Havanese Health and Costs
Breed Group
Toy Dogs
Country of Origin
Cuba
Breed Size
Small
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1996
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1963
Rarity
Most Common1 / 10
Purchase cost
Moderate to Expensive6 / 10
Life expectancy
Long Lifespan8 / 10
Health
Generally healthy7 / 10
Health problem risk
Mild health concerns3 / 10
Maintenance cost
Moderate upkeep cost4 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
Havanese Health Problems and Costs
The Havanese is a small, sturdy companion dog with a silky coat, and it is generally healthy and long-lived. Even so, a set of issues repeats in the breed: slipping kneecaps, hip and growth problems in puppies, eye disease, liver shunts, and crowded, plaque-prone teeth. Knowing them before you bring a puppy home, or while you already share your life with one, makes the screening and the vet visits much easier to plan.
In this guide
Why Do Kneecaps Slip in Small Breeds Like This One?
A young Havanese that limps for more than a day, or keeps skipping on a back leg, deserves a prompt exam rather than a wait-and-see approach, because early diagnosis keeps more treatment options open.
Patellar luxation, a kneecap that slips out of its groove, is common in toy and small breeds, and the breed club lists a patella evaluation among the tests for Havanese. The word comes from the Latin patella, "small dish," and luxare, "to dislocate." Owners often notice a sudden skip in the step, or the dog running on three legs for a few strides and then going back to normal as if nothing had happened, as the VCA guide to luxating patella describes.
Mild cases may need nothing beyond monitoring and weight control. Frequent or higher grade luxation is often corrected with surgery, and VCA notes that surgery before arthritis develops carries an excellent outlook.
What Hip and Growth Problems Can Puppies Develop?
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a puppyhood condition in which the blood supply to the top of the thighbone is disrupted, so the bone weakens and the hip joint becomes painful. PetMD describes it as affecting puppies under about 18 months, usually as a limp on one back leg that slowly worsens. Surgery is often the treatment, and it works best when the problem is caught early.
Hip dysplasia, an inherited looseness of the hip joint that leads to arthritis, is also on the breed club's list, which includes a hip evaluation for breeding dogs. A lean body weight protects every joint listed so far, so a hands-on rib check at routine visits is worth the minute it takes.
Which Eye Conditions Should Havanese Owners Know About?
Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, is an inherited breakdown of the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. Retina comes from the Latin rete, "net," and atrophy from the Greek for "without nourishment." PetMD notes that it has no effective treatment. Cataracts, a clouding of the lens, are also listed among the breed's main concerns on Wikipedia.
An exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist, which the breed club recommends for breeding dogs, finds these changes well before an owner would. Most dogs adjust to gradual vision loss in a familiar home, and many keep a good quality of life.
Are Liver Shunts and Heart Disease a Concern?
A portosystemic shunt, often called a liver shunt, is an abnormal blood vessel that lets blood bypass the liver, so toxins are not filtered out. A large UC Davis study cited on Wikipedia found shunts in about 4 percent of Havanese compared with well under 1 percent of mixed breed dogs. The condition is usually present from birth, and VCA lists stunted growth, disorientation, and seizures as signs, sometimes only after meals. Heart disease is also listed among the breed's concerns, so any murmur your veterinarian hears is worth a closer look.
- 01
A seizure
Any seizure, especially in a young Havanese, needs urgent care.
- 02
Circling or head pressing
Staring into space, circling, or pushing the head against a wall.
- 03
Collapse or severe weakness
The dog cannot stand or does not respond normally.
- 04
Confusion after meals
Disorientation soon after eating is worth a same day call.
Why Does Dental Care Matter So Much for Havanese?
Small breeds are prone to periodontal disease, inflammation and infection of the tissue around the teeth. The word comes from the Greek peri, "around," and odous, "tooth." PetMD calls dental disease common in small breeds and recommends daily tooth brushing. Small mouths can crowd the teeth, which lets plaque and tartar build up faster, so regular professional cleanings are usually part of the plan.
