Reference Guide to
Responsible Havanese Breeding
Welcome to HCA’s Breeders’ Education Committee Pages
Dear Visitor: It is our hope that you are exploring this site as
a member of the Havanese Club of America, or a Regional or Local Havanese Club member,
and an owner of a Champion-potential Havanese from sound parentage, ready to commit
yourself to the hard work of becoming a responsible Havanese breeder.
Breeding a healthy Havanese litter of sound temperament and correct type can be
one of life’s truly rewarding experiences. The best breeders will tell you that they
never stop learning. Producing a litter means that you are committed to the well-being
of those puppies for the remainder of their lives.
This site is intended as a springboard to your education as a breeder, NOT as an
all-inclusive text on canine reproduction. On this site you will find the common
characteristics of good breeders as outlined in the Havanese Club of America Code of Ethics,
a basic overview of the breeding process from start to finish, and a list
of references from respected breeders and authors.
Please note: All articles, references, directions, instructions, examples and
explanations contained in these Breeders’ Education pages are presented as the opinion
or experience of the author, and should NOT be construed by anyone to be an
endorsement by the HCA, nor as the only or best way to address a given situation.
Always seek and follow advice from your Vet regarding any of the situations addressed on these pages.
- Introduction - Should I Breed my Dog?
- Assessing Breeding Stock Conformation, Temperament, & Health
- Selecting a Mate - Your Objectives for the Breeding
- Estrus and Timing
- Making Arrangements for Physical Mating
- Making Arrangements for Artificial Insemination
- Stud Contracts
- Placement of Puppies
- Puppy Application/Breeder Questionnaire
- Courting and the Tie
- Artificial Insemination
- Nutrition and Conditioning
- Evidence of Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Calendar
- Whelping Supplies
- Whelping Area
- Supplemental Feedings
- When to Call the Vet
- Care of the Dam
Puppy Development – coming soon
- Housing Your Newborns
- Assessing Progress
- Early Socialization
- Physical Conditioning
- Potty Arrangements
- Weaning Puppies
- Providing Puppy Buyer Updates
Placing the Puppies –coming soon
- Show and Pet Evaluation
- Registration, Documentation and Contracts
- Selection and Pick-up Arrangements
- New Owner’s Package
- Your Puppy’s New Home
- Puppy Training and Formal Education
- Fulfilling Contract Agreements
Records and Forms
References – list of books, websites, and other resources
