Autumn 2026 - Three years of age

Suki's Page - Dam

Fully grown, Suki is 10.5 in height and 12.5 in weight and is our show quality foundation.

The journey I have walked with Suki is one of profound joy and amazement. She completed her basic level service dog training at one year. She flew in first class and went on a Disney Cruise to celebrate. She is exceptional, having completed her public access at a young age and has remained true to her calling without fail or burnout. She started with AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, crate training, and a service dog initial temperament test for service work which she passed with flying colors. Not every dog is positioned to be a service dog- this is why we evaluate our puppies personalities for the right home.

She went on to puppy conformation and won a Best of Breed Variety ribbon which we are proud of. We continued her training in AKC Virtual Home Manners Puppy, AKC Virtual Home Manners Adult, AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Fit Dog Silver, AKC ATT Temperament Test, and sailed through AKC Trick Dog Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced.

We are passing along her genetic disposition for these various skills to her puppies. With proper training, using positive reinforcement only, we are confident your puppy's potential is boundless. These, as well as other skills and achievements, are within your reach alongside your pup's promising capabilities.

We pamper her during her pregnancy and throughout the process to ensure she is not stressed and she is well cared for. We pay close attention to the puppy environment fostering a peaceful, natural, and organized training regimen. She is never caged in.

DAM’S CHAMPION LINEAGE

GCH CH TAPSCOTT THE X-FACTOR “Simon”

GCH CH T-WAGS MAGDALENA MY CHIX MAGNET “Maggie”

Pre-Breeding Health Evaluation

Prior to breeding Suki, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation in accordance with the standards set by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Havanese Club of America (HCA). We believe responsible breeding begins with knowing exactly we are passing down to the next generation.

Suki has undergone the following critical testing:

OFA Hips & Elbows: Radiographed to ensure she is free from dysplasia.

Cardiac Health: Examined and cleared by her primary veterinarian.

CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry): Examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist to rule out hereditary eye disease.

Genetic DNA Panel: Screened for breed-specific genetic disorders to ensure she is clear, a carrier, or affected, allowing us to make informed mating decisions.

Havanese coat colors can change as they mature and is a normal process.

Puppy Coat

When she started out she had
dark chocolate feathering.

Adult Coat

Her maturity changed to
a griege silver.

Suki Bark.MP4

Communication & Manners

Havanese are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs because they pay attention to their environment. They are not typically excessive barkers in the home when provided with positive basic obedience and clear leadership. "Chaos barking" is often a symptom of the environment, not the breed.

We recommend using positive reinforcement to teach the "quiet" command. When they bark, give the command with calm authority. The moment they are quiet, reward them with praise or a training treat. Consistency is key—once they understand what you are communicating, the behavior becomes manageable.

We also recommend a daily exercise in composure: train your dog to sit and wait before receiving their breakfast and dinner. This simple ritual reinforces patience and helps keep the household environment peaceful.

Separation Anxiety & Independence

Havanese are affectionate "Velcro dogs" who bond deeply with their families. Because of this, they can be prone to separation anxiety if they aren't taught to feel secure when alone. The most effective way to prevent this is to make your departures and returns a nonchalant experience. Avoid making a big deal or fussing over them when you leave or when you come home. By keeping these interactions calm and low-key, you help your puppy understand that your absence is temporary and nothing to worry about.

Fortunately, the Havanese size and temperament make them the ideal companion to take along. In many cases, you can bring your dog with you on errands or outings, which provides excellent opportunities for socialization and desensitization to new environments. By including them in your daily life, you satisfy their need for companionship while building a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

Our Training Room

Our puppies are raised in a home enriched with activity, not just a quiet nursery. They are introduced to the sights, smells, and textures of the equipment used in our training programs from an early age. In our dedicated training room, they become accustomed to the scale and movement of agility obstacles, Fit Dog apparatus, and trick dog props. This early exposure builds confidence and prevents fear of new objects.

Alongside this equipment, the puppies have their own dedicated play area designed to stimulate their developing brains. Through structured play and environmental enrichment, we ensure that every puppy leaves Shadowlight Havanese not just healthy, but ready to learn and eager to engage with the world.

Our Grooming Station

We perform all grooming in-house, treating it as an essential part of their upbringing. Our puppies are desensitized to the grooming process from a young age. They are accustomed to careful clipping, filing, and the use of a nail Dremel to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. We recommend maintaining a regular nail trimming schedule to keep your puppy comfortable and healthy. If you are not confident in using specific tools, we advise seeking guidance from a professional groomer to ensure a positive experience for your pup.

Swimming & Hydrotherapy

Havanese are natural athletes, and swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise for them. We recommend introducing your puppy to water through a gentle, positive process in a Dock Diving pool or a canine-friendly facility. These controlled environments are designed specifically for dogs, ensuring a safe and confident introduction to the water. With patience and praise, your Havanese can enjoy the refreshing benefits of hydrotherapy and dock diving fun.

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