Responsible Breeding Practices

Being a responsible breeder involves more than producing litters. It means making informed, ethical decisions that support the long-term health, welfare, and stability of the Havanese breed.

The Havanese Fanciers of Canada (HFC) is committed to educating breeders and promoting high standards in breeding practices. Whether you're an established breeder or just starting out, our goal is to support you in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs who thrive in their homes.

Health Testing is Essential

Ethical breeding starts with a focus on health. HFC Breeder Members must performs a minimum of four health tests on all owned and co-owned breeding dogs, including two mandatory tests:

  • Patella luxation certification
  • Annual Eye certification (performed according to OFA standards)

In addition, breeders must complete two or more of the following approved tests:

  • OFA cardiac (or echocardiogram)
  • OFA hips or hip/LCP combined
  • PennHIP
  • OFA elbows
  • OFA thyroid
  • Bile acids and other liver testing
  • BAER hearing test

Health testing results should be submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and made publicly accessible. This transparency builds trust with families and contributes to the betterment of the breed. Learn more at www.ofa.org

Agreements Protect Everyone

Providing clear, written agreements is a fundamental part of responsible breeding. Contracts should outline:

  • The health guarantees you offer
  • CKC registration requirements
  • Spay/neuter agreements or non-breeding contracts
  • Return or rehoming policies
  • Support expectations for the dog’s lifetime

Clarity protects both the breeder and the family. Breeders should never use return clauses to avoid responsibility for legitimate health concerns. Ongoing support and open communication are essential.

Registration is a Must

All dogs sold as purebred Havanese must be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). This is a legal requirement under Canada’s Animal Pedigree Act. Breeders must provide registration papers at no additional cost to the buyer.

CKC registration alone does not ensure ethical breeding practices. Health testing, transparency, and responsible contracts are what set reputable breeders apart.

Using Genetic Testing

Scientific advancements have provided breeders with tools to screen for genetic conditions specific to the Havanese breed. Only breed-relevant genetic tests provide meaningful insight.

While genetic testing is not currently a requirement for HFC Breeder Members, many breeders consider it a valuable part of their program. These tests can help identify carriers of certain conditions and guide informed breeding decisions to reduce the risk of inherited disease.

Genetic diversity testing is another helpful tool. It can assist breeders in evaluating compatibility between prospective parents, helping to preserve genetic health and maintain diversity within the breed population.

Used thoughtfully, genetic testing and diversity tools support responsible decision-making and strengthen long-term breeding goals.

Consider Earning Titles

Titles are more than ribbons. They are a sign of a dog’s sound structure, temperament, and trainability. Breeders are encouraged to:

• Earn conformation titles to demonstrate adherence to the breed standard
• Participate in activities such as Obedience, Rally, Agility, Scent Detection, Trick Titles, Canine Good Neighbour, or other performance and companion events

Dogs who succeed in these arenas often reflect the key qualities we aim to maintain in our breeding programs, including confidence, eagerness to learn, and stable temperaments. These achievements also highlight a dog’s trainability, temperament, and versatility. These are all valuable qualities in a companion dog.

Breeding is an Investment

Responsible breeding is not a shortcut to profit. It is a long-term investment in the health of your dogs and the future of the breed.

Costs include:

  • Health testing
  • Genetic testing
  • Titling and training
  • Proper nutrition and veterinary care
  • Time spent supporting families before and after placement

The price of a well-bred, health-tested Havanese reflects these investments. Cutting corners can lead to serious emotional, financial, and ethical consequences for both dogs and families.

The HFC Standard

HFC Breeder Members are held to a high standard. Breeders must:

  • Follow all applicable CKC and HFC policies, including the Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Club Member Breeders
  • Adhere to HFC's Health Policy, Code of Ethics, other policies, and the Constitution and By-laws of the HFC
  • Maintain ethical, respectful relationships with puppy families
  • Remain committed to continual education and responsible breeding practices

Breeding is both a privilege and a responsibility. Upholding these standards helps ensure every Havanese puppy has the best possible start in life.

Support for Breeders

If you are a breeder who is still learning or have questions about any aspect of responsible breeding, please know that you are not alone. The Havanese Fanciers of Canada is here to support you. We encourage you to reach out to the club with any questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to help you build your knowledge and confidence as a responsible breeder. Together, we can work to ensure the health and happiness of the Havanese breed for generations to come.