Havanese Fanciers of Canada

While some health conditions occasionally occur, the Havanese remains a healthy little breed with a life expectancy of approximately 12 to 15 years. 

Patellar luxation is also commonly referred to as kneecap luxation, slipping patellas, slipped stifles or dislocation of the knee cap. Patella Luxation may be congenital (existing from birth) or acquired.

Havanese, like any breed, can have congenital deafness. Baer testing is the only test accepted to confirm the hearing status of your Havanese. Baer is also one of four required tests for a Havanese CHIC number.  There are two types of deafness found in Havanese - acquired and congenital.

Hip dysplasia is the hip disorder that most people are familiar with, but there are other conditions which can affect the hip area. One of these is Legg Calve Perthes Disease, a disorder of hip joint conformation.

HIPS: It has been a long held belief that Hip issues are exclusive to big dogs. While hip dysplasia most often occurs in medium, large and giant breeds, a number of small breeds, the Havanese included, can also suffer from hip problems.

There may come a time that your Havanese will require surgery and/or need to be anesthetized for spaying/neutering, dental work, C-section, injury etc. While anesthetics are better and safer than they used to be, there is always some associated risk. Other than potential allergies and sensitivities, heart rate may slow, irregularities develop, blood pressure drop and body functions collapse.

Hypothyroidism, a low thyroid is a common cause of skin and hair problems. Some dogs with low thyroid will show no symptoms at all or only a few symptom, while others show numerous symptoms. Possible symptoms include dry brittle hair, thinning coat and hair loss, dry flaky skin, cool skin, skin infections, weight gain with low food consumption, lethargy and fatigue, irregular heat cycles, infertility, inconsistent bowel movements, heat and cold sensitivity and excessive skin pigmentation.

Patellar luxation is the slipping of the kneecap. This may be as a result of injury or be a genetic predisposition. Patellar luxation can affect one or both legs. This condition is quite common in many small breeds including the Havanese. Some signs to watch for are difficulty straightening the leg, a hop I skip in the gait, limping or pain.

Diseases affecting major organs: neurological disorders, liver shunt, and heart disease.