Havanese Stud Dog: Health Testing, Color Genetics, and What to Look For

Cuba's national dog — silky, social, and surprisingly robust for a toy breed

The Havanese is a toy breed with a heart much bigger than its size. Cuba's only native dog breed, the Havanese has been charming owners for centuries with its silky coat, expressive eyes, and endlessly social temperament. One of the few toy breeds that can genuinely thrive in an active household, the Havanese adapts well to families, singles, and seniors alike. And for a toy breed, they carry relatively fewer serious genetic conditions than many of their peers — though health testing is still essential.

Health Testing Requirements for Havanese Studs

The Havanese Club of America (HCA) recommends the following evaluations:

CAER Eye Examination — Annual

Multiple hereditary eye conditions occur in Havanese, including:

• Hereditary juvenile cataracts — DNA testing available
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — DNA testing available (including the RCD4 PRA variant specific to some Havanese lines)
• Microphthalmia — Abnormally small eyes, heritable

Annual CAER exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist is the primary recommendation.

OFA Hip and Patella Evaluation

Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation both occur in Havanese. OFA hip evaluation at 24 months and patella evaluation are recommended. Good or Excellent (hips) and Grade 0 (patella) are the targets.

BAER Hearing Test

Congenital deafness occurs in Havanese, particularly in dogs with certain white coat patterns. BAER testing is recommended for all breeding Havanese.

Cardiac Evaluation

Heart conditions including heart murmurs occur in Havanese. Annual cardiac evaluation is recommended, particularly as dogs age into their breeding years.

Chondrodysplasia (CDDY/IVDD) — DNA Test

A DNA test now available identifies dogs who carry a gene associated with chondrodystrophic dwarfism and increased risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Havanese who carry two copies of this gene have shorter, curved limbs and significantly higher IVDD risk. Clear or single-copy carriers with proper conformation are acceptable.

Havanese Color Genetics: One of the Most Varied Palettes in Dogdom

The Havanese breed standard accepts all colors — making it one of the most color-diverse breeds in the AKC. This creates both opportunity and complexity for breeders.

Solid Colors

Black, white, chocolate (liver), silver, blue, gold, cream, red, parti-color, sable, brindle, and every combination thereof. Virtually every dog color is seen in Havanese.

Chocolate (Liver)

Produced by bb at the B locus. Chocolate Havanese range from milk chocolate to dark brown. Chocolate nose, eye rims, and paw pads accompany this color.

Silver and Blue

Both are dilute colors produced by the dd dilution gene. Silver dilutes black to a pale silver; blue is a darker steel-gray dilution. Silver Havanese are often born dark and lighten as they mature — sometimes dramatically.

Parti-Color

Parti (S locus piebald) adds white patches to any base color. Parti Havanese are very popular.

Sable and Shaded

Sable (Ay at A locus) produces a coat with dark-tipped hairs over a lighter base, often described as "wolf sable" or "chocolate sable." Many sable Havanese lighten significantly with age.

The Chocolate and Silver Challenge

Chocolate and silver Havanese often have coat color that changes dramatically from puppyhood to adulthood. A puppy born dark chocolate may lighten to a caramel or lavender-silver as an adult. Ask the stud owner for photos at multiple ages, not just puppy photos.

Havanese Coat Types

The Havanese standard describes a long, silky, and slightly wavy coat. However, breeders recognize several coat variations:

Silky coat — The standard coat type. Long, flat, and silky.

Fluffy coat (Velcro coat) — A softer, fluffier, higher-maintenance coat that some lines produce. Not a fault but a management consideration.

Corded coat — A less common presentation in which the coat forms natural cords. A valid AKC presentation but requires specialized grooming knowledge.

What Does a Havanese Stud Fee Cost?

Havanese stud fees in 2026 typically range from $600 to $2,500 depending on:

• Full health testing documentation
• AKC Championship or show record
• Color rarity (chocolate, silver, and parti combinations command premiums)
• Proven litter quality

Questions to Ask Before Booking

• Can I see a current CAER eye exam and any PRA DNA test results?
• Has the stud been BAER tested and OFA patella and hip evaluated?
• Has he been DNA tested for chondrodysplasia (CDDY)?
• What is his color genotype, and what colors has he produced?
• What does his coat look like at 2-3 years versus as a puppy?
• Is he AKC registered?
• Has he produced litters, and can I speak with previous dam owners?
• Will you provide a written stud contract?

Summary

A quality Havanese stud has current CAER eye exam, BAER hearing test, OFA hip and patella evaluations, and an owner who understands the breed's complex color genetics and can document what his offspring have produced. The Havanese's naturally social temperament and manageable size make it one of the great companion breeds — a well-bred Havanese from health-tested parents is a joy for life.