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A hopeful havanese lover from Oman

5K views 40 replies 14 participants last post by  krandall 
#1 ·
Hello Everyone, My name is Anita and I have been reading posts in the forum for several months. I find them very helpful and informative.
I live in a beautiful country called Oman which is very close to Dubai.
I have been wanting a little fur baby for years now but have been waiting for the right time. I am a SAHM and have 2 girls 4 and 6 years old. After a lot of research between the shih tzu and the havanese, we have settled on the havanese.
We don't have breeders here in the Middle East and I am against buying from the pet shops as I am sure they will be from puppy mills. So I am really confused as to how to proceed.
We are visiting the US in May next year. We will be mostly in Dallas.
1. Would it be a good idea to adopt a puppy from a breeder and bring him back with us. Any idea of the costs involved will help us.
2. Anybody from the Middle East who has adopted a puppy or knows how to go about it?
My heart is in the right place but I'm trying to do what's best for the puppy and us.
Sorry for the long post 😊
I love the forum as it's so non judgmental and very helpful.
I welcome any advice or tips from you. Thank you.
 
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#2 ·
If you buy it online (watch out for scams) or if from a pet shop, there's a high chance it could be a puppy mill puppy.

Am sure someone from Dallas (or any cities close by) that are on the forum can advise on breeders that you can meet when you visit the US.

Contact your animal protection service (the Oman equivalent of the ASPCA) or the local kennel club. They're likely to know someone who may have imported a dog and would be able to point you to the right direction to a person who can help you import it and get all the paper work done.
If there are vets that expats specifically tend to take their pets to, they would also be a good source of information.

Good luck.
 
#7 ·
If I were you, I would get in contact with breeders in the DFW area as soon as possible. May is a little short notice for those who have wait lists, and you will want to find someone whose pups were born in February or earlier so that the pup is old enough to go home with you guys. Your best bet may be finding a breeder with a retired show dog that is used to flying/travel and is looking for a home, as the timing isn't as sensitive as it is with little ones. The Texas Havanese club is Lone Star Havanese Club. Try shooting them an email explaining your situation and see what's recommended.

I have a hard time trusting breeders who are ok with shipping puppies, even in your situation, so though it may be the easiest option, I would avoid that. Don't go anywhere near a pet store puppy. 100% of them are from puppy mills cranking out dogs to keep up with the demand.

For international travel, it's pretty much the norm that all animals, no matter the size, fly as cargo. Again, something that is not at all ok for young puppies. It isn't uncommon for breeders getting imported dogs to not receive them until they are closer to a year old.

On top of all of this, depending on local laws, bringing animals into the country can be a major pain in the rear, both for you and the dog. International travel (especially across an ocean) is already a three-ring circus; adding a puppy to the mix is adding 2 more rings.

With the complications your situation brings, I think it's safe to assume you are going to need well over 7 months to plan this all out. It can be done, it's just something that won't be easy. I do want to thank you though for your dedication to finding a puppy the proper way and not giving your support to mills. Rescue is always an option, but as someone with 2 dogs purchased from a breeder, I understand the preference :)
 
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#11 ·
:welcome:

Please contact each airline that you may utilize for their travel policies with dogs flying internationally.

For example: Effective, October 1, 2016, Delta and Delta Cargo will no longer accept warm blooded animals on flights with an average flight time of greater than 12 hours.

Here is some other info I found online:

Many countries have strict regulations regarding international pet travel. Remember to make arrangements in advance and:

  • Contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country to determine pet travel regulations.
  • Obtain all necessary paperwork (such as health certificates and documentation) regarding your pet's travel.
  • Contact your local veterinarian to ensure your pet is in compliance with foreign health regulations.
  • Check with the CDC about the importation of pets into the United States.
  • Check with USDA APHIS about international animal export regulations. and check out USDA Frequently Asked Questions on Animal Export.
  • Additional fees and charges may apply. Terminal handling charges, customs clearance fees, veterinarian service, and/or kennel storage fees are in addition to shipping rates and will be charged to the shipper or pet owner upon arrival at destination airport. All fees and charges must be paid in full prior to the release of animal.
 
#12 · (Edited)
:welcome:I ran into a great website when researching before I got my pup.
I did a LOT of research- good for you for doing so as well.

pettravel.com

Here is *some* of what they have for Oman.

