--- title: "Havapoo Puppy Health Checklist: What to Ask the Breeder" type: "post" slug: "havapoo-puppy-health-checklist-what-to-ask-the-breeder" published_at: "2026-11-02T11:53:04+00:00" modified_at: "2026-11-02T11:53:15+00:00" url: "https://sagepuppies.com/havapoo-puppy-health-checklist-what-to-ask-the-breeder/" markdown_url: "https://sagepuppies.com/havapoo-puppy-health-checklist-what-to-ask-the-breeder.md" taxonomy_category: - "Havapoo" - "Health & Wellness" - "Puppy Buyer Guides" author: "Matt Milar" publisher: "Sage Puppies" --- # Havapoo Puppy Health Checklist: What to Ask the Breeder > **Quick Summary:** The most important Havapoo health check is verifying both parents’ screening results yourself, including OFA CHIC records, patella certification, annual eye exams, hip evaluations, and DNA panel results. A puppy’s health certificate only confirms it looked healthy on one visit, so buyers should also review exam notes, vaccinations, deworming, fecal testing, the microchip number, and contract terms. Breeders such as Sage Puppies make this process easier by sharing documented health testing for each parent rather than relying on screenshots or verbal claims. A breeder can hand you a beautiful folder of vet records, and it can still be missing the one page that matters most: the page showing which parent was tested for which condition, on what date, with what result. That gap is the biggest risk in a Havapoo purchase, because papers and a dog health certificate describe today’s puppy, not the inherited risks you cannot see. This Havapoo buyer checklist fixes that. For each question, you get the exact document that proves the answer, the current Havanese CHIC requirements behind it, and the steps to verify results yourself on public databases instead of trusting a screenshot. Sage Puppies raises Havanese, Havapoo and Cavapoo puppies in South Jordan, Utah, and we built this checklist from the questions real families ask before they commit. Bring it to every breeder interview, and pair it with the Havapoo vet records you request at pickup. ## Step 1: Know What to Ask For Before You Call Before you fall for a puppy photo, know what a real health record looks like. This part of the Havapoo buyer checklist covers the paperwork, not the puppy. ![Organized puppy health records on a kitchen table](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ai-image-1793620198302-j9mu8.webp) Organized puppy health records on a kitchen table ### Three Kinds of Records, and Why Buyers Mix Them Up Three document types answer three different questions. **Health test results** (OFA hip, patella, and eye exams on the parents) prove the breeding dogs were screened. The **vaccination and deworming record** shows what your puppy has received so far, with dates and products. The **vet health certificate**, issued days before pickup, confirms the puppy checked out healthy at that visit. Buyers often accept a vaccination sheet as proof of health testing, or a promise as proof of a certificate. Each record proves one thing only, so ask for all three by name. ### Set Up a Simple Tracking System When you compare several breeders, details blur fast. Make a spreadsheet or a simple notebook page with one column per breeder. List each record, whether it was sent, and whether you verified it yourself. Note dates: when results were issued and when you asked. A short Havapoo buyer checklist like this turns a flood of friendly emails into clear facts you can compare side by side. Then call, ask your questions, and check every answer against the records you already have. ## Step 2: Ask What Each Parent Was Screened For A breeder should tell you exactly what both parents were tested for, not just say “health tested.” Ask these five questions first: 1. What OFA CHIC requirements did each parent meet? 2. Do you have patella certification for both parents? 3. When was each parent’s last eye examination? 4. What DNA panel did you run, and what carrier status showed up? 5. Did either parent get a PennHIP or OFA hip evaluation? The answers should match written records, which we’ll cover in Step 3. ### Genetic Testing Versus a Physical Exam These are not the same thing, and breeders sometimes blur them. A vet exam catches current problems, like a heart murmur or a luxating patella, on that day. A DNA panel predicts inherited risk instead. A dog can pass a physical exam and still carry genes for a condition puppies could inherit. You want evidence of both, for the Havanese parent and the poodle parent. ### Where You Can Check Results Yourself Do not stop at the PDF a breeder sends. Search each parent’s registered name on the OFA website, where patella, eye, hip and DNA results are public. You can also ask for the OFA CHIC certificate number and look it up directly. The Havanese Club of America lists which Havanese health tests each dog completed. If a parent’s name returns no results, ask why before you go further. One Havapoo parent is a Havanese, so the Havanese side usually carries the documented CHIC record; ask about the poodle side separately. When a breeder like Sage Puppies shares both parents’ testing upfront, verification takes minutes. A clean search result is worth more than any claim in an email. ## Step 3: Check the Havanese Side of the Pairing A Havapoo inherits half its genes from the Havanese parent, so that dog’s test results tell you the most. Ask for the three records required for a Havanese [CHIC number](https://havaneseclubofamerica.org/havanese-health/) : an annual eye exam, a hip evaluation, and patella certification. Look each one up yourself on the OFA site instead of trusting a screenshot. ![Veterinarian examining a Havanese puppy’s eyes](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ai-image-1793620259369-5ctdd.webp) Veterinarian examining a Havanese puppy’s eyes ### Eyes, Hips, and Patellas Havanese eyes need a [CAER exam](https://havaneseclubofamerica.org/havanese-health/) by a board-certified eye specialist every year, so ask for the most recent one, not a test