Connect with responsible Havanese breeders and find the ideal breeding partner for your Cuban companion
Understanding your Havanese's affectionate nature and toy breed considerations is essential for responsible breeding
Male: 7-13 lbs
Female: 7-13 lbs
Male: 8.5-11.5 inches
Female: 8.5-11.5 inches
14-16 years
Long-lived breed
Playful, Affectionate
Velcro dogs
Only breed native to Cuba. Nearly extinct after revolution. All modern Havanese descend from 11 dogs. Limited gene pool requires careful breeding.
Double coat is silky, not fluffy. Should feel cool to touch. Many colors acceptable. Requires daily grooming to prevent matting.
Extremely attached to owners. Follow everywhere, sleep touching you. Can develop severe separation anxiety. Not for people wanting independent dogs.
Unique springy gait is breed hallmark. Front legs reach forward, not up. Should appear to float. Important to maintain in breeding.
Havanese are generally healthy but face common toy breed issues requiring careful screening
Very common in Havanese. OFA patella evaluation MANDATORY. Can require expensive surgery. Both parents should have normal patellas.
Despite small size, hip dysplasia occurs. OFA or PennHIP testing recommended. Both parents should have good ratings.
Can develop at any age. Annual CERF eye examinations required. Juvenile cataracts can cause blindness. Check family history.
Portosystemic shunt more common in toy breeds. Bile acid test recommended. Can be fatal without surgery. Check family history.
Common in breed. Annual cardiac evaluation recommended. Many are innocent but some indicate serious disease.
Hip joint degeneration in young dogs. Causes severe pain. X-rays can detect. More common in toy breeds.
Genetic test available. Causes short-legged dwarfism. Affected dogs should not be bred. Test all breeding stock.
Genetic test available. Causes blindness. Test all breeding stock. Two carriers should never be bred together.
Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation) is EXTREMELY common in Havanese. Many dogs have loose kneecaps that pop in and out causing pain and lameness. OFA patella evaluation is absolutely mandatory for all breeding dogs. Grade 0-1 is acceptable for breeding. Grade 2+ should not be bred. Surgery costs $1,500-4,000 per knee. This is a painful condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Check multiple generations - it's hereditary.
Unlike many breeds, Havanese come in all colors and patterns with no health issues linked to color. This gives breeders freedom to focus on health and temperament rather than color restrictions. All colors from black to white, including chocolates, reds, and parti-colors are acceptable. The only disqualification is a smooth coat - all Havanese should have the silky double coat.
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible Havanese breeding
Male Havanese
1.5 to 8 years
Female Havanese
2 to 7 years
Small breeds mature earlier but wait for health testing completion. Havanese can breed successfully into older age.
Havanese are generally healthy but patellar luxation is extremely common. Don't skip patella testing!
Females: Maximum once per year, 3-4 litters lifetime
Skip at least one heat cycle between litters
Small dogs can have difficult pregnancies. Quality over quantity
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