If you’ve ever snuggled up with a Havanese, you already know they’re little bundles of joy wrapped in fluff. Sweet, sassy, and ridiculously charming, right?
So naturally, when you love a dog that much, you start thinking about the hard stuff too, like how long they’ll be around and what health problems you might face down the road.
It’s not a fun topic, but it’s one that matters.
Whether you’re thinking about getting a Havanese or you’re already in deep with one who’s getting up there in age, understanding what they’re prone to can help you plan, prep, and maybe even add a few more happy years to their life.
Lifespan and What to Expect
Havanese pups usually live anywhere between 13 to 16 years. That’s a pretty decent stretch, especially for a small breed.
Some make it even longer if they’re lucky and well cared for. But just like with people, age doesn’t come without baggage.
As they get older, you might notice little shifts, less energy, slower walks, maybe a touch of stiffness getting out of bed in the morning.
It doesn’t mean the end is near, but it’s good to start paying closer attention once they hit those double digits.
Common Health Issues That Can Lead to Death
Let’s get into the stuff that tends to take our fluffy friends too soon. It’s tough to say out loud, but knowing this can help you spot the signs early.
Heart disease is a big one. A lot of senior Havanese develop mitral valve disease. That’s when one of the heart valves gets leaky and the heart struggles to pump properly. You might hear a cough that wasn’t there before or notice they’re panting more after playtime.
Cancer is another culprit, especially in the later years. Lymphoma and liver cancer pop up sometimes in the breed.
The tricky part? Dogs are great at hiding pain, so sometimes you don’t even know something’s wrong until it’s already advanced.
Then there’s liver shunt, a congenital issue that can cause problems early in life if not caught and treated. It’s not super common, but worth screening for, especially in pups under a year old who show weird symptoms like circling or confusion.
Genetic Conditions You Should Know About
The Havanese breed does carry a few inherited conditions that can lead to chronic illness or impact lifespan if untreated.
One is Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Fancy name, but it basically affects the hip joint and shows up when they’re still young. If left unchecked, it can cause major mobility problems later in life.
They’re also prone to cataracts and other eye issues. These don’t usually cause death, but vision loss can add to stress and accidents in old age, especially when the dog is navigating stairs or unfamiliar places.
Patellar luxation is another one. That’s when the kneecap moves out of place. Again, not a direct cause of death, but pain and reduced mobility can pile up over time and wear your pup down.
How to Add Quality Years
The truth is, you can’t control everything. But you can do a lot to help your Havanese live a healthier, happier life. Start with regular vet visits, even when they seem perfectly fine. Catching heart murmurs, tumors, or kidney issues early can be a game changer.
Feed good quality food. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, but read labels and avoid junk fillers. Havanese can be prone to obesity, and that extra weight can trigger a domino effect with heart, joint, and liver problems.
Brush their teeth. Seriously. Dental disease is sneaky, and it can lead to heart and kidney issues if bacteria get into the bloodstream. Get yourself some dog-safe toothpaste and make it part of the weekly routine.
And don’t forget mental health. These dogs are clingy in the best way. They need connection, toys that challenge them, and a little bit of routine to keep their stress low.
Knowing When It’s Time
This part hits the hardest. There’s no checklist for when to say goodbye, but there are signs that tell you your dog might be nearing the end. If they stop eating, stop moving much, or seem to be in pain even with treatment, it’s time to talk to your vet.
It doesn’t have to be dramatic or rushed. You’ll know when the spark’s gone. And while letting go is brutal, making sure they go with love and peace is the last kind thing you can do.
A Gentle Reminder for Anyone Reading This
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you really care. That means your Havanese is probably living a good life already.
Nobody gets everything right, and that’s okay. These dogs don’t need perfection. They need care, warmth, and a little space on the couch next to you.
Keep loving them well. Ask questions. Watch for changes. And give them belly rubs just because.
So when it comes down to it… do you feel ready to give your Havanese the best shot at a long and lovely life?