My name is Marilyn Oliver, and while reading about the Havanese 20 years ago in a dog magazine, I fell in love with them and wanted so much to find a Havanese. I began my research and found a breeder in Hungary. I know what you are thinking, and so did my husband. But, after much research and talking with Zoltan, I was convinced he had the puppy for me. I flew out to Hungary and met Zoltan and his wife. They were very welcoming and helped me with my hotel arrangements. Zoltan even emailed my husband to rest assured I was safe and enjoying their country. I did bring back the sweetest little girl Havanese and we named her Por Vida. However, she did not like the show ring. I went back to Zoltan for a beautiful male we named Seneca. He loved the show ring and I was able to champion him with AKC. He won a few best in breeds and that got me started showing the Havanese breed.

When I am with my dogs at home, it is the best time of day. I love playing with them, teaching them a new trick or working with agility in our backyard. Havanese love to just be with you, and they need to touch your leg when walking with you. I have an 8 month old pup who likes to nip me gently on my fibula bone in my back foot. It’s funny and I stop and her NO! But she’s a pup and must grow to trust me.

I started breeding Havanese because I wanted to be able to offer the very finest Havanese pups. Through researching the pedigrees of Havanese who really impressed me, I was able to obtain extraordinary Havanese both with nice temperaments and sweet personalities — also with gorgeous coats and healthy lines. I have my parent pups tested for eyes, heart, hearing (Baer), patellas and hips through OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). Once all the tests are done and passed, they receive their CHIC#.

I organize and plan my litters very carefully with special consideration given to temperament, general disposition, and AKC determination of physical attributes. Structure and coat texture also influence my breeding decisions.

Location: Tucson, AZ