Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of common questions and quick answers
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How to Get a Habibi Bear

How do I start the process to get a Habibi Bear?

Are you excited to welcome a Habibi Bear into your family? Take the first step by immersing yourself in our FAQ and getting acquainted with our program and process. Once you’re inspired by ourhesitate to submit your application and kickstart the journey. mission, don’t

Can I Fail the Puppy Application?

There is no pass or fail on our puppy application. Our puppy application is designed to get the conversation started, helping us better understand you, your lifestyle, and what type of Habibi Bear will be the best fit for your family.

It serves more as a questionnaire, but since the term “puppy questionnaire” can be a little confusing, we’ve opted to keep calling it a puppy application.

How Much Does a Habibi Bear Cost?

Our puppies are $4400 and you can add on additional training for $650 per week

How do the payments work?

We require a non-refundable deposit of $1000 to join the waiting list or reservenal balance and additional services are invoiced once you have selected your puppy. 

What methods of payment do you accept?

We offer multiple payment options for your convenience:
Venmo, Zelle, Quickbooks Bank Draft are all free
Credit Cards incur a 3% fee.
Financing is available through Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay
Additionally, we provide payment plans for those interested in spreading out your payments over time with a 3% fee

How does pick up work?

We have a tradition at Habibi Bears of providing hand-delivery service on Gotcha Day. Families can be added to the delivery list for local deliveries, or we offer flight nanny delivery for those further away.  We can also meet you at our airport for those who want to fly to pick up.  

Do You Deliver?

We offer worldwide delivery! We provide local ground delivery to Western Washington and Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, and nationwide flight nanny delivery!

How does puppy selection work?

We wait to match families until 5-7 weeks, depending on the litter and how the puppies are developing. Once we have completed the head-to-toe vet check, photo shoot, and temperament assessment, we will announce the selection day. Families will receive a full picture of each pup, and we will guide you to the perfect puppies for your needs.

Can I get the color I want?

We understand that color preferences are important, but we emphasize that temperament is crucial for ensuring a successful long-term placement of a puppy with your family. It’s essential to keep in mind that being specific about color or gender might lead to a longer wait, and we’re completely okay with that as long as you recognize that these factors are ultimately guided by Mother Nature.

We encourage you to keep an open mindset regarding color and to focus on finding the puppy with the ideal personality to fit your lifestyle. Rest assured, we will never send you home with a puppy that doesn’t meet your desires. If the current options aren’t to your liking, we can always transition you to the next litter, keeping in mind that these particulars are ultimately determined by Mother Nature.

When should I get on the waitlist?

As soon as you know you want a Habibi Bear, you should fill out the puppy application and get on our waitlist. We organize our waitlist on a first-come-first-serve basis, meaning you’ll have a better pick of puppies when you get on the list sooner. Many of our buyers are on our list for a year knowing they want a Habibi Bear, but aren’t yet ready to bring one home.

As a side benefit, when you jump on the waitlist, you also lock in your price for two years; if we change price after your deposit, but before you get a puppy, you’ll still pay the listed price from when you placed your deposit.

What is "Gotcha Day"?

This is the day you bring your puppy home to your family.  We will list the offiical release date for every litter so families can plan their schedule around this day.  

Do you offer training prior to pick up?

Yes, we offer early puppy training using our own Habibi Method. While not required, the majority of our owners elect to put their puppy into our Puppy Charm School as a way to give their puppies a headstart in training, manners, and socialization.

About the Habibi Bear Breed

What Is a Habibi Bear?

Habibi Bears were Julie’s vision to create hypoallergenic, intuitive, and empathic companions for children with disabilities. They are a hybrid mix of five breeds. To learn more, visit our Origins Page.

What Breeds Are In Habibi Bears?
To date, the breeds in the background of the Habibi are listed below, and we leave our studbook open to infusing new breeds when needed to reach our goals. 
Small & Mini Line: Bichon Breeds, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Cavalier, Schnauzer, Pekingese (in the background but rarely shows up on tests)
Moyen Line: Our small and mini lined combined with  – Standard Poodle &  Schnauzer,  Multi-gen non-shedding Goldendoodle & Aussiedoodle (in the background but rarely shows up on tests) 

 

Can I Get a Habibi Bear Anywhere Else?

This is like a special promise between me, my higher power, and each and every dog I bring into the world. You can only find our dogs with me because I’m totally dedicated to taking care of them and helping them grow. It’s a really natural process that I follow with all my heart. Even though lots of people have wanted to breed Habibi Bears, I’m focused on making sure they’re happy and healthy, and that my missionpect for the dogs always comes first.

This is my dedication to these unique dogs and to the fortunate families who are part of this mission. Connecting hearts is my passion, and I look forward to every special bond that is forged between my exceptional dogs and the families who are guided to us.

What Sizes Do Habibi Bears Come In?

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How Long Have Habibi Bears Been Around?

Since 1989

What Are the Health Concerns for Habibi Bears?

We have carefully matched our parent dogs using genetic testing. However, small dogs are prone to certain health issues, so it’s important to be cautious. They can injure their backs and patellas, so be mindful of over-jumping, especially on and off furniture. Avoid over-exercising your young pup to ensure proper bone growth and development of their joints and ligaments. A healthy diet, raw feeding with recommended vitamins, and waiting to spay or neuter until they are a year old can help prevent these issues by allowing hormones to aid in proper bone development. Your dog will be healthier by staying away from flea/tick medications and opting for titer testing instead of yearly vaccines.

For more information read our Natural Rearing page. 

What do you mean, "a new breed for today's world"?

