How to Breed Havanese Puppies

Picking a dog that is breedworthy is the first step to breeding Havanese puppies. Research the breed, genetics and health issues. Attend dog shows to observe and spend time with Havanese and their owners. Contact the Havanese Breed Club of America for lists of Code of Ethics Breeders for potential puppies or older dogs. Select dogs with a minimum of four generations of approved health clearances, including those for canine hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders and cardiac, deafness and patella problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Canine ovulation kit (optional)
  • Whelping box
  • Blankets
  • Towels
  • Newspaper or other paper
  • Heat lamp
  • Puppy box
  • Rectal thermometer
  • Latex gloves (optional)
  • Safety scissors
  • Dental floss or white thread
  • Nasal suction bulb
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Paper towels
  • Yarn, permanent markers or different colors of nail polish
  • Weight chart
  • Alcohol
  • Lubricating jelly
  • Trash bags
  • Water bowl
  • Karo or other syrup
  • Puppy milk replacer
  • Puppy baby bottles
Show More

Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Participate in conformation competitions or hire handler to complete championship. At 2 years of age, obtain canine hip dysplasia x-rays and submit to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Submit eye examinations to the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). Complete testing for thyroid, hearing, patella and other exams to certify health and comply with Havanese Code of Ethics requirements by verifying the bitch is not a carrier of eye, heart or other known genetic disorders.

    • 2

      Contact stud owners to request approval for breeding. Prepare packets with health information, pedigrees and championship certification to exchange with potential stud owners. Make sure stud contracts include stipulations for refunds or rebreeding in case of no live pups.

    • 3

      Select stud and contact veterinarian regarding artificial insemination. Arrange for semen shipment and storage. If doing live breeding, obtain information about local accommodations, including veterinary assistance.

    Breeding

    • 4

      Make preliminary travel arrangements if going to the stud. Obtain ovulation kit or schedule office blood work when the bitch goes into heat. Get brucellosis test done. Have veterinarian do artificial insemination or travel to stud a few days prior to expected ovulation for live breeding. Have blood work or ultrasound performed within 4 to 5 weeks after breeding to confirm pregnancy.

    • 5
      Safety scissors are blunt and help clamp the cord.

      Purchase whelping box and all items needed for whelping. Prepare puppy contracts. Check references of potential homes. Prepare whelping box, with blanket, towels or paper on bottom, at least one week prior to birth. Place all whelping materials in a container and the puppy box with a towel in it next to the whelping box. Watch and assist in whelping or view whelping video. Contact experienced local breeders for assistance if possible.

    • 6

      Begin taking rectal temperature three to four days prior to due date. Watch for discharge, loss of appetite, panting or other signs of labor. When labor begins, wash hands and put on gloves if desired. Place heat lamp over puppy box with towel. If the puppy becomes stuck, use lubricant and gently pull from birth canal. When a puppy is born, remove the sac, cut the cord and tie it off with dental floss or thread. Suction mucus from nose and mouth, swab cord with antiseptic, dry the puppy with paper towel, weigh and identify the puppy with colored yarn, marker or fingernail polish. Place the puppy with dam and mark birth weight and identification on chart. Clean scissors with alcohol. Make sure the bitch has water available during labor. When next puppy is being born, place previous puppies in puppy box under heat lamp until the new puppy care completed.