I always love to talk “Havanese” and show off my dogs. So it's just naturally the next best thing to present my dogs to you on this website. Enjoy.
My love affair with Havanese began when I brought “Oreo” home as a puppy. At the time, I had never seen a Havanese in person only pictures in books, because the information age had not taken off yet. She epitomizes the winning personality and changeable colors of the breed! My “Oreo cookie” puppy has matured into a beautiful blue Irish Pied. She is always willing to go for a drive, play ball with my son, or snuggle on the couch. Even though she was a wonderful mom, she whelped her last litter in the Fall of 2004; she’s still quite young at heart and looks forward to eating carrots & greenies (her favorite foods), rough housing with her grandbabies, playing ball with Evan, going on long walks with me, and just being the “Top Dog.”
Signature Havanese began with the birth of Smuckers. She possesses all the qualities I was looking for as my foundation stock. Being an owner/exhibitor with my first Bred-by, I was ecstatic when she captured a major win while going Best of Opposite Sex over specials at her first show in Atlanta. She finished her championship with three majors and a Best of Breed in her hometown where her show career began. Having family and friends there to share the experience with us, was memorable! To paraphrase a famous slogan, “with a name like Smuckers, she’s got to be good!” [Click here for her profile.]
Libby is the latest addition to Signature Havanese. I want to extend a special Thank You to Lynn Nieto of Los Perritos for entrusting me with this spectacular girl. Lynn is both a mentor and a friend. She willingly shares her knowledge of the breed and the sport while offering encouraging words and advice. Libby is a charming black parti with superior type and an over-the-top personality! She exemplifies the clownish nature of the breed even though it is not always appreciated- daily shredding of paper including graded and ungraded student’s tests; love of sprinklers and rainy days; freely shares her tongue when loading the dishwasher and anytime near your face; also a constant nuisance for Gizmo. The literal translation of her registered name is “The puppy my gift.” She was born on my anniversary and was given to me as a Christmas present. When my husband first saw her, he called her “little bit” because of her size. So we call her Libby for short. I am anxiously awaiting to begin her show career. Watch out for this little Dynamo who lives by Dr. Seuss' matra, "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
Gizmo is Signature Havanese’s first and currently only stud dog. From his early days in the whelping box, he captured everyone’s attention, especially my son’s. His outgoing personality, mischievous but sweet expression, and an awesome example of Breed Type are just some of the qualities that make him so special. He struts his “stuff” whenever he gets a chance- he’s a natural showman! He finished his championship with ALL majors before his first birthday! In fact, his last two wins were 5 point majors! He holds a very special place in my heart, because he is my first champion finished from the Bred By Class. We were invited to attend the AKC Eukanuba National Championship in 2006, but because of school commitments (I’m an elementary math teacher) we were unable to attend. At present, he enjoys shredding tissues, playing with Potter, car rides, and sleeping on the back of our couch with his head on my shoulder. There’s nothing better than the unconditional love of a “boy” Havanese.
[Click here for his profile.]
The "boys" in our house wanted a big dog. After many debates, family meetings, and research, we decided on a Bernese Mountain Dog. Their temperament is similar to that of a Havanese- friendly, outgoing, playful, and in need of human companionship. The two breeds complement one another and live harmoniously together. Potter’s favorite things to do are play with Gizmo, hangout with my son, and play tug-a-war. Potter is always a perfect gentleman- he always shares his bully sticks with the Havanese. I owe Dawn Hitchcock of Tallpine’s Bernese Mt. Dogs a huge Thank You for entrusting Potter to us.