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 affectionate by nature. It is also a great companion for children, unlike other small dog breeds that tend to bite young children. You should also know that the Bullmastiff can be a very reliable watchdog.
There are some 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 the eyes, degenerate. This condition, over time, can worsen until it becomes total blindness; there is nothing that can be done to prevent the retinas (blood-rich tissues in the eyes) from deteriorating.
What is not obvious here is how painless gradual tissue deterioration is for Havanese dogs. Over time, the dog’s vision dims until it fades completely, but the discoloration doesn’t hurt. At this time there is no treatment or cure for this condition. But if the dog breeder performs controls to prevent the breeding use of dogs with this condition, then this hereditary condition will not be passed on. This is why it can be expensive to buy a genuinely bred, healthy dog from a breeder: it’s not easy to find a good breeder.
Juvenile cataracts: cloudy spots that reduce the dog’s vision.
Senior dogs are usually the ones affected by these conditions, at least for most breeds; but in the Havanese, the young may show signs of having this. When you see a cloudy area in the Havanese’s lens, that’s Cataracts. A small stain at first, it will grow over time. In many Havanese puppies, this condition may not be easy to detect. The dog will eventually go blind if the cataracts are not removed. Surgery is the only option known to work.
Patellar luxation or slipping of the kneecap
Patellar luxation, a slipping of the kneecap, 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 malformed hip joints that lead to arthritis, ear infections, and eye infections, among other things. A good breeder will have checked their puppies and dogs and will provide you with the necessary documentation in terms of health controls.