Special Events & Seminars

2026 EVENTS & GATHERINGS

DINING —

Thursday June 11th Meet and Greet – Casual… Come as you are!
Location: RALPH’S GARAGE MAIN LOBBY AREA 5:00-7:00 P.M.
Build your own Taco… Taco Bar Tacos with grilled chicken, grilled flank steak, Fajita veggies, corn and flour tortillas and assorted toppings. $5

Friday June 12th HRI Dinner and Entertainment with a very small silent auction
Buffet BBQ Dinner… Fried Chicken, Pulled Pork and Brisket, Buns, Coleslaw, Baked Beans,
Mac ’n Cheese, Apple Pie $50

Saturday June 14th HCA Banquet Buffet
Dinner… 2 choices House salad, Sliced 6 oz. NY Strip w/ Peppercorn Sauce,
or Pan Seared Salmon, Grilled Fresh Asparagus, Au Gratin Potatoes and Fresh Berry Tart. Vegan options available $60

SEMINARS —

Seminar 1.
Unlocking a Lifetime of Health: Harnessing the Microbiome to Boost Puppy Immune Development, Resilience, Performance, and Longevity
Thursday June 11 > Presented by Dr. Gail Czarnecki

The development of a puppy’s immune system, resilience, longevity, and even behavior is
significantly shaped by the microbiome, the community of bacteria living in the gut. Diet and
probiotics are powerful tools for shaping the microbiome, but it is important to recognize that
there is no universal solution. Each dog has unique requirements based on its life stage and
specific needs. Identifying the right probiotic can make all the difference, as can selecting the
most appropriate dog food ingredients. $20
Dr. Czarnecki has a PhD in Companion Animal Nutrition from the University of Illinois.
Before retiring, she was an Associate Professor of companion animal nutrition at the University
of Illinois, a Senior Nutritionist at Nestle Purina and an Adjunct Professor of Veterinary Clinical
Medicine at the University of Illinois.
Gail is a past member of the National Academy of Science Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources and the AAFCO dog and cat nutrient profiles subcommittee (which sets nutrient standards for dog and cat foods in the US). She has served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the International Probiotics Association, the University of Illinois Division of Nutritional Sciences External Advisory Board, and the NAS/NRC Committee on Evaluating the Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs and Cats. Her research focuses on probiotics,
prebiotics, and the effect of nutrition on gastrointestinal health and microbiome.
Gail’s is actively involved in science-based positive reinforcement dog training. She is a certified dog trainer (KPA CTP), Certified Fear Free Professional, Certified Trick Dog Instructor, and Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator. Gail is also involved with Havanese Rescue.
Most importantly, Gail is an avid Havanese lover.

Seminar 2.
How To Handle like a Pro
Thursday June 11th > Presented by David Stout

David will focus on the things that you can do to make your dog catch the judge’s eye. There will be a Q & A at the end of the seminar. After the Q & A, David will make himself available for one-on-one “hands on”.
Free for HCA Members / $5 for Non-Members

Seminar 3.
When Whelping Goes Wrong
Friday June 12th > Presented by Dr. Joshua Trumble

This information-rich discussion begins with a brief introduction on managing breeding bitches, followed by diseases and complications before, during, and after whelping. Learn what to look for, and what to expect from your veterinarian and veterinary visits.
Dr. Joshua Trumble is a Theriogenology Resident at The Ohio State University College of
Veterinary Medicine $35

Seminar 4.
It’s What’s Up Front That Counts
Friday June 12th > Presented by Jennifer Clevenger

Join the Breeder’s Education team as we dive into one of the most misunderstood
aspects of canine structure. The front assembly is an important aspect of the Havanese breed.
This seminar highlights how the front assembly is crucial for a dog’s reach, movement, and
overall “type”. Includes a hands-on portion—learning by touch. Join us for camaraderie in a fun learning environment.
Free for HCA Members / $20 for Non-Members

Seminar 5.
Genes, Discs and Dogs: Decoding CDDY & IVDD
Saturday June 13th > Presented by Dr. Liza Gershony, DVM, PhD

An educational and interesting seminar presented via Zoom by Dr. Liza Gershony, DVM, PhD – Outreach Coordinator and Geneticist, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. (CDDY) and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs.
“Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) has been a growing concern for many dog breeders, but there is still
much confusion about what it means and what actions to take to protect the health of their​
animals. This talk aims to describe what CDDY is and how it relates to IVDD and disc herniation,
providing information about what research has determined and what still needs to be
investigated.”
Addressing research in Chondrodystrophy, Dr Gershony will speak for about 40 minutes, taking questions for an additional 20 minutes. $20

Fees are per person unless otherwise indicated

Havanese Club of America Annual Meeting
Saturday June 13th > Begins at approximately 5:00 pm

This meeting is open to non-HCA members. Should voting take place, only HCA members in good standing may vote.

Go back to the 2026 National Specialty Registration and Reservations page. (https://havaneseclubofamerica.org/national-registration/#!form/2026NationalRegistration)

2027 National Specialty

2027 National Specialty Registration and Reservations

  • HCA Annual Meeting
  • Name Badge & Welcome Bags
  • Seminars
  • HCA Dinners
  • Reserved Ringside Staging
  • Reserved Ringside Seating
  • Show Catalogs
  • General Fund Donations

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