Group 9 · Companion dogs
Havanese
The Havanese is a cheerful, affectionate companion dog from Cuba, related to the Bichon and the Maltese. It is clever, playful and likes to be part of everything, and its soft coat sheds little but needs regular brushing.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Havanezer by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
The breeding programme sets no mandatory examinations for this breed.
The breeding programme also recommends 8 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Recommended examinations (8)
-
Bandera’s neonatal ataxia (BNA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- a 62-bp truncated retrotransposon insert in exon 8
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Prekallikrein deficiency (KLK)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- KLKB1: c.988T>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Bleeding disorder (RPD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- P2RY12: c.516_518del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Havanezer, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, no mandatory tests need to be carried out. The breeding programme does list these recommended examinations: Bandera’s neonatal ataxia (BNA), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA), Prekallikrein deficiency (KLK), Bleeding disorder (RPD), Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Havanese is happy with daily walks and likes to play indoors and out. Its long, soft coat needs brushing a few times a week, or a shorter trim if you have less time.
Questions for the breeder
- Which recommended examinations in the breeding programme have both parent dogs undergone, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Havanese wants to be involved in everything and follows its people around the house. It does not like being left alone for long; teach it calmly. It is clever and loves learning tricks with rewards. There are no mandatory examinations for this breed, but the breeding programme does list recommended examinations: ask which ones the parent dogs have had.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