Oman Pet Passport - Current Dog and Cat Import Requirements

Regulations for taking a pet dog or cat to Oman


*Oman requires that you or your agent obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Animal Health Department.
*Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 6 months prior to entry. Additional vaccinations for distemper, parvo, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis. are required.
*A licensed veterinarian must complete a Veterinary Certificate for Oman shortly prior to travel. Although it is not required, we recommend that a USDA or CFIA licensed veterinarian complete the form and you have it endorsed by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If you are traveling from another country, the Governing Authority from your country responsible for the import or export of animals should endorse the forms.
*Depending on the country your pet is entering Oman from, up to 6 months of quarantine may be required. You will be notified of this requirement when you file the import permit.
*Dogs and Cats less than 4 months old are not allowed to enter Oman.
 
#13 ·
While I know you will be visiting the U.S. So that may seem like a convenient solution, it might be better to purchase your Havanese from one of the many good European breeders. Even if you were on the same plane going home from the U.S., it is most likely that the puppy would be in cargo. This is how dogs move overseas.

While I would be skeptical of a breeder who shipped Havanese withing the U.S., it's a fact of life for most larger breed puppies, and it's also the only way people in other parts of the world can either get Havanese, or share bloodlines. The fact of the matter is that if the puppy is healthy, has a stable temperament and has been properly acclimated to a crate ahead of time, most of them do just fine in cargo. HOWEVER, it would be a lot shorter trip from Europe to Oman than it would be from Texas. And a shorter trip means a happier puppy.
 
#18 · (Edited)
While I know you will be visiting the U.S. So that may seem like a convenient solution, it might be better to purchase your Havanese from one of the many good European breeders. Even if you were on the same plane going home from the U.S., it is most likely that the puppy would be in cargo. This is how dogs move overseas.

While I would be skeptical of a breeder who shipped Havanese withing the U.S., it's a fact of life for most larger breed puppies, and it's also the only way people in other parts of the world can either get Havanese, or share bloodlines. The fact of the matter is that if the puppy is healthy, has a stable temperament and has been properly acclimated to a crate ahead of time, most of them do just fine in cargo. HOWEVER, it would be a lot shorter trip from Europe to Oman than it would be from Texas. And a shorter trip means a happier puppy.
My daughter was Vice President of Cargo Operations for a major international airline for about 7 years. She is a dog lover, has a dog of her own, and she and Ricky have a passionate love affair. Her company shipped dogs, spiders, snakes, scorpions, horses, cows, and I could go on and on. She would NEVER ship a dog as cargo - anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances, on any airline! She had to console too many clients whose dogs died while shipped as cargo due to conditions beyond the control of the airline (or an employee who was incompetent despite extensive training).

Now for the good news. Any dog under about 20 pounds is easily shipped as a "carry on" on most airlines for a reasonable fee (much less than cargo). Fortunately, a Havadoggie fits that criteria. They must be enclosed in an airline approved dog carrier and must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. My daughter recommends that the flight time for a carry on dog be limited to a maximum of 4 to 5 hours (whether cargo or carry on). That means that if you transporting a dog from the US to Oman, you would have to schedule about 3 legs, maybe 4, rather than a non-stop from the US to Oman - which would be convenient for the human but not the doggie.

There are many GREAT Hava breeders in Europe (especially Eastern Europe) and they are within 4 hours of Oman. Havanese are a fabulous breed. My wife who was "dog neutral" but not a "dog hater," has fallen totally in love with Ricky and the Havanese breed and says, "I can't imagine my life without him." And when she says that, Ricky (the little manipulator >:)) looks up at her a gives her a big Hava "grin" and Momi just melts!

Ricky's Popi
 
#15 ·
Loving all the replies and suggestions. Thank you all so much. :smile2:
Krandall I completely love your suggestion. Actually a lot of pure breed pets come from European countries. But they are sold in pet stores. So I don't trust them.
If anyone has used reputable breeders from Europe please suggest them to me.
And a shorter journey for my little furball would be so promising.
 
#16 ·
Most people in the U.S. get their dogs here in the U.S. (or at most, Canada) just because it avoids the long distance travel for the dog, and we do have plenty of breeders here.

Are you on any of the FB Havanese groups? there are a number of European Havanese breeders who participate in those, and there are U.S. breeders who have done business with ethical European breeders, and can probably advise you better too.
 
#17 · (Edited)
I've never personally used any of these breeders (both of my boys are from within an hour of us), but I do know breeders who have either imported or used their dogs before.

Krisztina Biro from Christa's Jumpy Clowns in Hungary. Don't know much about them, but a local breeder has a dog from a breeding between her and Claudine Forissier at Amigo Del Hombre in France.

