Keeping Your Havanese Happy & Healthy
The Havanese is known for its charming personality, beautiful coat, and overall good health. With a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years or more, many Havanese live long, happy lives free from serious medical issues. This strong health record is largely due to responsible breeding practices and a strong commitment to health testing within the Havanese breeding community.
Why Health Testing Matters
Many genetic health conditions are not visible and can remain hidden for generations. Ethical breeders play a crucial role in identifying and preventing these issues by:
- Testing breeding dogs for known hereditary conditions.
- Avoiding the use of dogs that could pass on serious health issues.
By doing so, they give puppies the best start in life and help preserve the breed's long-term health.
The Role of OFA and the CHIC Program
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) maintains a public database of health test results. When a dog completes breed-specific health testing, it can receive a CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) number, indicating it meets responsible breeding standards.
Note: Not all breeders submit results to the OFA. Always ask to see the test results directly.
Required Health Tests for Havanese
According to the Havanese Fanciers of Canada (HFC)—the official CKC parent club—the following health tests are required for all breeding Havanese:
Mandatory Tests
- CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry): Annual eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
- Patella Luxation Certification: Exam to ensure proper alignment and stability of the kneecap.
Additional Tests (Breeder must choose at least two)
| Test | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Cardiac | Includes standard and echocardiogram exams. | Cardiac Info |
| OFA Hip / HIP-LCP | Screens for hip dysplasia and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. | Hip Dysplasia LCP Info |
| PennHIP | Advanced hip evaluation method. | Hip Dysplasia |
| OFA Elbows | Screens for elbow dysplasia. | Elbow Info |
| OFA Thyroid | Screens for thyroid function abnormalities. | Thyroid Info |
| Liver (Bile Acids and other tests) | Screens for liver shunts and disease. | Liver Testing |
| BAER | Hearing test to detect congenital deafness. | BAER Info |
Maintaining High Standards
The Havanese Fanciers of Canada regularly reviews and updates health testing recommendations based on veterinary research and new scientific findings. To be listed on the HFC’s Breeder Referral Page, both parent dogs must have valid clearances.
This ensures that only breeders who prioritize health and transparency are recommended to potential puppy buyers.
Our Commitment to the Breed
The HFC and its breeder members are dedicated to:
- Upholding health standards.
- Promoting ethical breeding.
- Ensuring the long-term health and vitality of the Havanese breed.
Choosing a Healthy Puppy
If you're considering adding a Havanese to your family:
- Ask to see health testing results for the puppy’s parents.
- Choose a breeder listed on the HFC’s Breeder Referral Page.
Doing so helps ensure you welcome a happy, healthy companion into your life for many years to come.