Havapoo
So, you’ve stumbled upon the Havapoo — that adorable little mix that’s stealing hearts all over the internet. Think of it as the perfect mash-up between the sweet, loving Havanese and the brainy, low-shedding Poodle. It’s the kind of dog that’ll happily curl up on your lap but still has enough spunk to keep things fun. Whether you’re after a cuddle buddy, a hypoallergenic fur baby, or just a small dog with a big personality, the dog might just be “the one.” Let’s dive into what makes this fluffy hybrid so special.
What is a Havapoo / where does the Havapoo come from?
The Havapoo — also called a “Havadoodle” or “Poovanese” — is what happens when you cross a Havanese with a Poodle. Breeders started this mix to combine the Havanese’s gentle charm with the Poodle’s intelligence and allergy-friendly coat. Basically, they wanted a tiny genius who doesn’t make you sneeze.
It’s not officially recognized by the AKC (since it’s a mixed breed), but who cares? These dogs win hearts, not trophies. Depending on which parent’s traits come through, your pup might look more like a curly little Poodle or a fluffier Havanese. Either way, you’re getting a bundle of joy.
How big does a Havapoo get / what is its weight & height?
One of the cool things about a Havadoodle is that they’re the perfect size for pretty much any home — from small apartments to big houses.
- Weight: Usually between 7 and 15 pounds (3 to 7 kg). (petmd.com)
- Height: Around 8 to 15 inches (20 to 38 cm) at the shoulder.
If their Poodle parent was a Miniature, your dog might be on the taller side. If it was a Toy, expect a teeny-tiny fluffball. Either way, they’re easy to pick up, snuggle, and travel with — no heavy lifting required.
What is the temperament / personality of a Havapoo?
Ah, the Havapoo personality — it’s one of the main reasons people fall in love with them. These pups are friendly, smart, and super attached to their humans. They’re the kind of dog who’ll follow you from room to room just to hang out.
They’re usually:
- Lovey-dovey and loyal, perfect for families or anyone who wants a constant companion.
- Playful and curious, always up for a game or adventure.
- Adaptable, happy in apartments or houses as long as they get attention.
- Sensitive souls, so be kind during training.
According to dogacademy.org, they’re “alert, curious, and sensitive to emotions.” Basically, they can sense when you’ve had a bad day — and they’ll do their best to cheer you up.
Is the Havapoo hypoallergenic / do they shed a lot?
If you’re allergic but still want a dog, the Havapoo might be your dream come true. Thanks to its Poodle genes, this little one barely sheds. The curly or wavy coat traps loose hairs instead of sprinkling them all over your couch.
That said, no dog is completely hypoallergenic — but Havadoodles are about as close as it gets.
According to PetMD, “you won’t have to deal with much shedding,” and Dog Academy agrees that they’re considered hypoallergenic. So if you’ve got mild allergies, this pup might be your perfect match.
What are the grooming / maintenance needs of a Havapoo?
Let’s be honest: that fluffy coat doesn’t maintain itself. The Havadoodle’s hair can get tangled if you ignore it, so regular grooming is key.
Daily / regular brushing
Give that fur some love a few times a week — or daily if you can. It keeps the coat shiny and prevents matting, especially around the ears and legs.
Professional grooming
A trip to the groomer every 6–8 weeks keeps things tidy and comfortable.
Bathing & skin care
Wash your pup every 4–6 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. Overdoing it can dry out their skin.
Ear care & eye care
Floppy ears = trapped moisture. Clean them regularly, and trim the hair around the eyes to prevent irritation. (petmd.com)
Dental hygiene
Small dogs get dental problems fast, so brush those tiny teeth a few times a week.
Sure, it sounds like work — but it’s worth it for that cloud-like fluff.
How much exercise does a Havapoo need?
Havapoos aren’t marathoners, but they’re not couch potatoes either. They like a balance — play hard, nap harder.
- A 30 to 60-minute walk a day is perfect. (dogacademy.org)
- Mix in mental games like puzzles or learning tricks.
- Short play sessions indoors also work wonders.
