The Havanese is considered to be a relatively healthy little dog. Generally speaking, the Society is not aware of any major health problems at present, however there will of course, always be some isolated cases.
The Society recommends that responsible breeders and owners carry out KC/BVA eye testing. In other jurisdictions, there has been incidents of eye disease recorded in Havanese, and it is for this reason that the Society encourages this test, and urges puppy buyers to only purchase a puppy from a breeder where both the Sire and Dam are KC/BVA eye tested. In the future, it is the intention of the Society to arrange for such eye testing to be carried out, at a Dog Show in Ireland.
The Society also encourages that Patella examinations be carried out by a suitable Canine Orthopaedic Specialist. Patella Luxation occurs when the kneecap dislocates or moves out of their normal position and depending on the severity, can be quite painful and debilitating. There has been incidents of Patella Luxation being reported in other jurisdictions, so again for this reason, the Society encourages that all breeders ensure that appropriate examinations are carried out on both Sires and Dams. Further information on Patella Luxation can be found here.
The Society recommends that responsible breeders and owners carry out KC/BVA eye testing. In other jurisdictions, there has been incidents of eye disease recorded in Havanese, and it is for this reason that the Society encourages this test, and urges puppy buyers to only purchase a puppy from a breeder where both the Sire and Dam are KC/BVA eye tested. In the future, it is the intention of the Society to arrange for such eye testing to be carried out, at a Dog Show in Ireland.
The Society also encourages that Patella examinations be carried out by a suitable Canine Orthopaedic Specialist. Patella Luxation occurs when the kneecap dislocates or moves out of their normal position and depending on the severity, can be quite painful and debilitating. There has been incidents of Patella Luxation being reported in other jurisdictions, so again for this reason, the Society encourages that all breeders ensure that appropriate examinations are carried out on both Sires and Dams. Further information on Patella Luxation can be found here.