How to Choose a Havanese Puppy
Choosing a Havanese puppy is one of the best decisions you will ever make. These little dogs bring an extraordinary amount of love, laughter, and warmth into a home, and they have a way of fitting seamlessly into nearly every lifestyle. Whether you are a young family with busy kids, a retiree looking for a loyal daily companion, or someone in between, the Havanese has a genuine gift for becoming exactly the dog you need. The key is finding the right puppy from a breeder who raises them the way they deserve to be raised.
At Havana Luxe Pups, we have been doing this since 2017, and guiding families through the process of choosing their puppy is something we truly love. Here is everything you need to know to make a confident, informed choice.
Is the Havanese the Right Breed for You?
Universally Adaptable
Perfect for apartments, condos, townhomes, and larger houses. Small size makes travel easy for families on the go.
People-Oriented Companion
Thrive on connection and do their best in households where someone is home a good portion of the day.
Long-Term Commitment
A well-bred Havanese will be with you for 14 to 16 years—a long and beautiful commitment worth understanding upfront.
Grooming Commitment
Soft, silky hair requires brushing several times a week and professional grooming every four to six weeks.
Why Your Breeder Is the Most Important Choice You Make
Once you have decided the Havanese is your breed, the most significant factor in your puppy’s health, temperament, and the quality of your experience is who you buy from. This is where doing your homework really pays off.
A responsible breeder is invested in every single puppy they produce. They carefully select parent dogs based on genetic health, temperament, and conformation to breed standards. They conduct thorough health testing before ever breeding a dog. They raise litters with hands-on daily care, socialization, and enrichment.
At Havana Luxe Pups, every one of our parent dogs goes through comprehensive DNA health testing and full OFA certification before they are ever part of our breeding program.
Understanding Puppy Brokers vs. Direct Breeders
When you compare breeders, you will likely encounter puppy brokers, which are businesses that acquire puppies from various sources and resell them. Brokers sometimes offer long warranties of ten years or more that can sound impressive. What those warranties rarely tell you up front is that they are typically filled with clauses, conditions, and exclusions that make them very difficult to actually use. A breeder who does the work and stands behind it with a clear, honest guarantee is worth far more than a broker with a flashy promise full of fine print.
Essential OFA Health Testing
OFA Hip Certification evaluates hip joint structure through X-rays reviewed by three board-certified radiologists. OFA Patella Certification checks for luxating patellas, a condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal groove. CAER Eye Examination screens for heritable eye conditions and must be current (expires annually). BAER Hearing Test screens for congenital deafness through neurological evaluation.
CHIC Number Verification
When a breeding dog has completed all recommended testing through the Havanese Club of America protocol, they are assigned a CHIC number, which stands for Canine Health Information Center. You can search that number directly at ofa.org to verify the testing is on record. This is the clearest, most transparent way to confirm a breeder has done the work they say they have.
How Socialization Shapes Your Puppy
Health testing gives a puppy the genetic foundation for a long, healthy life. Socialization gives them the emotional and behavioral foundation to be the confident, friendly dog the Havanese is known for. Both matter enormously, and a great breeder prioritizes both.
At Havana Luxe Pups, our puppies grow up in our home with our family. Our three boys are actively involved in puppy care, which means our puppies are handled by children from the very beginning. We begin early neurological stimulation exercises shortly after birth, which research has shown to positively affect a puppy’s stress response, cardiovascular performance, and adaptability throughout life.
What to Look for When Evaluating a Litter
Healthy puppies are active, curious, and bright-eyed. They recover quickly after being startled, they engage with people who approach them, and they play with their littermates with energy and give-and-take. Be honest with your breeder about your household—let them know if you have young children, whether your home is active or quieter, whether you have other pets. A good breeder who knows their puppies individually can often guide you toward the best match better than you can do on your own from a single visit.
Questions to Ask Any Breeder
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Havanese
What Going Home Looks Like With a Havana Luxe Pups Puppy
When one of our puppies goes home, they are ready. They have been examined by our veterinarian, received age-appropriate vaccinations, been dewormed, and microchipped. Families receive full health records, documentation of parental testing, and written care guidance to make the transition as smooth as possible.
We offer in-person pickup at our Illinois location and hand delivery by trusted transport partners for families who cannot travel to us. Our relationship with our families does not end on pickup day. We genuinely love hearing how our puppies are doing, and we are always available when questions come up.
