Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Georgia
Posts: 4,107
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Before You Buy
I wish I totally agreed with these statements made in different threads but not sure I can.. You all know my Smarty story, every mistake in the book. I knew better it just happened to work out for me because I read the Havanese standard, understood most of it and had a pretty good eye for structure. To make a long story short, I bought a pet, saw what was showing, decided to give it a try, Smarty won 3 majors her second weekend out at 7 months and finished her American championship at 9 months. All owner handled. She was spayed at 18 months because I did not feel she was breeding quality, she is now playing at agility.
BEFORE YOU BUY
1. Read the standard of the breed.
2. Get copies of all know health test for the breed, and understand the ratings or results.
3. Get references from breed clubs or past buyers of this breeder
4. Hair & Grooming can cover a lot of faults in this breed, be sure to see soaped pictures.
A pet is not a puppy with crooked legs or any other problem the breeder can spot that might need surgery, extensive medical attention or anything that will limit the quality of life it will have with a family. In the past these were considered culls. Breeders had to be held to a higher standard than I believed they do today. Good breeders did make the hard calls they did not have the option of limited registration for the dog. Any animal could face you in the ring to show your breeding program.
For a Breeder to sell a puppy for $1,500 for rather than $3,000, the difference in price should be due to coat quality, markings, size, better head piece, top line, length of body, tooth placement, etc but never, never for deformities. I always though the most important puppy sold was a pet going to the perfect family for the next 12 to 15 years.
My opinion, others please jump in with your thoughs.
Sandi, taking a new road with Smarty and Galen