Basically, as long as your Havadoodle gets some activity and attention daily, they’ll be one happy pup.
How easy are Havapoos to train?
Good news: Havapoos are smart cookies. With the Poodle’s brains and the Havanese’s eagerness to please, they usually pick up commands pretty quickly.
According to JustAnswer, training a Havadoodle is all about patience and consistency. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes), use treats, and make it fun.
Furrylicious.com adds that they’re “highly intelligent” and respond best to positive vibes. Shouting or punishment just freaks them out. So, stay calm, stay kind, and you’ll have a well-behaved fluffball in no time.
What health issues are common in Havapoos?
No dog’s perfect, and the Havapoo is no exception. They’re generally healthy, but there are a few things to watch for:
- Patellar Luxation (slipping kneecaps)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (eye issues)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (hip problems)
- Dental issues (common in small breeds)
- Ear infections and skin allergies
Most of these can be managed with regular vet visits and good care.
What is the lifespan of a Havapoo?
Havapoos are in it for the long haul — usually 10 to 15 years, sometimes even more.
Feed them well, keep them active, and give them tons of love, and they’ll stick around to fill your life with cuddles and laughter.
How many colors / coat varieties can Havapoos have?
If you like variety, you’ll love Havapoos. They come in a bunch of colors — white, black, cream, chocolate, apricot, and even multicolored patterns. Some have tight curls, others have soft waves. Each one looks a bit different, and that’s part of the charm.
Can you predict which color a Havapoo puppy will be?
Honestly? Not really. You can guess based on the parents’ coats, but genetics loves surprises. Even with testing, there’s no guarantee. So don’t get too attached to one color — it’s the personality that matters most.
How often should a Havapoo have litters / breeding considerations?
If you’re thinking about breeding, do it responsibly. Experts say wait until your dog is at least two years old and don’t overbreed — one or two litters is plenty. Always screen for health issues first and give the mama dog time to recover between litters.
Healthy dogs = happy havapoo puppies.
Do Havapoos have separation anxiety or difficulties being left alone?
Yep, this is one of their few downsides. Havadoodles hate being left alone for too long. They bond hard with their humans and can get anxious or destructive if ignored. (petmd.com)
The fix?
- Crate training
- Gradual alone-time training
- Interactive toys
- Keeping departures and arrivals chill
They’re social little creatures — think of them as your fluffy shadow.
What and how much should a Havapoo eat?
Feeding a Havapoo isn’t rocket science, but it does matter.
- Puppies: 3–4 small meals a day
- Adults: 2–3 meals a day
- Portion: Around ½ to 1½ cups daily, depending on size and activity level (apupabove.com)
Pick a high-quality food for small breeds and go easy on the treats — no matter how cute those begging eyes are.
Which is better, Havapoo or Cavapoo?
This is the age-old question. Honestly, it depends on your vibe.
- Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle) are calm and cuddly.
- Havapoos are a bit more alert and playful.
According to Dogster, Cavapoos can have more heart problems, while Havadoodles are usually healthier overall. (articles.hepper.com)
So if you want a social butterfly who loves activity, go Havadoodle. If you’re more into chill movie nights, Cavapoo’s your guy.
Which is better, maltipoo or Havapoo?
Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle) vs Havapoo — it’s another tough call.
Maltipoos are smaller and a bit sassier, while Havapoos tend to be more balanced and social. Both need grooming and both are allergy-friendly. It really comes down to which personality you vibe with more.
Do Havapoos bark a lot?
They can, yeah. Havapoos love to “talk” — when they’re happy, bored, or want attention.
The trick is early training and mental stimulation. Teach them when it’s okay to bark and when it’s not. You’ll thank yourself later.
Do Havapoos like to cuddle?
Oh absolutely. These dogs are major snugglers. They love curling up beside you on the couch or napping in your lap. They’re all about affection, which makes them amazing therapy and family dogs.
Are Havapoos aggressive?
Not at all. These pups are sweet, gentle, and sociable by nature.
Aggression is super rare unless they’re scared or not socialized properly. Treat them kindly, and they’ll return the favor tenfold.
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