I'm Ruth F., the breeder behind Lil Scamps Havanese located in Melrose, FL. We love to responsibly raise and train our puppies so they have the tools to be well-rounded, beloved family members. Over the years we’ve learned valuable methods for socializing our puppies. Each litter has a clean and safe environment to learn and grow so they have the best chance of becoming amazing family members!
Q. & A. with Ruth
Why did you start breeding?
I have raised dogs most of my life. Have had numerous state and national champions of various breeds over many years. I just love dogs and enjoy working with them.
What makes your program special?
The effort I put into preparing the puppies to be the best dogs they can be for their new families. I work very hard to ensure optimal health, and parents are OFA health certified for many generations. I start potty training when they are 6 weeks old because owners worry about this. They start simple obedience and obstacles (like small tunnels) at 8-10 weeks if they are still with me. These are wonderful dogs!
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Ruth
Ruth 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 $200 non-refundable deposit and between $1,800 - $2,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Price includes AKC Limited Registration (no breeding), Florida veterinary health certificate, first vaccines, regular de-worming (every 2 weeks), puppy socialization (kids and other dogs) and introduction of house training basic concepts. If something happens and I cannot provide the puppy to you as promised, of course the deposit would be refunded immediately. If you change your mind it is non-refundable.”
Contract & health guarantee
Ruth 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 Ruth 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 Ruth directly.
Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
Vet check
First round of shots and deworming
Vet records
Microchip
Extras
Toys
Initial potty training
Puppy starter kit
Food & treats
Registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Ruth.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Melrose, FL
695 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Gainesville Airport
702 miles away
·
Flexible meeting point
Ruth can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Ruth
Club memberships
Ruth is a member of Mid Florida Havanese Club.
Certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder of Merit.
Ruth has been a member of Good Dog for over 2 years
Ruth was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Ruth is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Lil Scamps Havanese 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
Parent dogs
Shadow, mom
Havanese
About Shadow
Shadow is a lovely dog, AKC Champion and also a Canine Good Citizen (CGC). She is the dog everybody wants. She loves everyone, is very mild mannered but super smart and ready to please. She is a very special girl.
"Tequila", dad
Havanese
About "Tequila"
Tequila is a gorgeous dark red, AKC Grand Champion, and beloved family member. He is a little clown and one of the most sweet and affectionate dogs ever. We adore him and are very proud of him.
"Diva", mom
Havanese
About "Diva"
"Diva" is a female Havanese. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ruth decided to make her part of their program. Ruth 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
Lil Scamps Havanese 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.
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 (rDVM, not 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.