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Havapoo

The Havapoo dog is a cross between the Havanese and Poodle breeds.

Havapoos are typically small to medium in size. They grow up to 11.5 inches tall, weighing between 7 and 13 pounds as adults. Plus, they have long, soft coats that come in a range of colors.

These mixed breed dogs are smart, friendly and eager to please.

But the results of crossbreeding can sometimes be surprising too.

Where Does the Havapoo Come From?

The Havapoo is one of the many popular Doodle dog cross breeds.

In order to find out where this mix comes from, we need to take a look at the parent breeds.

Havanese

The Havanese breed shares ancestors with small white dogs such as the Bichon Frise and Maltese.

The breed originated in Havana, Cuba. But you may have guessed that from its name! It has a guesstimated arrival in the 1600s.

Plus, it was previously called the “Havana silk dog.”

The charming lapdog became a favored companion of Cuban aristocrats. In fact, Havanese is the national dog of Cuba.

The Havanese breed arrived in America in 1959 with Cuban refugees.

Poodle

Poodles are the national dog of France. But, the breed originated in Germany about 400 years ago.

“Poodle” comes from the German word for puddle—“pudelin”. This is beause the breed was used for duck hunting.

So, Poodles are skilled retrievers and swimmers. Plus, their infamous coat style serves an important purpose.

Hunters shaved Poodles’ legs, neck and tail to increase swimming efficiency.

But, the remaining fur served as protection from cold waters.

Havapoo

Purebred vs. Mutt Debate

Like most mixed, or designer, breeds the Havapoo’s origins are not well-known.

They originated in the United States. But, likely within the last two to three decades.

Designer dogs are a combination of breeds for desirable physical or behavioral traits.

But, with this comes a debate about purebred and mixed breed health.

Designer Dog Debate

Many believe that because of the health issues associated with purebred dogs, a mixed breed would be less vulnerable to inheritable diseases.

The answer to this debate is not very clear. This is because numerous factors impact a dog’s health, including genetics and environmental factors.

Fun Facts About the Havapoo

The Havapoo mix is quite new to the scene. But the parent breeds have been loved for hundreds of years.

Both Ernest Hemingway and Charles Dickens had Havanese pups.

Poodles have been an icon of opulence for centuries. They have had numerous notable owners.

Walt Disney, Lucille Ball, Jackie Kennedy, and Weird Al Yankovic—to name a few—have all had Poodle pets.

Plus, in 1988, John Suter attempted to compete in the Iditarod dog sled race with a team of standard Poodles.

But, unfortunately, they had to be dropped off at an early checkpoint due to frozen feet and matted-hair.

So, a rule has since been since put in place to restrict participating breeds.

Havapoo Appearance

A Havapoo’s appearance is a mix of traits from both parents.

So, it can be hard to predict the outcome. But generally speaking, it is likely be small to mid-sized and fluffy.

Havapoo Size

Havanese pups weigh 7 to 13 pounds and stand 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall.

Poodles are bred in three sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy.

The Havapoo is usually created with Miniature Poodles. But Standard Poodles can be used as well.

Miniature Poodles weigh 10 to 15 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall.

Standard Poodles weigh 40 to 70 pounds and stand over 15 inches tall.

A Havapoo weighs anywhere between 12 and 45 pounds. The larger weight results from a standard Poodle parent.

She will be 8 to 15 inches tall.

Havapoo Coat

Havanese pups have a light, silky coat that can grow long and wavy. Plus, they have a wide variety of colors, including:

  • black
  • browns
  • gold
  • red
  • silver
  • white
  • blue
  • and combinations of the colors listed above.

Poodle Parent Coat

Poodles have a thick, curly coat that is uniform or shaded in a variety of colors. These include:

  • blues
  • grays
  • silver
  • browns
  • apricots
  • creams.

The resulting coat is long, dense and curly. Color is very hard to predict. But there is a large range of options.

Havapoo Temperament

A puppy’s temperament will depend on its parents.

So, responsible breeders are careful to choose parents with desirable personality traits.

Poodle Temperament

Poodle temperament varies with their size.

Standard Poodles are regarded as intelligent, loving and obedient.

They can be shy with strangers and outgoing with familiar people.

Standard Poodles are known to be sensitive to loud or scolding voices.

Shyness and Socialization

Miniature Poodles are also shy around strangers. But they are a more fearful. This can lead to aggression.

Other than the distaste of strangers, Miniature Poodles share the rest of their personality traits with their larger counterparts.

Plus, even the skepticism around strangers can decrease with socialization and training.

Havanese Temperament

Havanese are intelligent, outgoing and affectionate dogs. But, they are also known to be sensitive. So, just like Standard Poodles!

A mix of these two temperaments results in a playful, loving dog that is eager to learn.

Havapoos are known to be social and affectionate.

Plus, luckily, they don’t seem to inherit the Miniature Poodle’s distrust of strangers.

Sensitivity

But remember, they may have some of the sensitivity of the parent breeds. So try not to raise your voice around a Havapoo.

