I'm Marilyn O., the breeder behind Havanese of the Sonoran Desert located in Pima County, AZ. I am a small Havanese breeder. I also show in AKC conformation. Our Havanese live with us in our home. They are part of the family and are treated as such! The goal we set and which I believe is still the most important, is to produce healthy puppies that make a well-rounded character in an adult dog.
Q. & A. with Marilyn
Why did you start breeding?
I wanted to breed health tested, well-socialized happy loving dogs for others to enjoy!
What makes your program special?
My dogs live in my home with me. They have their own room (sunroom) set up for them where they sleep in crates and get groomed. They can go in and out of that room and into the house as they please. They are part of the family and treated as such!
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black and white, white, cream, red, and red sable. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Selena
Went home
Male
Nash
Went home
Female
Jersey
Went home
Male
Boy 2/Jersey
Went home
Male
Boy 1/NASH
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Selena
Went home
Female
Nash
Went home
Male
Jersey
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Marilyn
Marilyn has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $1,000 refundable deposit and $1,800 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Price includes the AKC limited registration. A Havanese Sonoran bag filled with puppy items toys, blanket contract to spay or neuter prior to 9 to 11 months old. A health check certificate paper from our veterinarian and vaccination documentation of first parvo and distemper at 8 weeks old. Information of the sensitivity with vaccinations with havanese.
The father Valentino is a Grand Champion and one of the best dogs I have ever owner he is very special and does therapy work.
Momma Birdie is a go getter loves to take a walk anywhere. At night loves to stay up late with me and my husband to watch a late movie. And she keeps an eye on you. The best momma with her pups is very loving and is cute as ever 9 lbs. We will work with you on moving the deposit to the next litter if something happens unforeseen with the litter puppy you cannot take at time of pickup. Or we can refund your deposit. But please be a serious buyer! We take the time to talk with all are inquiries.”
Contract & health guarantee
Marilyn may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Marilyn offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Marilyn directly.
Havanese of the Sonoran Desert meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Litter and program updates
Marilyn O.
Program update on 02 May •
Havanese have arrived and are thriving
Marilyn O.
Program update on 25 Mar. •
Havanese litter arriving in early April 2025
Parent dogs
Shelby, dad
Havanese
About Shelby
Shelby is a male Havanese. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Marilyn decided to make him part of their program. Marilyn has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Valentino, dad
Havanese
About Valentino
Valentino is a male Havanese. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Marilyn decided to make him part of their program. Marilyn has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Birdie, mom
Havanese
About Birdie
Beautiful small female who loves to just be with you. Very sweet endearing little girl. Enjoys going for walks and rides in the car.
BusyBee, mom
Havanese
About BusyBee
BusyBee is a female Havanese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Marilyn decided to make her part of their program. Marilyn has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Havanese of the Sonoran Desert reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Havanese.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.