Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years. Good dental hygiene, maintaining an appropriate weight and regular veterinary check-ups promote a comfortable old age.
Build
A robust breed?
The breed is considered robust for its size and does not, overall, present any major fragility. Its small build nevertheless requires preventing joint trauma and being attentive to the condition of the teeth.
Watch points
What to watch for
Prevention is based mainly on regular examination of the joints, the mouth and the eyes, as well as on screening carried out by responsible breeders. Any lameness, difficulty chewing or change in the eye warrants a veterinary consultation.
Patellar luxation : This common condition in small dogs can cause a hopping gait or lameness and warrants an orthopedic examination.
Tartar and periodontal disease : The crowded teeth of small dogs promote deposits, hence the importance of regular brushing and veterinary follow-up.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Bichon Havanais tolerates moderate heat rather well, provided it has water and shade, but it is sensitive to cold and humidity. In winter, outings must be adapted to the conditions, especially when the coat is wet, and the dog must be able to dry quickly in the warmth.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Its tendency to gain weight is low, but its small size makes excesses quickly significant. It is advisable to weigh its ration, limit treats and maintain daily walks and games while regularly monitoring its silhouette.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the kneecaps examined during veterinary check-ups.
- Brush the teeth several times a week, ideally every day.
- Brush the coat daily to prevent knots.
- Protect the dog from the cold and carefully dry its wet coat.
Vaccination
Havanese vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Havanese? Like all cats, the Havanese receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Havanese is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Havanese vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Havanese?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Havanese
Before breeding, it is advisable to have the patellas and eyes checked by a veterinarian and to find out about the tests carried out on the parents. Throughout life, an annual check-up, dental monitoring and the recommended preventive care remain essential.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
