How important is Health Testing? Below are the most common health conditions that affect the Havanese breed. This makes it incredibly difficult to resist the begging behaviors these dogs pick up remarkably quickly. It is only good for one year and must be repeated annually. They are also susceptible to liver problems and congenital brain damage. The following is He doesnt do well when left on his own for long periods, so needs a home where his owners can dedicate time to his care and well-being. Health Details: The Havanese suffers primarily from luxating patella, liver disease, heart disease, cataracts and retinal dysplasia, all of which are also common in many small breed dogs.Do not let this list of Havanese health problems prevent you from considering the breed, if you think you'd like to own one. However, like all dogs, they can have some issues. Decreased blood supply to the femur bone causes it to die and then collapse. Legg-Perthes disease: This is a deformity of the hip ball joint. Like all dogs the Havanese will need regular exercise. Havanese Health Problems. The first one is joint problems which I have talked about previous in this blog post. Read more about Havanese Health. Because these dogs are very people-centric, they are easy to train as long as you use positive (reward-based) training methods. This means the more you can do to keep your Havanese dog healthy and strong, the longer and better your life will be together. As the owner of a male Havanese named Tucker, I have quickly become a lover of the Havanese breed as a whole but more specifically the playful personality they have. The two health surveys conducted by the HCA suggest that the incidence of diseases of the kidney and the development of kidney stones in Havanese is relatively small. Juvenile Cataracts occur in early stages life. Havanese are generally healthy, long-lived dogs. Cherry eye happens when the major tear gland located at the base of the eye prolapses, or sticks up and out of the surrounding cartilage and becomes visible. Im a mama who has a passion for travel, fashion, and all things beauty. The Havanese is overall a healthy, happy breed with few health issues, especially when compared to more popular breeds. Providing your dog with the medical help they need for typical Havanese health issues should never be a financial decision. She passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the age of sixteen years. Otherwise the test is non-invasive. Even if you are vigilant about tending to each of your dogs daily needs, from training to grooming to you-time, sometimes health issues will crop up anyway. For more information on CD, see the Havanese Health Issues section of the Havanese Club of America website. Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation (Body shape and physical characteristics) The Havaneses abundant This condition can cause tremendous pain and can only be resolved with surgery. It is far easier to simply manage food intake from day one and offer appropriate exercise to counteract treats. Plus, putting your adorable pup on a diet is not for the faint-hearted owner. havanese eye problems A number of breeds including Havanese are susceptible to Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. Common Health Issues in Havanese. Cataracts in dogs are essentially the same as cataracts in humans a thin film forms over the lens and obstructs vision. When the kneecap pops out, patellar luxation occurs. Cataracts are a high risk in Havanese dogs. The following is a short description of a couple of the health conditions that you should be aware of. Fortunately, some (if not all) health problems in the Havanese breed are preventable. Happily, the Havanese Club of America, the official breed club for the United States, reports that purebred Havanese dogs are known to be generally healthy overall. A bored, lonely Havanese can quickly develop problem behaviors. Your veterinarian may suspect hip dysplasia if your Havanese has pain or lameness in the hips. Health Issues Appearing in Small Breed Dogs. Havanese puppies are also known for eating their droppings. The Havamalt is a wonderful little pooch who brings together the people-loving characteristics of the Havanese and the playful personality of the Maltesefor a fun, easy-going family dog that gets along with kids and other pets. Havanese develop cataracts more commonly than many other purebred dog breeds, which is why annual eye exams are recommended. Juvenile Cataracts. Currently, the Havanese dog is the 24th most popular pet dog in America, beating out nearly 200 other purebred dog breeds for this top slot. Required fields are marked *. The Havanese is a Toy dog who is suitable as a companion or family dog. To prevent genetic diseases, reputable breeders have their stock tested through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to promote the health and well- being of their dogs. Cataracts are also The havanese breed has a few health concerns that you should read up on before making the educated decision to add one to your family. They are also susceptible to liver problems and congenital brain damage. The article that follows will discuss the specific features of the Havanese and the characteristics of the potential problem that you may notice in your dog.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'havanesebreeders_org-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',103,'0','0'])); Havanese are susceptible to a range of health problems. I cared for her for her entire life, no matter the cost financially or emotionally. Because Havenese dogs are so loved and often treated as equals with their human family members, Havanese health problems can be particularly heartbreaking. Even if you are vigilant about tending to each of your dogs daily needs, from training to grooming to you-time, sometimes health issues will crop up anyway. Because of their larger eyes, they can also develop some eye problems Cleaning the teeth of a Havanese is particularly important since it appears to develop tartar at a young age. The kneecaps of the Havanese can easily get knocked out of However, breeding for dwarfism can lead to a variety of health problems. The greatest single reason I got started in this endeavor is my little pet store Bichon, Kaytee, pictured above. Havanese health problems such as the foregoing can be prevented in part by taking care of the general health and grooming of the dog. Before making a commitment to any Havanese breeder to purchase a puppy, always ask to see documentation of all currently required health tests. These bred with island dogs and there are the beginnings of the Havanese. