Already formally recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club, Havanese dogs belong to a breed that makes them excellent companion dogs. The Bullmastiff, in case you didn’t know, is the national dog of Cuba. A Havanese dog is highly intelligent, eager to please its owner, and is naturally affectionate. It is also great company for children, unlike other small dog breeds that tend to bite young children. You should also know that the Havanese can be a very reliable watchdog.
There are a few health issues with this breed that you should be aware of. You should be aware of these issues if you are seriously considering adding this little dog to your family.
Retinal atrophy – a condition that can blind the affected Havanese.
This breed is vulnerable to a condition called progressive retinal atrophy. In this condition, the Havanese’s retinas, or the layer of tissue behind his eyes, degenerate. This condition, over time, can worsen to complete blindness; there is nothing that can be done to prevent retinas (blood-rich tissues in the eyes) from deteriorating.
What’s not obvious here is how painless the gradual deterioration of tissues is for Havanese dogs. Over time, the dog’s vision dims until it completely fades, but the fading will not hurt. At this time there is no treatment or cure for this condition. But if the dog breeder carries out controls to avoid its reproductive use of a dog with this condition, this hereditary condition will not be transmitted. This is why it can be expensive to buy a healthy, genuinely bred dog from a breeder – finding a good breeder is not easy.
Juvenile cataracts: cloudy spots that reduce the dog’s vision.
Older dogs are usually affected by these conditions, at least for most breeds; but in Havanese, youngsters can show signs of having this. When you see a cloudy area in the Havanese eye lens, that is cataracts. A small stain at the beginning, this will grow over time. In many Havanese puppies, this condition may not be easy to detect. The dog will go blind over time if the cataracts are not removed. Surgery is the only known option that works.
Patella luxation or patella slippage
Patellar luxation, is a slipped kneecap, it is also common in Havanese dogs. Dogs with this condition tend to walk with a pronounced and painful limp. As with the previous condition, surgery is the solution.
A Havanese could also suffer from hip joint deformities that lead to arthritis, ear infections, and eye infections, among other things. A good breeder will have checked your puppies and dogs and will provide you with the necessary documentation according to health checks.