accidental breeding.

Q: If one of the parents is not available, do you have pictures available of the parent?
A: Yes.

Q: May I see / visit where the puppies are raised?
A: Yes, we welcome you to come visit our puppies and their mothers. We ask that shoes be removed and hands washed before touching puppies. No small children please. No misbehaving children please.

Q: What happens to your retired breeding dogs?
A: Adult dogs are often adopted by close friends and family members. If you are interested in an adult dog, please contact me. I have one available from time to time.

Q: What is the average lifespan of the dogs?
A: Havatons, and other toy breeds can be expected to live 12-17 years. High quality food and exercise are important for keeping your Havaton healthy and long lived.

Q: What type of food do you feed your dogs?
A: I use 3 different kinds, depending on the dogs age and size. Smaller dogs are fed Wellness small breed food for puppies that can not eat regular kibble. Royal Canin & Kirkland Chicken & Rice puppy food may also be used for smaller puppies. Older puppies are give Kirkland chicken & rice puppy food. This is a high quality food, and the puppies always love it.

Q: At what age can the puppy go to it's new home?
A: Puppies can be released from 7-8 weeks of age, depending on size. Puppies that are to be shipped via Airplane, will not be sent before 9 1/2-10 weeks of age.

Q: What immunization protocol do you follow for your puppies?
A: Puppies are immunized at 7-8 weeks of age. Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus are vaccinated against.

Q: Do the puppies have any type of socialization prior to being sent to their new home?
A: All puppies are handled and socialized at a very early age, and on a regular basis. Puppies are very accustomed to touch, petting and playing with people and other dogs.

Q: Do the puppies have any type of training prior to being sent to their new home?
A: Puppies are taught to go potty on newspaper. They will want to go on newspaper when you take them home. Set out some newspaper and show the puppy where it is located. The puppy is young, and may forget. So, remind the puppy where it is supposed to go potty by taking it to the newspaper and letting it smell it. Dogs often like to go potty in the same place time after time. If your puppy insists on going in a certain spot in the house, simply move the newspaper to that spot. It is better to do it the puppy’s way at first, until it learns to go outside. Positive reinforcement is the best way to get your puppy to do your will. Havatons are especially sensitive and easy to train. It can also be easy to hurt their feelings. Too harsh of a scolding will not be forgotten. To harsh of a scolding could cause your puppy to become shy and possibly pee on itself.

Q: What guarantees do you offer with your puppies?
A: We offer a one year Health Guarantee against herediatry/genetic abnormalities.
Please request or download my Health Guarantee/Puppy Agreement for more details.

Q: Do you require spay/neuter contracts on your pet quality puppies?
A: No. The choice to breed is yours alone. We do not recommend breeding a dog that is already a mix/hybrid. Also, you can put your dogs’ life in danger by breeding her if you don’t know what you are doing. Please seek the advice of your veterinarian or an experienced breeder before doing so.

Q: If, for any reason, I am unable to keep the puppy, what is your policy?
A: Your puppy is a serious commitment. No puppy purchase should be taken lightly. Your dog will rely on you for its’ care, health and love for its’ entire life. Please consider all of the pros and cons, and do not rush into a puppy purchase. We will not sell a puppy for someone to keep on a trial basis. Puppies may not be returned unless a veterinarian verified genetic/hereditary health problem is at issue. We WILL help you re-home your puppy if you absolutely must give it up.