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.
Before You Breed
Introduction - Should I Breed my Dog?
Assessing Breeding Stock Conformation, Temperament, & Health
Selecting a Mate - Your Objectives for the Breeding
Prepare for Breeding
Estrus and Timing
Making Arrangements for Physical Mating
Making Arrangements for Artificial Insemination
Stud Contracts
Placement of Puppies
Puppy Application/Breeder Questionnaire
The Actual Mating
Courting and the Tie
Artificial Insemination
The Pregnancy
Nutrition and Conditioning
Evidence of Pregnancy
Pregnancy Calendar
Preparing for Delivery
Whelping Supplies
Whelping Area
The Birth
Normal Deliveries
Difficult Deliveries
Caesarean Section
Newborn Care
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
Puppy Follow-up – coming soon
Your Puppy’s New Home
Puppy Training and Formal Education
Fulfilling Contract Agreements
Records and Forms
Birth Record
Litter Daily Weight Record
Puppy Data Sheet
Dam Temp Chart
Weight Chart
Example of Puppy Book
References – list of books, websites, and other resources