Looking for reputable breeder in Massachusetts area

Leigh · 02-16-2013, 09:19 AM

Hello - I'm new to the Havanese forum! It's been about a month since our family said goodbye to our beautiful Havanese Bailey - I didn't think we would be looking so soon for a new dog. I am a little nervous about finding a good breeder as it has been 11 years and I'm unable to contact the previous breeder (Rochester, NY). I live in Massachusetts and I'm willing to travel in New England/NY but feel very reluctant to have a dog "shipped" if the distance is too far.

Should I be posting in a different forum with this question? I welcome any private messages - I understand it may not be the place for breeders to advertise, etc. I also want to have my eyes wide open to any obvious "bad breeders" or puppy mill type breeders.

Thank you in advance for any help!

sandypaws · 02-16-2013, 11:00 AM

Hi Leigh and welcome. I, too, am from MA and lost my Bailey a year and a half ago at the age of 15. I am fortunate, though, to still have Tyler who is 15 1/2 yo. At the time I got my boys, they were considered a rare breed and there were none to be found in MA. They came from NC and VA. I don't know of any breeders in MA but if you go onto the HCA website you will find a list of breeders. Don't forget to read the section of this forum regarding "red flags" when talking with breeders. It is very informative and definitely a "must read". You mentioned that you don't want a puppy shipped and, rest assured, no reputable breeder will do that. You may have to travel to get puppy who has had a good start in life by his breeder, but it will certainly be worth it. I know I will be doing that when the time comes for me to get my puppy. That ironic part about that is that I am a senior and have never flown commercially but will definitely bite the bullet and do it if I have to to get the best pup I can. Good luck in your search.

Leigh · 02-16-2013, 01:40 PM

Thank you for the speedy reply - much appreciated! I'm sorry about your Bailey, it is heartbreaking to say good-bye to a well loved pet. I will definitely check out the information on the forum.

When we got our dog, I had never seen a Havanese in person, so it was a leap of faith to get her ... this time around, I know I absolutely want a Havanese, but it's a little scary to know who to trust - I'm glad I found this forum, there is a lot of good information and support here!

sandypaws · 02-16-2013, 02:29 PM

You're welcome. There is another source you could try and that's the NE Havanese Club. I don't know how active they are but maybe you could find someone through them in the NE area. I do know that there were a couple of breeders in MA at one point. One I know is not still breeding and the other I had bad luck with 16 years ago when I was researching the breed as I also had never seen a Hav in person before we got Bailey and just wanted to see one. I contacted her and she was not very receptive to having us come over to her place. I agree that it's tough to find someone to trust. That's why I mentioned that you may have to extend your search a little wider than just MA and/or NE. I have a friend in the area who I will be seeing within the next couple of weeks or so who is knowledgeable about the breed and lives locally. I would be happy to ask her opinion and let you know in a PM what she thinks. She is someone who I trust. Hope that helps, Leigh.

Leigh · 02-16-2013, 08:34 PM

Thank you Sandypaws ... I just got the significance of your name (Cape Cod/Havanese walking on the beach) !

I would welcome your friend's advice, thank you. I will be visiting someone in Rhode Island tomorrow afternoon - taking a chance and another leap of faith!

I read your reply to Cajun_Mike regarding his dog Tucker - it's heartbreaking! My dog Bailey had congestive heart failure so to read both his and your story was all too familiar. We were fortunate to have Bailey with us for over a year which was much longer than expected. Lots of daily medications and TLC.

I'm glad I joined the Havanese Forum today - I really wish I had been connected in the past!

Missy · 02-17-2013, 09:53 AM

Check into kamelott kennels (Toby Biller) Moorea havanese (Mary Cane) don't know if they have litters planned but great breeders and involved with the New England Hav club so could also refer you to others who do it right.

Cubby · 02-17-2013, 10:25 AM

Leigh

I left you a PM with some info!

LeeAnn

Leigh · 02-18-2013, 10:01 PM

Thank you Missy for the information - I found a breeder in RI on Saturday that I felt good about and actually visited yesterday with my family. The puppies are only 6 weeks and not ready to go home yet, but we all fell in love with them and will definitely bring one home when the time is right - 5-6 more weeks. I've made a lot of phone calls and have sent emails to breeders - not including the breeders you mentioned. I'm not able to reach our first breeder from NY so I'm starting from scratch and trying to use good references and gut instinct to find the next puppy!

Leigh · 02-19-2013, 07:03 AM

Sorry LeeAnn, I did not see a PM from you ... I will check again - thanks! I see you are from Massachusetts too - beautiful dogs!

atsilvers27 · 02-19-2013, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leigh

Thank you Missy for the information - I found a breeder in RI on Saturday that I felt good about and actually visited yesterday with my family. The puppies are only 6 weeks and not ready to go home yet, but we all fell in love with them and will definitely bring one home when the time is right - 5-6 more weeks. I've made a lot of phone calls and have sent emails to breeders - not including the breeders you mentioned. I'm not able to reach our first breeder from NY so I'm starting from scratch and trying to use good references and gut instinct to find the next puppy!

Use caution. There is a particular breeder in RI that several people have had problems with.