Havanese Health Guide
Everything havanese owners need to know about keeping their dog healthy.
Breed Overview
The Havanese is a small companion breed known for a friendly, social temperament and a long, silky coat. They were developed as companion dogs and are generally adaptable, people-oriented, and well suited to apartment or family living. From a health standpoint, the breed is considered relatively long-lived, but owners should still watch for inherited orthopedic, eye, hearing, and liver-related problems that are seen in some Havanese lines. Their small size also means routine preventive dental care is especially important.
Common Health Issues
Luxating patella
A kneecap that slips out of place is a well-recognized issue in small-breed dogs, including Havanese. Signs can include skipping, intermittent lameness, or hind-leg hopping. Mild cases may be monitored, but more severe or painful cases can need surgery.
Inherited eye disease
Havanese breeders commonly screen for eye problems because cataracts and other inherited eye abnormalities can occur in the breed. Owners should watch for cloudiness, vision changes, bumping into objects, or redness.
Hip dysplasia
Although often associated with larger breeds, hip dysplasia can also occur in Havanese. Signs may include stiffness, reluctance to jump, bunny-hopping, or reduced activity, especially with age.
Congenital deafness
Deafness has been tracked in the breed and BAER testing has historically been part of breed health programs. Puppies or adults may seem hard to wake, fail to respond to sounds, or startle easily.
Portosystemic shunt
Toy breeds, including Havanese, can be predisposed to congenital liver shunts. Possible signs include poor growth, vomiting, diarrhea, staring episodes, disorientation after meals, or urinary issues. This always needs veterinary evaluation.
Congenital heart disease
Some Havanese lines are also screened for congenital cardiac disease. Owners may notice exercise intolerance, coughing, fast breathing, or a heart murmur found during an exam.
Preventive Care Schedule
Havanese should follow a standard veterinarian-guided vaccination schedule as puppies, then continue with core vaccines and lifestyle-based non-core vaccines as adults. Because this is a small breed with important inherited risks, ask your vet about breed-specific screening: OFA and breed-club recommendations commonly include hips, patellas, and annual CAER eye exams, with additional testing such as cardiac exams used in some breeding programs. BAER hearing testing may also be discussed when there is concern about congenital deafness or when reviewing breeder health history. Dental care should start early, since small dogs are prone to periodontal disease; plan for home brushing plus regular dental exams and cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
When to Use Telehealth for Your Havanese
Telehealth can be especially helpful for Havanese owners when you need quick guidance on mild limping, an occasional skipping step that could suggest patellar luxation, eye irritation caught early, dental care questions, coat and skin concerns hidden under heavy hair, or deciding whether coughing, vomiting, or behavior changes can wait for a daytime appointment. A telehealth vet can also help you review breeder screening records, discuss which preventive tests matter most for the breed, and decide when symptoms could point to a more urgent issue such as liver disease, heart disease, severe pain, breathing trouble, collapse, seizures, or sudden vision loss. If you are unsure, call your vet.
Havanese Health FAQs
What health problems are Havanese most prone to?
What health tests should Havanese breeders do?
How can I tell if my Havanese has a luxating patella?
Are Havanese good candidates for telehealth vet visits?
When should I take my Havanese to a vet right away?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.