Breed Standards & Health Protocols
Breed Standards & Health Protocols
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At Shadowlight Havanese, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of the breed. We do not simply breed dogs; we curate lineage, health, and temperament to produce companions who embody the best of the Havanese spirit.
Our breeding program acknowledges the AKC official standard for Havanese. Our goal is to produce dogs that are:
Sturdy & Balanced: Standing 8.5 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder, weighing 7 to 13 pounds, though some healthy, sturdy dogs may reach up to 14 pounds depending on bond structure. Silky & Double-Coated: Possessing a profuse, silky coat that is both beautiful and functional.
Expressive & Playful: Showcasing the mischievous yet gentle expression that defines the breed. Sound of Mind & Body: Moving with a lively, springy gait that reflects their joyful nature. Genetic Health & Testing Health is the cornerstone of our program. We adhere to rigorous testing protocols to ensure every puppy has the best start in life.
OFA Clearances: Our breeding dogs undergo Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) testing for hips, elbows, and cardiac health. Eye & Hearing Exams: We utilize CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) exams to check for hereditary eye diseases and BAER testing for normal hearing. DNA Testing: We screen for genetic conditions relevant to the breed, including Chondrodysplasia (CDPA) and hereditary cataracts.
Strategic Champion Lineage Integration: While our foundational protocol requires full OFA clearances, we reserve the right to incorporate exceptional bloodlines that demonstrate superior lineage and temperament. A prime example is stud, Zurich Count of Inverness. In cases where a dog possesses comprehensive DNA genetic clearance and originates from a personally vetted, ethical kennel with a proven history of humane care and breed stewardship, we may proceed with a strategic pairing. This decision reflects our commitment to preserving the best traits of the Havanese breed while maintaining rigorous health oversight.
Temperament & Structure: We prioritize temperament alongside aesthetics. A Shadowlight Havanese is bred to be: Outgoing & Social: Comfortable with people and other animals.
Intelligent & Trainable: Eager to learn and capable of advanced tasks. Resilient & Happy: Structured to move freely and comfortably, without exaggeration or weakness.
Ethical Breeding Philosophy: We believe that breeding is a responsibility, not a transaction. In-Home Raising: All puppies are raised in our home. They are exposed to the sights, sounds, and textures of a loving household.
Lifetime Commitment: We stand behind every puppy we breed. If an owner cannot keep their Shadowlight Havanese, we require they return the dog to us rather than rehoming them elsewhere. Education & Stewardship: We are committed to continuous learning through the AKC, Havanese Club of America, and mentors in the field. We hold ourselves to the highest standard of integrity, health, and humane treatment.
CHOCOLATE HAVANESE
Havanese with chocolate noses are considered "Chocolate" no matter the coat. The Havanese with black noses are considered the normal standard. Currently Shadowlight Havanese is breeding chocolates.
The long coat of the Havanese is not called fur; it is called hair because it is genetically programmed for undetermined length. This means the hair grows continuously and does not she heavily- unlike traditional fur which grows to a predetermined length and sheds seasonally. The the coat should be combed a few times a week.
The features of the chocolate Havanese are solid brown nose, eyelids, and lips. The paw pads and nails are brown or clear/chocolate-colored rather than black. The eyes are typically hazel, amber, green, or light brown.
We have a chocolate dam that is mostly all white with chocolate feathering in the ears and tail and a chocolate saddleback, or as we affectionatly call "angel wings."
The stud is a chocolate Parti. The "Parti" pattern is a white base coat broken up with distinct patches or blankets of chocolate brown. No two parti dogs have identical markings. The coat texture is long, soft, wavy, and silky, lacking a dense undercoat.
Shade Variations: The chocolate can range from a pale milk chocolate to a deep dark cocoa, and may lighten or shift to a taupe/gray as the dog matures. The dam, as a puppy, had dark chocolate and as she matured turned gray. The sire kept dark chocloate parti colors.
Grooming: the perianal area needs minimal grooming and cleaning to ensure no snags and hygene. Eyes need wiping daily. The Havanese standard is a long, flowing untrimmed double coat. Some owners prefer the "Teddy Bear" cut. Dreadlocks are also an option on the Havanese but require additional care. Two small briads styled to look like eyebrows are also standard.
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