Almendares Havanese in Poland. Almendares and Pillowtalk seem to show up quite frequently in the pedigrees of red dogs, especially the vibrant looking reds (just an observation).

Pillowtalk Havanese in Germany. Nino has quite a bit of Pillowtalk in him, and one of my favorite Havanese breeder/friend in the Midwest has a Pillowtalk stud dog.

A Maiden Effort Havanese in The Netherlands. Again, I know very little about them, but I have seen dogs with this breeder in their parentage at shows.

It's about as far as you can get while still being in Europe, but Olivia Carty in Ireland is an absolute delight. She is the only one of this group that I've interacted with, but she is nothing but pleasant and friendly.

EDIT: Those who may find themself reading this thread in search for a breeder in Europe or information on the breeder mentioned just above this edit, I advise you stay away. Since my initial interactions with her, I have found her to be quite rude (bordering on nasty) with limited knowledge in the breed and a bad case of kennel blindness.

These are the only ones I know anything about, but if you can get in touch with US breeders who have worked with European breeders or find them in Facebook groups like Karen recommended, I'm sure you could get more names or info on the breeders I mentioned.
 
#20 ·
After all the replies. I am seriously looking into the European breeders. The only thing is I won't be able to meet them in person so I need to do tons of research so that my puppy is from a safe breeder.
I really appreciate all your replies. I am not a overtly emotional person. But sometimes when I am researching about the kennels etc I have tears in my eyes!
I know we will do right with our puppy. Hoping we can have it around sep 2017. So I will need to get into a waiting list soon.
 
#21 ·
And I agree about the the puppy not being sent by cargo. It's unacceptable I know!
Thank you Ricky for explaining it to me without being too judgemental
A lot of people here tell me to just get a rescue dog. It will work out cheaper etc.. But I have waited a long time to get a dog and I honestly feel I should adopt the dog which would be best for my family and me.
 
#29 ·
Someday this will be done pre-conception. Shipping frozen semen is already relatively easy, and someday, I bet we'll be able to ship frozen eggs. Deliver them to a vet's office, have the vet fertilize them in a petrie dish and implant them into any dog that is known to carry and deliver easily.
 
#30 ·
Hi

Just wanted to give an update.
Thanks to your wonderful suggestions I am now in touch with Karen from versaillesbichon and she has been very helpful and wonderful. She has put me on her wait list. I would like to know if anyone has a puppy from her?
Also got a reply from Kristza of Christa's jumpy clowns. Anyone adopted a baby from her?
Thanks and I am feeling good
 
#32 ·
I don't know Versailles Bichon at all, and couldn't find it on the internet. Jumpy Clowns is seen in a number of U.S. pedigrees, but my IMPRESSION (which may not be accurate, but I'd check it out carefully) is that she sells puppies on full contract to just about anyone.

Another one you might want to talk to is Karin Doringer in Poland. You can find her on FB. She seems to have a good reputation in Havanese circles, and is involved in the online Havanese community. She shows a lot of very pretty dogs and seems to care deeply about the breed. I don't know her personally, but if I were trying to buy a European Havanese, I think she's one of the first I would contact.
 
#34 ·
Nice web site! She looks like she is doing her job.

As far as FB pages are concerned, there are MANY!!! My favorite (other than regional and specialty groups) is All About Havanese, which is a bit smaller and better monitored than some. There are some, including one called "Havanese Forum" (not to be confused with this group) where there is a tremendous amount of mis-information and snarkiness. Just search "Havanese" and try a few, until you find a few that suit you!
 
#35 ·
Nice web site! She looks like she is doing her job.

As far as FB pages are concerned, there are MANY!!! My favorite (other than regional and specialty groups) is All About Havanese, which is a bit smaller and better monitored than some. There are some, including one called "Havanese Forum" (not to be confused with this group) where there is a tremendous amount of mis-information and snarkiness. Just search "Havanese" and try a few, until you find a few that suit you!
Thanks Krandall. That is assuring 😊
I will have a look at the FB pages
 
#36 ·
I had to search the name Versailles because I was certain I remembered seeing it somewhere recently on the forum. The breeder there was touting on a Facebook group about how a shorthaired Havanese (the genetic fault, not a cut) is a-okay with her. Then posted a photo of a dog that is very clearly a Papillon (but I checked to make sure my mind wasn't playing tricks...the photo source was the owner of a Papillon) and labeled it as a "Shavanese" and said they also could come with "sticky uppy" ears. Just wanted to post this here in case someone comes along inquiring about her again. Struck me as very unknowledgable, not just about the breed, but in general.
 
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