What Does Managing a Havanese's Health Actually Cost?
| Condition or Need | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine yearly care | $300 to $600 | Exam, vaccines, preventives |
| Professional dental cleaning | $300 to $700 | Higher if extractions are needed |
| Eye exam by ophthalmologist | $75 to $200 | Before breeding, then as advised |
| Kneecap surgery | $1,500 to $3,500 | Per knee, if needed |
| Liver shunt surgery | $3,000 to $6,000+ | Often at a specialty hospital |
Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
Ask for the parents' patella, hip, and eye evaluation results, which match the breed club's recommended tests, and ask to see the paperwork rather than relying on a verbal promise. It is also fair to ask whether any relative has had a liver shunt or seizures, and how the puppies have grown compared with their littermates. A breeder who brings up these questions first is usually well informed about the rest of the breed's health needs.
Daily Life With a Havanese
This is a cheerful, people-loving companion that needs only moderate exercise, about 30 minutes of walks and play a day according to PetMD, which suits many apartments. The personality profile explains why most of them want to be wherever their family is.
The long silky coat is the bigger commitment: PetMD advises brushing at least four days a week, and many owners choose a shorter puppy cut to make grooming easier. Eager to please and quick to learn, these dogs respond well to gentle, reward based training that starts early.
Keeping Your Havanese Healthy for the Long Run
Havanese typically live 14 to 16 years. Schedule kneecap, hip, and eye checks, brush the teeth daily, keep your dog lean, and have any limp, poor growth, or seizure looked at promptly. Pet insurance is worth pricing while your dog is young and healthy.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
Havanese usually live 14 to 16 years and are generally healthy. Ask for patella, hip and eye clearances, brush teeth daily, and have any limp, poor growth or seizure checked promptly. Your veterinarian can tailor the plan.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do Havanese cost?
Purchasing a Havanese from a reputable breeder typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500, with elite lineages reaching $4,500. Adoption fees generally range from $150 to $900. Owners should budget approximately $3,000 for first-year expenses, covering essential supplies, vaccinations, and the professional grooming required for this breed.
Purchase cost: 6 / 10
How long do Havanese live?
Havanese typically live 14 to 16 years. A lean weight, daily tooth brushing, regular eye checks, and routine veterinary visits help them stay comfortable and active into their senior years.
Life expectancy: 8 / 10
Are Havanese healthy dogs?
Havanese are generally healthy small dogs that usually live 14 to 16 years, but they are not risk-free. Kneecap problems, eye disease, hip and growth problems in puppies, liver shunts, and dental disease all occur in the breed. Breeder screening, daily dental care, and regular veterinary checkups catch most issues early.
Health: 7 / 10
What health problems do Havanese have?
Havanese can develop patellar luxation (a slipping kneecap), progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and hip dysplasia. Congenital liver shunts and heart disease are also reported, and dental disease is common in small breeds. Screening for knees, hips, and eyes plus daily tooth brushing catches most issues early.
Health problem risk: 3 / 10
Are Havanese expensive to maintain?
Havanese have moderate upkeep costs. The long silky coat needs brushing at least four days a week, and many owners pay a groomer or choose a shorter puppy cut. Quality small-breed food, routine veterinary care, and regular dental cleanings make up the rest, so setting money aside for dental and orthopedic care is wise.
Maintenance cost: 4 / 10
How much does it cost to own a Havanese per month?
Expect to spend roughly $100 to $250 per month to own a Havanese. This covers quality food, routine veterinary care, and preventive medications. Professional grooming and dental cleanings add to the budget, so costs vary with how much of the coat care you do yourself.
Monthly ownership cost: 3 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a Havanese?
Pet insurance for a young, healthy Havanese typically costs about $30 to $60 per month, and premiums usually rise as the dog ages. A policy is worth pricing while your dog is young, since kneecap surgery, liver shunt surgery, or dental disease can add up to thousands of dollars.
Pet insurance cost: 3 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a Havanese?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover Havanese, as they are small companion dogs that are rarely excluded. However, always disclose your dog to your insurer and confirm your liability limits to ensure you have adequate protection.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 9 / 10
Are Havanese on insurance restricted breed lists?
No, Havanese are generally not included on insurance restricted-breed lists. These lists typically focus on breeds perceived as high liability risks, and small companion dogs like the Havanese are usually treated as standard pets. Still, always disclose your dog to your provider.
Insurance restriction risk: 2 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a Havanese?
Yes, you can typically get renters insurance with a Havanese, since the breed is rarely on restricted lists. Some insurers ask for details about the dog or set their own liability terms, so always disclose your dog to your provider and confirm the policy with your landlord.
Renters insurance difficulty: 8 / 10