from three years ago. Hips need an x-ray evaluated by OFA or PennHIP, and knees need patella certification. Hips and patellas are permanent, but the eye exam is not, so the date matters as much as the result. A breeder who tests all three and posts results publicly is showing you the litter’s risk profile, not just its charm. ### Hip Radiographs and What PennHIP Does Not Cover Official OFA hip certification happens only after age two, so a young Havanese may have a PennHIP score instead. That is a real screening method, but it is not OFA certification, and it does not earn a [CHIC number](https://havaneseclubofamerica.org/health-issues-and-testing/) . Ask which system was used and note that neither result guarantees puppies will never have hip problems. ### Patella Certification and Knee History Patellar luxation, a kneecap that slips out of place, is common in small breeds, and Havanese are on the list. Ask whether the patella result is Normal, and whether any relative has ever needed knee surgery. A dog can pass patella screening and still come from a line with knee issues, so one clear result is good but a clean pedigree is better. Breeders who explain this openly, the way we do when discussing [how to read a health record](https://sagepuppies.com/havapoo-puppies-how-to-read-a-breeders-health-record/) , make verification easier for you. ## Step 4: Check the Poodle Side and the Ancestry Behind It ### Two Breeds, Two Sets of Records A Havapoo inherits health from both parents, so a complete file covers each side. The Havanese records follow the club’s CHIC list. The Poodle parent needs its own set. Poodle testing centers on the eyes, hips, and skin: the breed club recommends a [progressive retinal atrophy DNA test plus an annual eye exam by a board-certified ophthalmologist](https://poodleclubofamerica.org/poodle-information-online/) , and [sebaceous adenitis screening](https://poodleclubofamerica.org/health-concerns/) matters too because it is a known skin disease in Poodles. Ask for both parents’ results by name, not just “parents are tested.” ![Breeder reviews health records beside a Havapoo puppy](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ai-image-1793620284298-orqq8a.webp) Breeder reviews health records beside a Havapoo puppy ### Verifying Ancestry Instead of Taking It on Faith Ask which Poodle variety the breeder uses, since Toy and Miniature Poodles carry slightly different test panels. Then confirm the paperwork matches the story. Every parent should have a registered name, a microchip or tattoo number, and test results you can look up yourself on the OFA site rather than a screenshot in a text message. If a breeder says the sire is a champion or health tested, the certificate should show that dog’s actual identity. Breeders who document both sides of the pedigree, as we do with each Havapoo pairing at [Sage Puppies](https://sagepuppies.com/choosing-reliable-havapoo-breeders-in-your-area/) , make this check easy. A parent you cannot trace is a risk you cannot price. ## Step 5: Read the Puppy’s Own Veterinary Record The parents’ testing tells you about genetics. This record tells you about this puppy. Before pickup, a Havapoo puppy’s vet records should include: ![Hands Holding a Havapoo Puppy’s Veterinary Record](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/ai-image-1793620300446-iyzs7q.webp) Hands Holding a Havapoo Puppy’s Veterinary Record - At least one veterinary exam, with notes and weight - Age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming dates - A fecal parasite test and its result - A microchip number - Preventive care, such as heartworm or flea medication Ask for the actual record, not a summary text. ### The Exam and Weight Trail A healthy litter sees a vet more than once. Look for an exam note around six weeks and a weight recorded at each visit. Small breeds grow fast, so the numbers should climb steadily, not jump or stall. One weight entry alone proves almost nothing; a trend does. ### Vaccinations and Deworming Puppies typically get their first shot at six to eight weeks, then boosters every three to four weeks. Deworming often starts earlier, around two weeks of age, and repeats. Check that dates on the record follow that [puppy vaccination and deworming schedule](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/puppy-socialization-and-vaccination-schedule) rather than bunching together. Bunched dates can mean someone filled in the form later. ### Parasite Testing, Microchip, and Preventive Care Ask whether a fecal test was run on the litter or the individual puppy, and what it found. Giardia and roundworms are common in puppies and treatable, so a positive result is not a dealbreaker as long as treatment is documented. The record should also list a microchip number that matches the tag on the puppy, plus any flea, tick, or heartworm prevention already given. At our South Jordan program, each puppy’s record travels with the puppy, but any breeder you vet should hand these pages over without prompting. ## Step 6: Understand the Health Certificate and the Contract ### What a Veterinary Health Certificate Covers A dog health certificate and a health guarantee are not the same thing. The certificate is a snapshot: a licensed vet examined the puppy on a specific date and found no signs of illness or injury. The guarantee is a written promise about future genetic health. You need both, and they prove different things. The formal name is a certificate of veterinary inspection, issued by an accredited veterinarian after a physical exam. It lists age, vaccinations, deworming, and exam findings. It does not predict hip dysplasia or inherited eye disease. That is why you also ask for parent testing, like patella certification and an annual eye examination, as covered in [AVMA’s guidance](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-travel-and-transport/certificates-veterinary-inspection) . ### What a Health Guarantee Does and Does Not Cover Read the puppy purchase contract health terms before you