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Finding Havanese Breeders: How to Spot Reputable Ones [2026]
You are standing before one of the most beautiful decisions of your life: a small, cheerful dog is about to join your family. Originating from Cuba, the Havanese is an absolute dream dog with its intelligent, outgoing, and playful temperament. But before you fall in love with those big, dark puppy eyes, you face the most important hurdle: you must find a responsible Havanese breeder. Especially with such popular companion dogs, the choice of breeder determines the health, character, and longevity of your future pet.
As a prospective dog owner, you might initially feel overwhelmed by the many advertisements online. Distinguishing between loving hobby breeders and unscrupulous puppy mills is often not that easy at first glance. In this comprehensive guide, I will show you from the perspective of an experienced dog expert what you must look for when searching for a breeder in 2026, which questions to ask, and how to bring your perfect puppy home safely.
Why Choosing the Right Havanese Breeder Is So Critical
The Havanese belongs to the Toy Group (Companion and Toy Dogs) and enjoys immense popularity for good reason. Its suitability for city living (5/5), its enormous child-friendliness (5/5), and its general family compatibility (5/5) make it an ideal companion for various life situations. A healthy male reaches a shoulder height of 23 to 27 cm and a weight of 3 to 9 kg. With good genetics and proper raising, the life expectancy of these little Cubans is an impressive 13 to 15 years.
But this is exactly where the catch lies: this robustness and longevity are no coincidence. They are the result of strict selection and responsible Havanese breeding. Because the Havanese is so popular, it has unfortunately attracted people who breed dogs without regard for genetics or health. An unethical breeder often pairs dogs without testing, which dramatically increases the risk of breed-specific hereditary diseases.
If you would like to delve deeper into the history and exact characteristics of this wonderful breed, I recommend taking a look at our detailed Havanese breed profile. There you will find everything about the origin, character, and special needs of these dogs.
How to Recognize Reputable Havanese Breeders
A good breeder is passionate about their breed. For them, breeding is not a lucrative business model but a passion that requires a lot of time, money, and heart. Reputable Havanese breeders are characterized by absolute transparency, comprehensive expertise, and a deep love for their animals. But what hard facts can you use to identify them?
Club Membership and Pedigrees
In Germany, the Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) is the gold standard for controlled pedigree dog breeding. Breeders who breed under the VDH and its affiliated breed clubs (such as the Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V.) must follow strict breeding regulations. This includes a kennel inspection by a breed warden, mandatory health examinations of the parent animals, and proof of the dogs' stable temperament. A pedigree from such an association is not just a piece of paper for shows; it is your guarantee of controlled ancestry.
Rearing Conditions: At the Heart of the Home
A Havanese is a highly social being. They need close contact with their humans. That's why reputable breeders raise their puppies directly in the house—often in the living room or a specially equipped puppy room adjacent to the living area. Kennel rearing is an absolute no-go for this breed. When you visit the breeder, you should see that the puppies are getting used to everyday noises like vacuum cleaners, rattling pots, and the TV. This early socialization ensures that the puppies later achieve top scores in trainability (5/5) and adaptability.
Focus on the Unique Coat
The Havanese coat is unique: it has a long, soft, and straight outer coat but only a very weakly developed undercoat. This means that shedding is extremely low (1/5). In return, however, the maintenance effort is high (4/5). Overall grooming (4/5) requires daily brushing to avoid matting. An experienced breeder will explain exactly what grooming equipment you need and will start playful grooming training on the table with the puppies so that your dog remains relaxed during brushing later on.
Havanese Breeding: Important Health Tests
Even though the Havanese is considered a robust breed, there are genetic predispositions for certain diseases that must be minimized through careful Havanese breeding. A trustworthy breeder will present you with the veterinary evaluations of the parent animals without being asked. Look for these specific tests:
- Patellar Luxation (PL) Screening: This is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its groove—a typical problem in small dog breeds. Breeding animals must be examined for PL by a certified veterinarian. Generally, only dogs with a PL 0/0 (free) or maximum PL 1 (very mild form, often only under strict conditions) are cleared for breeding.
- Eye Examinations: Havanese can suffer from hereditary eye diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) or cataracts. The parent animals should have a current eye examination (not older than one or two years) performed by a specialist from the Dortmunder Kreis (DOK) or equivalent body.
- Cardiological Examination: Although not mandatory in every club, particularly dedicated breeders have their breeding dogs' hearts scanned via ultrasound to rule out congenital heart defects.
- Furnishing Test: Since the Havanese should have its specific, lush coat, some breeders test genetically for "furnishing" (beard and eyebrow growth) to ensure that no short-haired puppies are produced, which is healthy but does not meet the breed standard.
6 Essential Questions for Your Potential Breeder
When you contact a breeder—whether by phone or during the first visit—you should be well prepared. A dedicated breeder will be happy to answer your critical questions, as they show that you have informed yourself and take the responsibility seriously. Ask these specific questions:
- Can you show me the health certificates of the parents? Do not accept excuses. Ask to see the official findings for Patella and eyes.
- Where and how are the puppies raised? Ask to see the rearing area. Look for cleanliness, toys, and various surfaces (wobble boards, tunnels, etc.) for motor development.