Just like dog breeds developed hundreds of years ago, my breed was envisioned to fulfill a need. Today’s world is very different from what it was 200 years ago. Dogs developed with strong drives for hunting, herding, guarding, and catching vermin struggleh unfulfilled needs. These drives were bred into these dogs by someone who needed them to fulfill a specific purpose, and it is difficult for the dogs to adapt to today’s world. These breeds were also created by inbreeding, which we know today is a very dangerous practice, yet it is still embraced in the purebred world. I set out to restore genetic diversity lost to inbreeding and create a breed that is a perfect family companion, allergy-friendly, highly sensitive, and can read a room, so to speak. My dogs heal and connect to their humans in ways that leave us in awe. They are the empaths of the canine world. That’s a Habibi Bear.

Care & Maintenance for a Habibi Bear

What are the Grooming Needs of a Habibi Bear?

Our dogs are non-shedding, which means they need to be brushed daily and regular haircuts to keep them in tip-top shape. They do require brushing, or they can mat, but we have a great grooming guide to help you learn how to care for your Habibi Bear, and you can share it with your groomer too. 

What is the best diet for a Habibi Bear?

We strongly believe in holistic care for our dogs, so our favorite food for them is raw. I have found two kibble brands with a good track record as well. You can mix the kibble with a raw topper if you choose, but I firmly believe in raw feeding for the health and vitality of your dog.

What are the most common struggles with owning a Habibi Bear?

The most common struggles typically revolve around normal puppy behavior being mishandled or misunderstood.  I understand that many families struggle with not fully understanding their dog’s unspoken language and unintentionally pushing their dog beyond their limits. For instance, it can be overwhelming for your puppy when they are forced to greet people when they are already feeling stressed. Not recognizing their signals, such as lip licks, yawns, and head turns before their dog growls, is a common challenge. There are usually many warning signs before your dog reaches their limit.

I know that learning to read a dog’s body language can be challenging, which is why I have created a course designed to guide you through it. This program is tailored to your needs, and by following it, you will discover your innate abilities as a dog trainer.

Additionally, I’ve developed a dog body language masterclass to help you become an expert in understanding and communicating with your dog. My goal is to break down these barriers and support you in becoming the best caregiver for your dog.

How much time will I need to give to my Habibi Bear Each Day?

Our dogs love spending time with us and it’s important for their well-being. However, dogs also need plenty of rest, and we have designed a schedule to help you create a balanced routine for your dog. Even if you work from home, we can assist you in coordinating your dog’s rest times with your work schedule, such as Zoom calls. It’s essential to establish a routine for your puppy from the beginning to ensure a smooth transition when they come home. Our daily schedule breaks the day into blocks, allowing for scheduled rest times for your dog.

This is manageable, even for those who work outside the home! We have many families who work and have set-ups with a camera and even remote-controlled treat dispensers so they can interact with their pup when they are away. Let’s discuss your needs and create a plan for your family. 

What is the best lifestyle for a Habibi Bear?
Habibi Bears make great companions for a variety of households, including retired couples, singles, and families with or without children. What unites these diverse groups is their passion for dogs and the desire to welcome a loyal companion into their lives. These dogs enjoy leisurely walks but are not demanding when it comes to exercise. They are bright and enjoy engaging with toys and games. Our dogs flourish in enriching environments where they are engaged with you, as they are intended to be part of your family and not left alone outdoors. With their calm demeanor, they also excel as therapy dogs. Whether you’re looking for a more subdued companion or a spirited one, we are here to help you find the perfect match for your family’s needs.

Training Tips & The Habibi Method

What is the Habibi Method?
This program is dedicated to empowering families in their quest to become exceptional dog parents by fostering a deep connection and providing easy-to-navigate charts and schedules that promote cherished moments together. Tailored specifically for our dogs, this approach emphasizes understanding and respecting your dog rather than relying solely on conventional training methods. It strives to build your confidence in engaging deeply with your pup. Our holistic perspective acknowledges dogs as intelligent and emotional beings deserving of respect and empathy rather than mere control. Welcome to the Habibi Method, Montessori for your dog.
What is Puppy Charm School?

A head start for your puppy awaits at Habibi Bears. They can stay with us for four weeks where we will expertly initiate them into our Habibi Method program. We will establish a schedule, introduce them to crate training and set up potty times using the Brilliant Pad while also beginning clicker training.We start the training process by teaching them basic commands such as Sit, Down, Twirl, Place, Watch Me, and their name. We use luring and work through the process at their own pace, followingmethod. This program is perfect for those looking to give their puppy a head start. 

Our weekly outings will foster socialization and help us address any early fears. Plus, you can stay engaged at home with the Human’s Guide to the Dog Galaxy Course for a smooth transition.

What is the taught during Puppy Charm School?

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How can I learn how to train my puppy?

We believe anyone can learn to train their own pup! With our method, you will be feeling confident in no time. It’s all about nurturing that bond, and our three bonding ritualspace. This is all included in our course that comes free with every Habibi bear: “The Human’s Guide to the Dog Galaxy.” really set the 

What is the Human's Guide to the Dog Galaxy?

This is our flagship book and online course that you receive for free with your puppy This program establishes the foundation for a wonderful relationship and provides you with the tools you need to feel confident in raising your puppy.

In the course we cover all the important aspects of raising a pup:

  • Puppy Biting Phases and flow charts on how to handle it
  • Potty Training
  • Crate Training
  • The 5 Elements of raising a puppy
  • Three bonding rituals
  • Manners Class aka Clicker Training
  • Videos, Flowcharts and Schedules
    …..And more!