Havanese Health

Havanese Health

In general, Havanese are a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years or more. The vast majority of Havanese enjoy a long life with no major health issues. This is a result of diligent health testing by reputable breeders who take seriously their role as stewards and guardians of the breed. Such breeders go to the effort and considerable expense of screening all potential breeding dogs for known heritable health problems before including them in their breeding programs.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) serves as a data base for registering results of health testing for all breeds. Breeders who submit results for all of the testing recommended by their parent club, will recieve a CHIC number for that animal. Click HERE to look up reported OFA testing by dog name.

At this time the Havanese Club of America, the AKC parent club for the Havanese breed, requires the following three health tests in order to receive a CHIC number:

1. Annual eye exam (CAER)

2. Hip x-ray

3. Patella (knee) certification

Some breeders choose to do additional testing such as cardiac, elbows, LCPD, thyroid and hearing (BAER). The HCA will revisit recommended testing  as more testing and research becomes available.

The HCSC and its members are committed to the health and welfare of our beloved breed.