Havanese Care & Longevity Guide — Health, Coat Care & Nutrition for Cuba's National Dog

If you're lucky enough to share your life with a Havanese, you know that irresistible charm — perhaps it's their silky coat flowing as they greet you, or that happy dance they do when you walk in the door. Cuba's only native dog breed, the Havanese, weighing just 3–6 kg, was truly bred to be the perfect house dog, a devoted member of the family. But we also know that beneath that cheerful exterior, this wonderful breed has specific health considerations. Conditions like Luxating patella, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, liver shunt, dental problems, and chondrodysplasia are all more common in Havanese than in the general dog population. That's why we're here to help, because thoughtful care — from nutrition to grooming to exercise — truly makes all the difference in helping your Havanese thrive.

Orthopedic Health: Luxating Patella and Legg-Calve-Perthes

We know how much you want your Havanese to be happy and active, and that often starts with healthy joints. Small breeds, including our beloved Havanese, tend to be more prone to knee and hip joint disorders. For our Havanese friends, two conditions often come up:

Luxating Patella

Patellar luxation — where the kneecap slides out of its normal groove — is something many Havanese owners encounter. This condition is graded from I (intermittent, self-correcting) to IV (permanent dislocation). Grades I and II are often cared for with non-surgical approaches, while grades III and IV usually mean a conversation with your vet about surgical options.

Here’s how we can support those precious knees with nutrition:

• Maintain lean body weight: This is the single most impactful factor. Even 200–300 grams of excess weight on a 4 kg dog adds meaningful stress to the knee joints. Keep your Havanese at a body condition score of 4–5 out of 9.
• Glucosamine (250–500 mg/day): Supports cartilage integrity in the patellar groove and surrounding joint structures.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA): 150–300 mg combined daily reduces joint inflammation and may slow progression.
• Adequate vitamin D and calcium: Supports bone density in the femoral groove where the kneecap sits.

Keeping your Havanese at a healthy weight and providing these key nutrients can truly make a difference in their comfort and mobility. We're here to help you find that balance.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

This is a condition where the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) deteriorates due to interrupted blood supply. It typically appears between 4–12 months of age, which can lead to progressive hind-leg lameness and discomfort. While genetics are the primary cause, nutrition during their important growth phase plays a role:

• Balanced puppy nutrition: Ensure adequate but not excessive protein and minerals during growth. Overnutrition does not cause Legg-Calve-Perthes but can complicate recovery.
• Post-surgical nutrition: If surgical correction (femoral head ostectomy) is needed, recovery requires high-quality protein for tissue repair and anti-inflammatory omega-3s for pain management.
• Weight management: Light body weight reduces stress on the affected hip during both conservative management and surgical recovery.

Supporting your Havanese through this condition means careful attention to their diet, especially during growth and recovery. We're alongside you every step of the way.

Understanding Liver Shunt: A Health Concern for Some Havanese

Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) is a condition where, simply put, blood takes a detour around the liver instead of flowing through it for detoxification. The Havanese is among the breeds with higher incidence of congenital liver shunts. When this happens, toxins — particularly ammonia — can build up that the liver would normally process, which can lead to things like neurological symptoms, slower growth, a poor appetite, and urinary issues.

Symptoms of liver shunt often appear before age 2 and include disorientation after meals, excessive thirst and urination, stunted growth compared to littermates, and formation of ammonium urate bladder stones. If you notice any of these signs in your Havanese puppy, please talk to your veterinarian about a bile acid test. We care deeply about early detection.

Understanding these signs and working with your vet is the best way to support your Havanese if a liver shunt is a concern. We're here to offer information and support.

Dental Health: Keeping Those Pearly Whites Healthy

That adorable small jaw of your Havanese creates crowding that means dental disease can become a real concern without proactive care. By age three, most Havanese have some degree of periodontal disease. And the impact isn't just in their mouth: bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream and can damage the heart valves, kidneys, and liver over time. We know you want the best for your furry family member, and that includes a healthy smile.

Here's how we can work together to keep their teeth healthy:

• Daily toothbrushing: This is truly essential for the breed. Use an enzymatic dog toothpaste and a small, soft-bristled brush. Start as a puppy to build the habit.
• Dental-supportive diet: Kibble designed for small breeds (not so small it is swallowed whole) provides some mechanical cleaning. Dental-specific formulas with larger, cross-hatched kibble shapes are more effective.
• VOHC-approved chews: Dental chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal are shown to help reduce plaque. Choose size-appropriate options for small breeds.
• Avoid sugar-containing treats: Many commercial dog treats contain molasses, honey, or other sugars that feed oral bacteria.
• Annual professional cleanings: Veterinary dental cleanings under anesthesia are the only way to address sub-gingival tartar and evaluate tooth root health.