What Are Problems to Look for When Buying a Havanese Puppy?

Although the Dog Breed Info Center reports Havanese dogs are growing in popularity as of 2011, the Cuban breed would have gone extinct had it not been for the efforts of U.S. breeder Dorothy Goodale. During the 1970s, she placed newspaper ads and acquired 11 Havanese dogs from Cuban immigrants and successfully revived the dying breed. Since then, the Havanese breed has been recognized by the United Kennel Club and American Kennel Club, and gained fame among professional breeders and dog lovers. If you are considering adding a Havanese puppy to your family, look for common health and behavioral problems.

  1. Reputable Breeders

    • Reputable Havanese breeders willingly provide important documents such as health certificates and American Kennel Club registration papers. You should receive a written guarantee that allows you to take your new puppy to a veterinary. If the vet visit reveals any serious health issues, you are entitled to a full refund if you return the puppy. The breeder's home should be clean. Puppies living in filth are likely to suffer health problems. The breeder should allow you to handle the puppies and meet the parents. Finally, try to find references for the breeder.

    Common Health Problems

    • Some health problems among Havanese puppies are easily observable. Although puppies sleep a lot, they should be active and energetic when awake. Lethargy signifies serious health problems. Noses and eyes should be free of mucus, a common symptom of infections. Puppies suffering from bloody diarrhea or vomiting may have parvovirus. Unless the puppies have just eaten, the stomachs should not look bloated. Bloating is usually caused by worms.

    Behavior Problems

    • Havanese puppies that have been properly socialized are not fearful or timid, explains the Dog Breed Info Center. They should enjoy being handled and played with. Havanese puppies need to experience new people, places and other animals. Without this, puppies often develop aggression and improper urination as they age. When socialized, the Havanese breed is generally friendly and loyal.

    Congenital Problems

    • Havanese dogs are a generally healthy bred. Unfortunately, some suffer from congenial problems that cannot be diagnosed until the dog is more than a year old. These include eye disease, kneecap deformities, cardiac problems, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and hip blood flow issues. AKC-registered Havanese breeding dogs will have had tests performed for these problems. Your breeder should verify that your puppy's parents have undergone these tests.