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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Havanese need? Like all dogs, Havaneses should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Havanese vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Havanese booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Havanese need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
