Designer Breed Icon
  • Activity Level: moderate
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  • Shedding Level: low
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  • Grooming Level: high
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  • Trainability: high
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  • Good for Novice Owners: high
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  • Adaptability: high
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  • Kid/Pet Friendly: often
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  • Prey Drive: moderate
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  • Watchdog: aware
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  • Average Size: Small
  • Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
  • Registered?: other

Havapoo Dog Breed Information

Overview

Temperament

Adaptability

Health

Owner Experience

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

Did You Know?

The Havapoo is a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle, usually a Miniature Poodle. They are sometimes also called a Poovanese, Havanoodle, or Hanadoodle. This small dog loves to be around people and is the epitome of a companion dog.

Although they are not recognized by the AKC because they are not a purebred dog, they are recognized by other dog registries. The Designer Dogs Kennel Club, American Canine Hybrid Club, Dog Registry of America, and more all recognize the Havapoo.

The Havapoo is a social dog that loves people and attention. They are known for their loving and affectionate personalities and playful antics. Oftentimes, Havapoos retain a puppy-like demeanor all of their lives.

Because they tend to be open and friendly when well-socialized, they get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. Interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised as these are small dogs that can be easily injured by accidental falls or rough play.

These traits make a Havapoo a good fit for single owners and any type of family. This also means they don’t make very good watchdogs as they are more interested in making friends, playing, and receiving attention than anything else. These little dogs may alert you with a bark if there is a stranger at the door, but they do not bark a lot unless they are trained into it.

The Havapoo is a highly adaptable dog breed. Due to their small size and temperament, they are a good fit for smaller apartments as well as larger homes with yards. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold.

If you live in a climate with cold winters, you will likely need to put some layers and winter dog products on your Havapoo to help keep them warm. Although they may need to bundle up to stay warm while out on winter walks, they will still likely have a ball playing for a short time in the snow.

Because these dogs are truly companions, they are happiest when they are around people. They do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to separation anxiety if they are not well-socialized or you do not work with them on it early on.

Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be, but it’s not a guarantee and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Havapoo puppies. Because the Havapoo is a mix of two different dog breeds, there is a chance that it can inherit health issues common to the parent breeds or “win the genetic lottery” and inherit none of them.

A few potential health issues to be aware of in a Havapoo can include cataracts, deafness, hypothyroidism, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

The Havapoo is a highly trainable dog breed. In general, they are highly intelligent, attentive, sensitive, and eager to please. Although they do tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels, they can sometimes have a little bit of a stubborn streak, so novice owners should not be afraid to seek out puppy training classes.

Due to their intelligence and attentive nature, Havapoos tend to pick up on things quickly as long as they are engaged. Keeping sessions short and interesting can help keep your dog engaged during training sessions. Because they are sensitive, it’s important to keep training positive. They will take harsh tons and corrections personally and it may damage your bond with them while also making training less effective overall.

Their small size can also make potty training a challenge. Building a good routine, staying consistent, having plenty of patience, and using other house training tips to potty train your puppy can help you get there.

Because a Havapoo is mixed with a Poodle, the coat colors vary widely, but the coat type is usually curly or wavy. Although their soft fur is usually low or non-shedding, you will still need to groom them regularly to maintain a healthy coat. Brushing them daily is usually sufficient to remove tangles and prevent matting. Professional grooming is recommended around every 2 months.

In addition to coat care, you also need to take care of your Havapoo’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nails that are too long can get caught in things and make it painful for your pup to move around. Trimming them once or twice monthly helps keep your dog’s paws healthy and movement comfortable.

Ears, especially those that flop over, can trap moisture, debris, and dirt, which can cause ear infections. By regularly checking your dog’s ears and carefully cleaning them as needed, you can help prevent ear infections and irritations.

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs; it’s also one of the most preventable. Good dental care early and throughout your dog’s life can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Proper dental care for dogs can include brushing teeth every day, cleanings at the vet when needed, a special diet, dental chews, and more.

Getting your Havapoo puppy used to having their mouth, ears, and paws handled early on can help make grooming throughout their lives a much easier process. Plus, if you reward them early on and keep it a positive experience, grooming tasks can help you build a bond with your dog and become a quality bonding time for you and your pooch.

Havapoos tend to sit at a low to moderate energy level. They will have bursts of energy when they play, but they also won’t run you ragged. Daily walks and some playtime are usually enough for this pooch. Their energetic personality also means that they will likely enjoy some extra activity as well.

A trip to the dog park can be a lot of fun for a Havapoo. Once they are finished growing and are cleared for higher-impact activities, a short hike or even dog sports, like agility training, can all be good activities that are a lot of fun for a Havapoo.

Most of the time, they will just be happy to be spending time with you. Because of their small size, they can tire out easily and overexert themselves. If you see your Havapoo panting heavily and having some trouble keeping up, it’s time for a break, some water, and some cuddles.

A fully-grown Havapoo usually stands 8-15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 15-45 pounds.

Havapoos generally live for 10-14 years on average.

The Havapoo originated in the United States.