Since the breed was recognized in 1996, The Havanese Club of America has conducted two large general health surveys (one in 2004 and a second one in 2012). In 2017, a third survey was conducted to evaluate the longevity of the breed. The reports from the two general health surveys and from the 2017 Longevity Survey are available below.

The most recent (2012) general survey concluded that:

The Havanese breed is basically healthy overall. As with any breed, there are inherited health problems that affect Havanese. The breed is fortunate that most of these problems are not life threatening. Through diligent health testing and open communication, Havanese breeders hope to maintain the health of the breed.

2017 Longevity Study

The Health Committee of the Havanese Club of America gathered data in the last quarter of 2017 to estimate the longevity of today's Havanese and the age distribution of older-living Havanese. The survey includes data on 512 Havanese, largely from HCA members. The results of the survey have been analyzed and can be found by clicking on the link below. For your convenience, a brief summary has been included at the beginning of the report.

Link to 2017 Longevity Survey Report

If you have comments or questions, feel free to send them to Rafe Schindler, (Chair of the Health Committee)

2018 Rainbow Bridge Survey

The Health Committee of the Havanese Club of America (HCA) recently completed the 2017 Longevity Survey.  Information on 512 dogs was collected.  

One of the surprising results of the 2017 Longevity Survey was that while most Havanese will typically live to 15 years or older, about 20% of males and females appear to die much earlier than the rest of the population – closer to about 9 ½ years of age.  This new survey is an attempt to isolate the most frequent causes of death as a function of age, sex, and lifestyle within the entire Havanese population. 

This information will not only help us learn more about our breed, but will also give us a much clearer direction for further research.

Please take a few minutes to answer these questions and return the survey either by mail or by email to:

                This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or

                Dr. Rafe H. Schindler

                325 Sharon Park Drive, S.T.E. 214

                Menlo Park, CA 94025

You may also fill out the survey and submit it by clicking on the links below:

• Link to 2018 Rainbow Bridge Survey - Word Doc to print and send in
• Link to 2018 Rainbow Bridge Survey- fill in online and send by email

All information provided to the Health Committee will be treated confidentially. No information identifying a survey responder or a dog’s name, registration or pedigree will ever be released publicly or privately.