Havanese health info

Health testing is a cornerstone of our breeding program. Our goal is to produce happy, healthy puppies for wonderful families to enjoy. We take seriously every little life we help bring into this world and are committed to each puppy for their lifetime. While there are no guarantees in nature, we believe in doing what we can to improve the health of the breed.

We would be glad to answer any questions you may have about Havanese or health testing.

Health Info

Why is Health Testing important?

Besides being beautiful, hypoallergenic, small in size, easy to travel with, and prefect companions, it is important to health test all breeding dogs. Without testing, it is simply impossible to know if the dog is healthy. A vet check cannot determine most of these things, it requires a specialist. We travel 10 hours round trip to get this testing done on our dogs, but it is well worth the effort because we want to produce as healthy puppies as possible.

Deafness- can be in one or both ears, all breeding dogs should have a BAER test to determine hearing. This must be done by a specialist. Dogs that are deaf in only one ear can function normally but should not be used for breeding because the risk is greater for producing deafness in both ears, which does create a special needs situation. All our breeding dogs have been tested and have normal hearing.

Cataracts- can cause blindness. Yearly CERF exams should be performed by a licenced Veterinary Opthomologist on all breeding dogs. Many breeders choose to give their dogs an egg yolk a day since cataracts have been linked to a lack of cholesterol. Think of it as an added nutrient, like vitamins, to help your dog's health. All our adult dogs have passed their CERF.

Hip Dysplasia- True hip dysplasia is the presence of abnormal changes in the hip joint combined with painful movement, otherwise known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) and osteoarthritis (OA). All our dogs over 2 years have OFA hip certifications.

Patella Luxation- slipping of the knee cap. Can be caused by injury or genetic, mild or severe. All our dogs have passed patella exams and all our puppies are screened for patellas also.

Cardiac -abnormal heart function. All our dogs have normal cardiac function. All our puppies are also screened for normal cardiac function.

Liver and Kidney - all our breeding dogs have normal blood panels screening for liver and kidney function.

Chondrodysplasia or 'CD' - the bowing of the front leg which can occur in one or both legs caused by the premature and/or uneven closure of the growth plates. Currently this is one of the major issues among the Havanese. According to research done by Texas A&M Univeristy for the Havanese breed, Chondrodysplasia appears to be linked to other serious health issues such as 1. Heart anomalies and premature aging of the heart valves 2. Liver problems and 3. cataracts. There are many dog breeds which describe a chondrodysplastic dog, such as the Corgi. The Havanese does NOT describe a chondrodysplastic dog. Many breeders continue to breed dogs with CD which will only make the problem worse. By breeding away from CD there is also a significant decrease in the occurrence of heart, liver and cataract problems. All of our dogs have lovely straight legs and we breed to this standard. Do not purchase a Havanese puppy from anyone without first seeing soaped photos of the parents to look for straight legs of equal proportion (not short) floor to elbow should equal elbow to top of shoulder. The Havanese is NOT a short legged (dwarf) or CD breed, rather it is a small, balanced dog with straight legs.

What are soaps?

Soaps or soaped photos are pictures taken of the dog while they are wet and soapy so you can see what the structure of the dog is under all that beautiful hair. It allows the breeder to evaluate the structure, proportions, and angles of the dog. If there are any structural deviations these can be seen in soaped photos. You should see nice straight legs in the parents photos. Breeders should also soap their puppies at 8 weeks to evaluate them. It is important to know what you are producing. It is essential that you see soaped photos of the parents and make certain they have straight legs before purchasing your puppy.

Please shop carefully!

While looking at an adorable little puppy it is almost impossible to think with a clear mind. They are all just so sweet. They are cute and cuddly and that sweet puppy breath! Do your homework first. Study and learn about the breed and interview various breeders. Make certain all health tests are done. While all the details can be overwhelming, the more knowledgeable you are the better prepared you will be to bring home your perfect little pup. A little time investigating now could prevent a lot of suffering and expense later. Make sure you are comfortable with the breeder and they are knowledgeable about the breed standard and health concerns.

WARNING: No matter which breed you choose, if a breeder says health testing is not important, does not register their test results with OFA, says there are not problems in their lines, says it is too expensive and unnecessary, or gives any other excuse for not health testing....RUN AWAYand find another breeder. There is simply no excuse for not health testing, it is for the betterment of the breed and is for the protection of your future puppy. Accept nothing less!