Our Breeding Program
Our Breeding Program
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Our breeding program is built on three pillars: temperament, health, and that show-quality spark—but temperament is where we land. At Shadowlight Havanese, we breed for connection. Our foundation is Suki, a service dog with an outstanding temperament, and we’ve paired her with an excellent sire whose core traits match what we value most. We breed and socialize with the goal of producing dogs with the propensity for emotional support, therapy, and service work. We don’t guarantee that every puppy will meet the rigorous requirements of service work, but we aim high. That’s why we take time to pair our pups with the right owners— the match matters. These dogs also shine as trick, obedience, and agility partners. Health and structure are our non-negotiable responsibilities, ensuring that if they step into the conformation ring, they can stand tall.
Socialization & Raising
Our puppies are raised in a home with intensive early socialization. We prioritize neurological stimulation, human interaction, and environmental desensitization to sound and handling—from potty training basics to grooming introductions—so each puppy transitions seamlessly into their new life. Socialization builds confidence. We introduce sounds, sights, smells, surfaces and textures, cats, other small dogs, people, public places, tunnels, and toys—all in a positive environment.
We also begin potty, crate, and doggie door training. We start basic obedience cues like 'leave it,' the hand touch 'boop,' 'sit,' 'stay,' 'down,' and 'come' using clicker and 'yes' as positive reinforcement. However, this is only an introduction; positive reinforcement training needs to continue after adoption.
Health Commitment
We screen DNA and pedigree compatibility between dam and sire. We breed like-to-like, prioritizing chocolate-to-chocolate pairings, and we utilize AKC Champion bloodlines. As part of the CHIC program, we tested our dam, Suki, for OFA Hips, OFA Elbows, CAER Eyes, cardiac clearance, and a DNA panel for CDDY/IVDD, AON, and PRA. Zurry, the sire, is AKC DNA screened and comes from a Champion bloodline sourced from a reputable kennel. Zurry has an established track record of siring healthy litters, and his continued health and the quality of his offspring are testament to his value as a sire.
Pairing Philosophy
We choose mating pairs to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, actively working to improve the lineage. Our decisions prioritize structural and genetic soundness rather than convenience. By analyzing pedigrees, temperaments, and health clearances, we ensure every breeding is a step forward for the Havanese breed.
AKC Registration
& Reunite Microchip
All Shadowlight Havanese and contributing Sire in our program are AKC registered. Champion bloodline pedigree can be ordered from AKC. We register entire litters and maintain accurate, transparent stud and litter records to ensure full traceability and integrity within the breed.
Every puppy is implanted with an ISO-compliant microchip registered with AKC Reunite for lifetime membership. This chip includes temperature-reading capability, eliminating the need for invasive rectal thermometers. While additional AKC Reunite features are available at the owner’s expense, the standard registration lists both Shadowlight Havanese as the breeder and the new owner as the primary contact, ensuring a double layer of protection.
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