As with any breed, this mix should be socialized with humans and other animals at a young age.

This will foster positive personality traits.

Training Your Havapoo

Just like both parent breeds, a Havapoo is intelligent.

In fact, Poodles are regularly ranked among the most clever dog breeds in the world.

So, training should be fairly easy with a this mix. Because it is eager to please.

But, patience is key. Especially due to their sensitive nature.

Consistent training using positive reinforcement leads to successful training with a Havapoo.

Exercise Needs

In addition to training, make sure this mix gets frequent exercise.

It’s an active mixed breed with some moderate energy requirements.

So Havapoos need daily walks and adequate playtime.

But, since some Havapoos are smaller, make sure not to over exercise them. Especially on hot days.

Havapoo Health

A Havanese-Poodle mix’s health depends on her parents’ health.

So, responsible breeders screen for health issues and try to avoid passing any to offspring.

But regular vet care is also key. This will ensure a long, healthy life for a Havapoo.

So, here are some common health issues for both parent breeds that may be inherited by offspring.

Poodle Health Issues

The Poodle breed is considered genetically healthy and diverse.

But, Poodles are still prone to a number of inherited disorders.

Our Standard and Miniature Poodle guides cover many of these disorders in more detail.

Havanese Health Issues

The Havanese breed also remains genetically diverse and healthy. Yet pups are still at risk of several health issues.

Havapoo Health Issues

Havapoos will be at risk for any of the issues listed above.

But, a responsible breeder screens parents to ensure that these problems are not passed on to puppies.

Commonly seen health issues in this mix include:

  • Cataracts
  • Deafness
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart problems
  • Obesity

Health and Genetic Screening

Health and genetic screening of parent dogs and their offspring are vital. It ensures the health of future generations.

The Canine Health Information Center and Havanese Club of America recommend the following tests for Havanese:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye examination
  • Patellar luxation
  • Congenital deafness

The Poodle Club of America has a more extensive list of testing recommendations.

Some are specific to Miniature or Standard Poodles.

But, reputable breeders should use these tests to screen Havapoo parents and puppies.

Expected Life Span

Havanese have an expected life span of 14 to 16 years.

Poodles can live for 10 to 18 years.

So, a mix of the two breeds has an expected life span of 10 to 18 years.

Havapoo Grooming

The thick, curly coat of a Havapoo requires regular grooming. Brushing multiple times a week prevents mats and tangles.

The parent breeds shed minimally. So will a Havapoo.

Owners with minor dog allergies might consider this mix, thanks to its low-shedding fur.

But, if your hybrid inherits Poodle ears, you’ll also want to know how to clean his ears to prevent infections.

Havapoo Feeding

High-quality dog food is more than enough to keep a Havapoo healthy.

But, it may be prone to obesity.

So, use healthy treats as training aids. Plus, don’t share table scraps with your Havapoo. This will keep its weight healthy.

Do Havapoos Make Good Family Dogs?

Havapoos make an excellent family companion. They’re small, fun and relatively easy to care for.

But, a family should be ready to provide daily exercise and companionship for this mix.

They’ll also need to work together to ensure proper training and socialization.

Finding a Havapoo Puppy

We don’t recommend purchasing a Havapoo from a pet store or irreputable breeder.

There’s a very good chance that it will be overpriced. But it will also likely be unhealthy.

An internet search can lead you to a breeder with a good reputation.

But be sure to ask about the parent dogs to get a clear look at potential health issues with a Havapoo puppy.

Raising a Havapoo Puppy

Raising a Havapoo puppy requires time, patience and a lot of energy.

Early training and socialization starts a Havapoo off on the right foot.

Havapoo puppies are petite and can be delicate.

So, supervision around small children and larger pets is highly recommended.

Pros and Cons of Getting a Havapoo

Cons

  • Potential health problems
  • Requires exercise and play
  • Needs regular grooming

Pros

  • Cute appearance
  • Charismatic
  • Easily trainable

Similar Havapooes and Breeds

Curious about similar mixed breeds? Here are some to check out:

Rescuing a Havapoo

Adopting a Havapoo from a shelter or rescue is something to consider.

Older mixes may need a loving home. Which takes out some of the tough puppy work.

Rescued dogs may have uncertain health and behavioral issues.

So, this shouldn’t dissuade you from rescuing. But it should prepare you for any potential issues.

Havapoo Rescues

Rescues dedicated to Havapoos may be hard to find.

Poo-Mix Rescue is a good place to start.

Search rescues that specialize in the parent breeds. This will give you a better chance of finding a Havapoo in need of a good home.

Feel free to add your Poodle or Havanese rescue in the comment section below.

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Is a Havapoo Right for Me?

Havapoos make great pets.

So, if you are looking for a clever, loveable friend that may need socialization training, you’re in luck.

There are health issues that you should consider.

But, a Havapoo can be a healthy, active dog and live more than a decade.

References and Further Reading:

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