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, luxating patellas, multiple eye conditions, deafness, heart problems, and hypothyroidism are included. According to pet experts, Havanese Dogs That should not be confused with being hypoallergenic, but rather help to emphasize the importance of daily grooming. The Havanese is a rare and fine animal. This is very important. Like cataract for human, it can cause To make sure that your puppy is healthy, schedule a veterinary exam as soon as you get him home. Overall, he is relatively healthy as a breed, with just a few common health problems. It can occur in one or both ears. It is an issue in which a small area or cataract takes over a part of the lens of your dogs eye. Each dog breed has its own activity level, dietary requirements, grooming needs, training and exercise levels, and socialization preferences. A well-groomed dog is less prone to develop infections. These dogs can also outlive the majority of other purebred dog breeds, with an average life expectancy of up to 16 years. Ear infections are common due to profuse hair in the ear canals that provide a hiding place for mites, fungi, and bacteria. It also represents the most labor-intensive part of caring for a Havanese. Allergies cause a dog to scratch and chew himself into horrendous skin conditions. He has a long, soft and slightly wavy coat which ideally should be groomed every day to keep it clean and tangle free. However, Havanese dogs have a centuries-long history of living (quite literally) in the lap of luxury, dating back in their Cuban birthplace as canine companions to royalty. The Havanese dog breed is no exception. This Havanese has long, dark brown hair. Havanese are susceptible to a range of health problems. In order to be able to recognize whether your dog has this health issue or not, you need to learn more about the general health of all breeds of dogs. There are two main types of issues that are due to their body structure. In the case of Havanese, they do have inherited health problems that can likely be triggered as they get older and older. If you are trying to decide whether to add a Havanese puppy to your family, this concern may be even greater. It is commonly seen in miniature, toy, and small-breed dogs, and has a genetic basis in Manchester terriers. Over-exercise can be as dangerous as under-exercise for these tiny dogs so be sure to watch your dog closely for signs of exhaustion. A good rule of thumb here is to work with your canine veterinarian to establish a baseline nutrient/caloric intake for each stage of your dogs life (puppyhood through golden years). However, if I can do my small part in preventing others from going through the same anguish, then I've accomplished my mission. Eyes: Cataracts are clouded or obscured vision due to opacities on the eyes lens, which are sometimes treated surgically. A patellar (knee) evaluation looks for patellar lunation, a condition where the knee joint is loose. Heritable Cataract is the Most Common Issue for Havanese Cataract usually shows up for Havanese at the age of 3 to 4, yet sometimes as late as 7 years or older. Havanese have an alert, gentle expression produced by the combination of large dark eyes, dropped ears, long fur and an endearing habit of tilting their head when listening. Keeping your Havanese from ingesting foods that are harmless to humans but poisonous to dogs (e.g., chocolate) is another everyday preventative measure. In this article, learn what to expect and how to safeguard your Havanese dogs health and their quality of life! This list is not exhaustive, but The exact cause of the condition is unknown, though blood supply issues to the femoral head are usually seen in dogs suffering from Legg-Calv-Perthes Disease. Dwarf Havanese can have spinal or joint problems and breathing issues Liver shunt re-routes blood from the liver to the heart. In Havanese, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrands disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. For a more detailed description of congenital and developmental kidney diseases, kidney stones, and renal failure, The Havanese is a Toy dog who is suitable as a companion or family dog. Ears: congenital deafness; Heart: murmur Other concerns in the breed are urinary problems and bladder stones, along with loose knee joints that may require surgery. A hip evaluation looks for hip dysplasia, a condition where the ball and socket joint in one or more hips is malformed. Other Problems. The Havanese is a very healthy breed with a life expectancy of about 14 to 15 years. ANSWER: Havanese are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Health problems that sometimes occur in the breed include cataracts, retinal dysplasia, liver disease, heart disease Havanese Health Problems: Advice About What to Watch Out For The Havanese is a generally healthy breed with susceptibility to few major genetic health problems, and benefit from a lengthy lifespan thanks to that. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) outlines, the Havanese dog overall is a very social and people-focused breed. Due to focused breeding to a purebred standard, most purebred dog breeds today have a possibility to inherit certain health issues. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, luxating patellas, multiple eye conditions, deafness, heart problems, and hypothyroidism are included. As of publication time, the Havanese Club of America recommends all intact (non-spayed, non-neutered) potential breeding pairs and puppies for sale receive the following health tests: BAER is an acronym that stands for brainstem auditory evoked response. This test looks for unilateral (single ear) or bilateral (both ears) deafness or hearing impairment. You need to constantly monitor your Maltese for any symptoms of ill health as these dogs are prone to some congenital conditions. Thinking to own a Havanese and need to know what are the common diseases or health problems that Havaneses are prone to? It can happen in one or more knee joints. The result is that potential toxins remain in the blood and enter the heart. The test can require eye dilation but is otherwise non-invasive. Useful Health Resources and References A fully grown Havanese dog may only weigh between seven and 13 pounds, tops. Contrary to what you might think when looking at the dog, the long hair doesnt shed very much at all. The Havanese comes from Cuba and it is thought it came about when Spanish settlers can to Cuba after 1492 bringing small dogs the ancestors of Bichons with them. Havanese: Health Issues & Personality. Most Havanese live between 14 and 16 years and the breed has few serious health problems. The Havanese has the potential to develop a number of health problems. Top Paw Awards Policy Application Recipients. Because the Havapoo is a cross-bred designer dog, there is a chance of inheriting some health issues from either bloodline. The Havanese is overall a healthy, happy breed with few health issues, especially when compared to more popular breeds. Common Havanese health problems include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), dislocated kneecaps (luxating patellas), ear infections, poodle-eye, and dry skin. CD is a metabolic disorder that causes uneven leg growth, dwarfism, bowed legs and gait disparity leading to lameness. Your email address will not be published. Same like humans, cataract in dogs lead to impaired vision and blindness, due to clouding of an area on the eye lens or the whole lens. Knee problems in the Havanese The test takes just 15 minutes and is non-invasive. He doesnt do well when left on his own for long periods, so needs a home where his owners can dedicate time to his care and well-being. Heres a brief rundown on a few of the conditions you should know about. It can affect just one or all hip joints and is correctable with surgery. While there are no known health issues Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Cataracts cloudiness of the eye lens Blocks vision. 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