- May I meet the mother? This is a must! The mother should be present, relaxed, and friendly (even if perhaps instinctively a bit watchful). If the mother is missing with flimsy excuses, you should leave immediately.
- How do you assess the character of this specific puppy? Breeders spend time with the litter 24/7. They know the energy levels (averaging 3/5 for the Havanese) of each individual puppy and know which lively explorer fits an active family and which calmer puppy is better suited for seniors.
- How do you promote compatibility with other dogs? Since the Havanese scores highly in compatibility with other dogs (4/5), early imprinting is important. Good breeders often have an adult pack that helps raise the puppies.
- What happens if I unexpectedly have to give the dog up? A good breeder will take their dogs back for life or actively help with rehoming so that no dog from their breeding ends up in a shelter.
Red Flags: Warning Signs When Searching for a Breeder
Unfortunately, the market for cute companion dogs is also a playground for scammers. Puppy mafias and "backyard breeders" aim for the pity and the wallets of unsuspecting buyers. If you are looking for a puppy, terminate contact immediately if you encounter the following "red flags":
- Handover in dubious locations: The breeder wants to give you the puppy in a parking lot, at a rest stop, or out of the trunk of a car. Reputable breeders always invite you to their home.
- Bargain prices: The price is far below market value. A pedigree dog from healthy breeding costs money. Saving here often means paying multiple times more at the vet later.
- Massive breed selection: The breeder doesn't just have Havanese, but simultaneously offers Maltipoo, French Bulldogs, and Labradors. This is a clear sign of a puppy mill.
- Missing papers and lack of healthcare: The puppy is not microchipped, not vaccinated, and has no EU pet passport. There is no proper sales contract.
- Pressure to buy: The breeder pushes for a quick decision, saying things like: "If you don't take him today, someone else will tomorrow."
- The puppy is too young: In Germany, puppies may legally be separated from their mother at 8 weeks old at the earliest. Many good Havanese breeders keep them until the 9th or 10th week, as small toy dogs need a bit longer to be physically and emotionally stable.
Price Overview: How Much Do Havanese Puppies Cost?
Quality and health have their price. If you're wondering what Havanese puppies from a controlled and loving breeder cost, you should expect a price range of 1,800 to 3,000 EUR. This price may seem high at first, but it is absolutely justified considering the breeder's costs.
This price includes: the expensive health examinations of the parents before mating, potential stud fees, high-quality food for the pregnant mother and the puppies, veterinary costs for ultrasounds, vaccinations, deworming, and the microchip, as well as fees for the breed warden and the creation of the pedigree. Not least, the breeder spends weeks of sleepless nights and countless hours of work on rearing. For more information on buying a puppy and current litters, visit our section Havanese puppies.
Havanese Breeders in Germany: Approaching the Search Strategically
Demand for Havanese is high. Be prepared that you won't be able to pick up your dream puppy "overnight." Many Havanese breeders in Germany work with waiting lists. It is completely normal to wait six months or longer for your puppy. Use this time to familiarize yourself intensely with the breed, puppy-proof your home, and get the right grooming equipment.
Also, be prepared to travel a longer distance for the right breeder. If the perfect breeder doesn't live in your hometown but a few states away, it's a trip that pays off for the next 15 years. To make your regional search easier and find breeders who demonstrably meet our high standards, use our directory for Havanese breeders in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions About Havanese Breeding (FAQ)
Are Havanese suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely! The Havanese impresses with its high trainability (5/5) and its "will to please." It wants to please its owner, learns quickly, and is forgiving of minor training mistakes. Nevertheless, attending a positive-reinforcement dog school is recommended to teach the basics reliably.
How demanding is grooming really?
Grooming is the biggest time factor for this breed. With a grooming effort of 4/5, you should ideally brush and comb your Havanese daily, or at least every other day. Since it has little undercoat and doesn't shed (shedding 1/5), the hair doesn't end up on the sofa but stays in the coat and can quickly mat. Regular washing with a moisturizing dog shampoo and conditioner is also necessary.
Can a Havanese stay home alone?
As a classic companion dog, the Havanese has been bred for centuries to be with its humans. It is strongly attached to its family (Family-friendly 5/5) and suffers if isolated for many hours every day. While it can learn to stay alone for a few hours (e.g., for grocery shopping), a full-time job outside the home without the possibility of taking the dog or having it cared for does not suit this breed.
Do Havanese bark a lot?
The Havanese is attentive and may report unusual noises or visitors with a short bark. However, it is not a classic "yapper." With good socialization by the breeder and loving, consistent guidance from you, its tendency to bark can be kept well under control. This also makes it an excellent dog for apartment living in the city (City suitability 5/5).
Find Verified Havanese Breeders on HonestDog
Finding a reputable breeder requires patience, research, and often many phone calls. At HonestDog, we want to make this journey easier for you. On our platform, we place the highest value on transparency and animal welfare. Every breeder you find with us is carefully checked for their club membership, rearing conditions, and professionalism.
Don't leave the choice of your future family member to chance and don't support illegal operations. Start your search safely and confidently today. Visit our verified breeder network and find your Havanese with real experts who love their dogs as much as you soon will.