Health of the Havanese

The Havanese Club of Great Britain is the UK's original Royal Kennel Club recognised breed club.

We have led breed health in Britain since its arrival in this country, working with the RKC and the international community to help breeders ensure every generation is healthier than the last.

The HCGB's approach is designed to align with the RKC's national Breeding For Health framework — a set of principles guiding responsible breeding across all breeds.

We encourage all HCGB members, whether breeders or owners, to familiarise themselves with it.

Breed Health & Conservation Plan

Breeding For Health

Three Pillars. One Healthy Breed.

Health Testing

Every very breeding dog should be screened for the conditions most common in the Havanese — eyes disorders, patella luxation and other inherited disorders. Here is what responsible breeders test for, and why it matters.

Find out about Health tests

Genetic Diversity

Keeping the Havanese gene pool broad protects against conditions we cannot (or cannot yet) test for.

The breed is in good genetic shape — and it stays that way when breeders choose wisely.

Learn More about Genetic Diversity

Physical and Emotional Wefare

A puppy's health is shaped before it is born. The environment a dam lives in during pregnancy, and how puppies are raised, affect which genes are expressed — and these can be passed to the next generation.

Why Welfare is a Health Issue

What We at the HCGB do about Health

The Havanese Club of Great Britain does not just monitor breed health — we act on what we find.

We worked with the RKC Health Team to produce the Havanese Breed Health & Conservation Plan (2020), which was the precursor step to the Breeding For Health Program.

We have carried out two formal UK surveys, and since 2018 we have collected over 200 health reports from owners and breeders.

In 2026 we submitted a formal report to the Royal Kennel Club about the trend of cardiac disease in the breed.

Everything we do is driven by data from the people who know Havanese best: their owners and breeders.

The more you report, the better we can protect the breed.

Report a Health Condition

Where would You like to Start?

🐾 I'm looking for a puppy

What to ask a breeder about health

Puppy Buyer Guide

❤️ I own a Havanese

Common conditions, when to see a vet,

and how to report a health concern

Health Conditions

🧬 I'm a breeder

Health tests, Welfare and

Breeding for genetic diversity

Health Testing Advice

🔬 I'm a vet or researcher

Breed-specific health data, contacts,

and the UK breed health programme

Health Strategy

Reporting Health Conditions

The Havanese Club of Great Britain maintains a proactive commitment to breed health. Transparency is how breeds improve.

If your Havanese has been diagnosed with a health condition (minor or serious), we want to hear from you.

Your reports are a vital resource in identifying trends, monitoring wellness, and advancing breed health.

All reports are treated in complete confidence.

You do not need to be an HCGB member.

Notify a health condition