A Little About Silks
LINKS
An explanation of dog registries
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog registry. They authenticate parentage, but do not verify the health of the dog or how that dog may or may not meet the breed standard. The Havana Silk Dog Association of America (HSDAA) is a voluntary and independent organization of dedicated breeders who's goal is to protect and preserve the original health, soundness, look, and temperament of this charming Cuban dog.
The name Havana Silk Dog was chosen since this is a very old name by which the breed was originally called and clearly describes the beauty of this original Cuban dog. Havana Silk Dogs must not only have purebred parentage, they must also pass all health testing, prove being free of congenital deafness, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and heritable eye disease, have a DNA profile, and pass a hands on evaluation looking for soundness and how the dog compares to the breed standard. Soaped photos are also required to verify the dog to be free of osteochodrodysplasia (CD) which is a skeletal abnormality resulting in short or bowed legs and associated with other health defects.
Not all purebred dogs are healthy, nor do they all meet the standard. It is important to understand that just because a dog is registered with AKC this does not guarantee anything about the dog other than parentage. According to AKC guidelines, any fully registered female bred to a fully registered male of the same breed will have a litter which is eligible for registration. Either dog could have CD, poor conformation/breed type or health defects and still produce puppies registered with the AKC. Another interesting thing to know is that a dog which has passed their health testing could still have CD, this is why it is so important to see soaped photos of the parents and know what the dogs structure is like under that beautiful coat.
However, ALL Certified Havana Silk Dogs are guaranteed to have purebred parentage, have passed all health testing, meet the breed standard, and be free from CD. While getting a Havana Silk Dog does not guarantee there will never be a health issue, it sure does increase your odds greatly knowing that both parents are proven healthy. In the HSDAA if there is a health problem or the dog does not meet standard, the dog cannot be registered as a breeder and cannot have registerable puppies. This will go a LONG way in protecting the breed from puppy mills and irresponsible breeding practices.
WARNING: If a breeder says health testing is not important, does not register their test results with OFA, says there are not problems in their lines, says it is too expensive and unnecessary, or gives any other excuse for not health testing....RUN AWAY and find another breeder. There is simply no excuse for not health testing, it is for the betterment of the breed and is for the protection of your future puppy. Accept nothing less!
Selah Havana Silk Dogs can be found on these sites:
A little info about Havana Silk Dogs:
1. COMPANIONS- Since they are bred to be companions, they LOVE their families and live to make them happy. They are always happiest when they are with their people!! Which is why they are often referred to as the 'Velcro' dog, they love following you around all day.
2. TRAINING - They are very good at obedience, agility, rally, and other competitive sports. Some have even been known to enjoy dock jumping and swimming. They also enjoy a good boat ride!
3. ALLERGIES - While they tend to be a good choice for allergy sufferers and are generally considered to be hypoallergenic. They do not shed, but will loose some of their hair (just like humans) that needs to be brushed out. If an allergic reaction occurs, it is more likely due to the grooming products used or the food that is being fed. Once these are changed, the allergic reaction is usually significantly decreased if not totally alleviated.
4, THERAPY - These dogs tend to be excellent therapy dogs, since they are quite easily trained and love people. They are therapeutic to the owner also!!
5. GROOMING - While keeping your dog in a full length coat will take some extra grooming time (comb 2-3 times per week) and baths every 1-2 weeks, many people choose to keep their Havana Silk in a puppy clip which is much easier to maintain and still looks adorable. For those who love the Silk's disposition but are apt to not desire all the grooming it is interesting to note that the Silk does occasionally occur in a Satin coat variety, which is very low maintenance.
Havana Silk Breed Characteristics:
* 9-11 inches at the shoulder
* 7-13 pounds
* rectangular in shape
* carries the tail over the back, but should not touch the back
* come in all coat colors other than merle, with the nose being black
* very soft and silky coat
* topline has a slight rise from the top of shoulder to the point of hip
* elegant neck with high head carriage
* lean boned with straight legs
* lovely almond shaped very dark eyes
* lively, playful, curious, intelligent
* loving, devoted companion
This page was last updated: February 27, 2010