pay. A strong guarantee covers life-threatening inherited conditions, usually for the first year or two. It rarely covers parasites, stress-related upset stomach, or problems caused by diet or injury. Ask exactly which conditions are included, what paperwork confirms the diagnosis, and whether the remedy is a refund, replacement puppy, or vet bill reimbursement. Contracts vary a lot between breeders, so compare terms side by side before signing anything, including the fine print about returning the puppy. ### The Timeline Before You Pay Most states require the certificate within about ten days of travel or pickup. So sequence it: choose your puppy, review the contract, sign, then confirm the vet visit date and get the original certificate, not a copy, in hand at pickup. > **Tip:** If the breeder cannot schedule a certificate exam before your travel date, treat that as a delay worth taking rather than a corner to cut. --- *For a deeper contract breakdown, our guide on [puppy contracts and health promises](https://sagepuppies.com/puppy-contract-vs-health-guarantee-which-protects-missouri-buyers-better/) walks through real-world terms.* ## Step 7: Read a DNA Panel Without Over-Trusting It ### What the Report Actually Tells You A DNA panel screens a dog for known gene variants. For a Havapoo, you want to see the Havanese parent tested for breed-relevant conditions, and results labeled **clear**, **carrier**, or **at-risk**. Clear means the variant is absent. Carrier means the dog carries one copy, which is usually fine unless bred to another carrier. At-risk means the dog carries two copies and may develop the condition. A reputable program tests both parents, so two clear parents guarantee clear puppies for those variants. Ask to see each parent’s report, not just the puppy’s, and check the dog’s name matches the pedigree. ### The Limits of a Panel A panel only finds variants it looks for. Embark, for example, screens more than 250 conditions, but no test covers everything, and a clear result is not a promise of health. Panels also miss problems with no known gene marker, like hip dysplasia or loose patellas, which is why [OFA](https://ofa.org/all-dna-tests/) lists DNA tests alongside physical exams rather than replacing them. Read a panel as one piece of the checklist, paired with eye exams, patella certification, and vet records. A breeder who leans on DNA results alone is skipping the tests that matter most for this breed. ## Common Mistakes to Avoid ### Shortcuts That Cost Buyers Money The most expensive mistake is trusting a text message instead of a record. “Mom is healthy” means nothing without an OFA CHIC certificate or patella certification you can look up yourself on the OFA site. Also watch for breeders who test only the parent, not both, or who skip eye exams. A puppy priced well below the typical Havapoo range often reflects skipped testing, not a bargain. ### Questions Worth Asking Twice Ask about vaccination and deworming dates twice, once by email and once against the written vet record. Same with the health guarantee: get the exact coverage window and required steps in the purchase contract, not a verbal promise. If a breeder hesitates when you ask to verify results yourself, treat that answer as your answer. ![Sage Puppies homepage](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sagepuppies.com-1781544698129.png) Sage Puppies homepage Ready to see how a well-bred Havapoo is raised from day one? Review the health records, meet the parents, and ask every question on this list. At [Sage Puppies](https://sagepuppies.com) , Cassie shares documented health testing with every family. Start your application today and bring home a puppy you can trust. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Q1: What health questions should I ask a Havapoo breeder before buying a puppy? Ask what each parent was screened for, which OFA CHIC requirements they met, when the last eye exam happened, what DNA panel was run, and how hips were evaluated. Then ask to see the records behind every answer. ### Q2: What health tests should I ask for when buying a Havapoo puppy? Request the parents’ OFA hip or PennHIP results, patella certification, a current CAER eye exam, and a DNA panel with carrier status. For the puppy, ask for vet exam notes, vaccinations, deworming, a fecal test, and a microchip number. ### Q3: What genetic and phenotypic health tests do Havapoo parents need? The Havanese parent needs an annual eye exam, hip evaluation, and patella certification for a CHIC number. The Poodle parent needs eye testing, a PRA DNA test, and sebaceous adenitis screening. ### Q4: How do I verify a breeder’s health claims myself? Search each parent’s registered name on the OFA website, or look up the CHIC certificate number directly. Never rely on a screenshot or text message. ### Q5: Does a dog health certificate prove the puppy is genetically healthy? No. A certificate only confirms the puppy looked healthy at one vet visit. Genetic risk comes from parent testing, so you need both documents. ### Q6: What if a parent has a PennHIP score instead of OFA certification? That’s acceptable screening for a young dog, but it’s not OFA certification and doesn’t earn a CHIC number. Ask which system was used and note the difference. ## Conclusion A Havapoo health checklist works only if you verify it yourself. Ask what each parent was screened for, then confirm the OFA CHIC certificate, patella certification, annual eye examination, and DNA panel results on the OFA site rather than trusting a screenshot. The Havanese side follows Havanese health testing requirements; the Poodle side needs its own eye, hip, and sebaceous adenitis records. For the puppy, review the complete Havapoo vet records: exam notes, vaccinations and deworming dates, a fecal result, and a microchip number. Pair those with the dog health certificate and the puppy purchase contract health terms before you pay. Breeders who welcome these questions are showing you exactly what a well-bred pairing looks like.