Dog Breeding
Best Age To Breed A Dog (Male & Female)
5 min read
Find out the best age to breed dogs and the key factors involved. Ensure your dog’s health and safety with our expert breeding insights.
December 4, 20251,222 views
Connect with responsible Havanese breeders and find the ideal breeding partner for your velcro companion
Essential characteristics to consider when breeding these affectionate dogs
14-16 years
Long-lived breed
Playful, Affectionate
Velcro dogs
Discover what makes Havanese exceptional breeding companions and why they're treasured worldwide
Havanese are the ultimate "velcro dogs," forming incredibly deep bonds with their families. Their devotion creates an unmatched companionship experience that lasts 14-16 years.
Years of devoted companionship
Velcro dogs create unmatched bonds
The only breed native to Cuba! Their remarkable survival from just 11 foundation dogs in the 1970s makes every Havanese special. Breeding preserves this precious heritage.
Their double coat feels like cool silk to touch. Every color and pattern is acceptable, giving breeders freedom to focus on health and temperament over color restrictions.
Havanese enjoy exceptional health with proper care. Simple patella testing ensures bouncy movement throughout their 14-16 year lifespan. Their resilience makes breeding rewarding.
Small litters mean each puppy gets exceptional care
These exceptional traits make Havanese one of the most rewarding breeds to work with
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible and successful Havanese breeding
Small breeds mature earlier! Still wait until 2 years for females to ensure complete health testing. Havanese can breed successfully into older age.
Patella evaluation ensures bouncy, comfortable movement!
Once per year maximum
3-4 litters lifetime
Skip one heat cycle between litters
Small litters (3-4 puppies) allow focused care. Quality breeding creates exceptional companions.
Critical for velcro bond development
Key Focus Areas:
Early bonding creates the famous Havanese velcro devotion.
Color Genetics
All colors acceptable!
Liver Function
Bile acid testing available
Chondrodysplasia
Optional genetic test
No color health issues gives breeding freedom to focus on temperament.
Daily Grooming Need
Educate families about commitment
Velcro Nature
Not for those wanting independence
Small Litters
3-4 puppies allows quality care
Cuban Heritage
Preserve this precious legacy
Connect with verified Havanese owners for safe and ethical breeding
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From profile to puppies - your havanese breeding journey in 4 simple steps
Set up a detailed profile with photos, health records, and pedigree information
Browse verified breeding partners based on breed, location, and compatibility
Message owners directly to discuss breeding plans and health certifications
Meet safely, complete breeding agreements, and welcome healthy puppies
Set up a detailed profile with photos, health records, and pedigree information
Browse verified breeding partners based on breed, location, and compatibility
Message owners directly to discuss breeding plans and health certifications
Meet safely, complete breeding agreements, and welcome healthy puppies
Join thousands of responsible havanese owners who trust us for quality breeding connections
Every breeder is verified, ensuring you connect with genuine, responsible pet owners.
Find breeding partners near you to make meetings convenient and stress-free.
Customize your search with detailed filters for breed, age, health status, and more.
Chat directly with pet owners to discuss all details before making any commitments.
Join thousands of responsible havanese owners who've found quality breeding partners on Petmeetly.
Get Started NowReal stories from dog owners who found perfect breeding matches on Petmeetly
We found a really sweet mate, and they spent around 3.5 days together.
Caroline
California, US
We met up with a wonderful family about 2 months ago. We’re now arranging the next meet-up when she’s ready, and we’re hoping and praying for pups soon! My three girls are absolutely thrilled. Thank you, Petmeetly! xo
Court
Florida, US
Excellent app! Thanks to Petmeetly, Joey found his girlfriend, and I even got one of their daughters—my sweet Holly. 🥰
Michele Silva
Massachusetts, US
Modern health testing empowers you to create vibrant, healthy Havanese bloodlines that thrive for generations
OFA patella evaluations ensure bouncy, playful movement! Your careful selection creates Havanese who dance through life.
Crystal Clear Vision
Annual CERF eye exams celebrate bright eyes
Alert Hearing
BAER testing ensures perfect alertness
Your testing ensures lifetime sensory health
Simple bile acid testing ensures robust health throughout their long lives.
Annual cardiac checks celebrate strong, loving hearts.
OFA or PennHIP testing confirms excellent hip structure! Your dedication ensures Havanese who prance and play throughout their wonderfully long lives.
Strong structure for 14-16 years of play
Genetic testing empowers perfect breeding choices! Your knowledge ensures ideal structure and health for every generation.
No color-linked health issues
Comprehensive testing ensures thriving Havanese families!
Your commitment creates velcro excellence
Every Havanese carries the remarkable survival story from just 11 foundation dogs. Your thoughtful breeding preserves this Cuban treasure while creating healthy, devoted companions for families worldwide.
Your testing creates velcro excellence
Expert advice and tips for Havanese breeding
Find out the best age to breed dogs and the key factors involved. Ensure your dog’s health and safety with our expert breeding insights.
Understand the importance of socializing your pet. This guide will help you create positive experiences for your pet, ensuring they thrive in various environments.
Planning to breed your dog? Use our step-by-step dog breeding checklists to manage health tests, mating, whelping and puppy care—always with vet-backed guidance.
Get answers to common questions about breeding Havaneses responsibly
Essential testing ensures thriving Havanese! Patellar evaluation (OFA) celebrates bouncy movement. Annual eye exams maintain bright vision. Hip X-rays confirm structure. Cardiac checks ensure loving hearts. Hearing tests verify alertness. Liver function testing maintains vitality. Genetic testing empowers smart breeding. Your comprehensive approach creates healthy, happy Havanese!
Havanese offer unmatched devotion and companionship! They follow you everywhere, creating constant joy and connection. Their desire to be close brings comfort and emotional support. Perfect for those seeking a true heart dog who celebrates every moment together. Their velcro nature creates the deepest human-canine bonds!
Havanese are Cuba's treasured national dog - the only breed native to the island! Their remarkable survival story from just 11 dogs showcases their resilience. This unique heritage makes every Havanese special. Thoughtful breeding programs worldwide celebrate and preserve this precious Cuban legacy for future generations!
No - Havanese come in all colors and patterns with no health issues linked to color. This gives breeders freedom to focus on health and temperament. All colors from black to white, including chocolates, reds, and parti-colors are acceptable.
Havanese require daily brushing to prevent matting, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Many owners keep them in puppy cuts for easier maintenance. The silky coat mats easily without proper care. Budget $75-150 monthly for grooming.
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but Havanese produce less dander than many breeds. Their hair (not fur) reduces shedding. Individual allergies vary - spend time with Havanese before committing to breeding or ownership.
Portosystemic shunt affects some Havanese bloodlines, causing toxins to bypass liver filtering. Symptoms include poor growth, seizures, behavioral changes. Bile acid testing recommended. Surgery can correct some shunts if caught early.
Havanese are velcro dogs bred for companionship, making separation anxiety common. Early training and gradual alone-time introduction essential. Not suitable for families gone 8+ hours daily. Breeding selection should consider temperament stability.
Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation) affects many Havanese. Graded 1-4 by severity. Grade 1-2 may not need surgery, Grade 3-4 usually requires correction. OFA patellar evaluation essential before breeding. Avoid breeding Grade 2+ dogs.
Havanese excel in agility, rally, obedience, and trick training! Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them wonderful performance dogs. Many achieve high titles despite their small size. Great for active owners wanting a small competitor.
Discover breeding guides for different dog breeds and find the perfect match for your breeding program
Join our community of responsible Havanese breeders committed to preserving this Cuban treasure