I’ve met many families on the day they bring home their Havanese puppy, and I’ve been part of enough early exams to recognize the patterns—both the joyful ones and the preventable setbacks, buying a Havanese puppy isn’t complicated in theory, but in practice, the choices you make before that puppy ever steps into your living room shape everything that follows. After years of working as a small-animal veterinarian in Florida, I’ve seen both the best outcomes and the ones that left owners overwhelmed.
One of the most memorable puppy visits I ever handled involved a bright-eyed black-and-white Havanese whose owners had done just about everything right. They visited the breeder in person, met the dam and litter, checked health clearances, and waited patiently for the right temperament match. That puppy walked into my exam room confident and clean, with a solid body, clear eyes, and an obvious comfort around people. I remember thinking how rare it was to see every box checked so neatly. It made the first few months effortless for the family because the hard work had already been done by the breeder.
Not every family starts with such a smooth path. I once worked with a couple who purchased a Havanese on impulse after seeing photos online. They were told the puppy had “a bit of a sensitive stomach,” which turned out to be an untreated parasite load. The puppy had also been weaned far too early and showed classic signs of poor early socialization—clinginess mixed with fear during handling. They loved him dearly and were willing to put in the work, but those first six months were far more emotionally taxing than they needed to be. I saw shades of that same scenario countless times through the years, and it always circles back to one truth: where you get the puppy matters more than any other decision.
The families who do best are the ones who approach buying a Havanese puppy as a relationship rather than a transaction. Responsible breeders ask uncomfortable questions: What is your work schedule? Who will train the puppy? Do you understand coat maintenance? Are you willing to wait for the right pup instead of the fastest? I’ve met breeders who turned down buyers, and in every case, the refusals came from a desire to protect both the dog and the family. I respect that deeply. Good breeders know their lines and can tell within a few weeks which puppies will be more laid-back, more assertive, or more in need of experienced handling.
One mistake I still see regularly is families focusing too heavily on color. Havanese come in a range of stunning patterns, and people fall hard for the aesthetics. But I’ve watched more than one owner choose a puppy based purely on markings and then realize later that the temperament wasn’t the right match for their home. A family last spring admitted they picked the “cutest one” rather than the one the breeder had recommended, only to find themselves struggling with a high-energy pup in a very quiet household. They adjusted, and the puppy matured beautifully, but the mismatch added unnecessary friction early on.
I always encourage buyers to spend time holding and observing the puppies, not just watching videos. A Havanese puppy who relaxes in your arms tends to stay steady; one who wiggles constantly may grow into a spirited adult who thrives on activity; the one who waits politely on the edge of the group before approaching often blossoms into an affectionate but thoughtful companion. Those early cues are remarkably accurate if you pay attention.
Health screenings are another area where families sometimes hesitate, usually because the terms feel abstract—patellas, hearts, eyes. But I’ve treated enough Havanese with preventable issues to speak plainly: you want a breeder who screens for hereditary conditions and can explain the results without hesitation. A breeder once walked into my clinic with an entire folder of health certifications before sending a puppy home, and I wish more followed that example. It reflects an understanding of the breed’s vulnerabilities and a commitment to reducing them.
Once the puppy is home, the foundation you received from the breeder becomes obvious. Well-bred Havanese settle quickly, respond to gentle training, and adapt to household routines with enthusiasm. I’ve watched new owners beam during their puppy’s second or third visit because the dog has already learned basic cues, shows confidence on the exam table, and approaches life with that signature Havanese sparkle.
Buying a Havanese puppy can be one of the most rewarding decisions a family makes, but the reward comes from thoughtful preparation and choosing the right beginning. The dogs I see thriving years later almost always started with breeders who valued health, temperament, and careful placement over speed or convenience. Those early choices ripple outward for the rest of the dog’s life, shaping not just their wellbeing but the day-to-day joy they bring into a home.