Cavapoo vs Havapoo: Comparing Temperament, Size, & Maintenance

Whether you’re considering adopting a Cavapoo or a Havapoo, or you’d just like to know more about these two Doods then keep on reading. In this guide, we discuss all about the Cavapoo vs Havapoo key similarities and differences in terms of their size, temperament, grooming requirements, health, appearance, and much more. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

• About Havapoos: History And Key Characteristics
• About Cavapoos: History And Key Characteristics
• Cavapoo Vs Havapoo At A Glance
• Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Size
• Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Temperament
• Cavapoo vs Havapoo: Appearance
• Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Grooming & Maintenance
• Cavapoo vs Havapoo: Health & Wellness
• Cavapoo vs Havapoo: Lifespan
• Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Training & Environment 
• Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Cost
• Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Are They Family Friendly?
• Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Which Is The Puppy For You?

About Havapoos: History And Key Characteristics

The Havapoo is a hybrid mix between the Havanese and Poodle. The Havapoo is also known as the Havadoodle, Havanoodle, or Poovanese. 

It’s not exactly known when the Havapoo was first created, but they probably emerged some time around 30 years ago. As Poodle mixes gained much popularity in the 1980s, the Havanese was also crossed with a Poodle to achieve a companion dog that’s suitable for allergy sufferers. The rest is history!

As the Havanese is a small-sized breed, they are only mixed with either Toy or Miniature Poodles. As a result, we get a small Dood with the sweetest temperament, low-shedding coat, and soaring levels of intelligence.

About Cavapoos: History And Key Characteristics

The Cavapoo is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. Like other Doodles, these pups also have many adorable names to choose from – the Cavadoodle, Cavdoodle – just pick your favorite.

The Cavapoo has a long history that dates back to the 1950s. However, they also became more known in the 1990s when everyone wanted to get their hands on a low to non-shedding Dood with similar qualities and traits as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

Similarly to the Havapoo, the Cavapoo is a small-sized breed. Just like its Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. For this reason, Cavaliers and Cavapoos are almost always crossed with Mini and Toy Poodles. 

Cavapoo Vs Havapoo At A Glance

The biggest difference between Cavapoos and Havapoos is their heritage. The Cavapoo is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, and the Havapoo is a cross between the Havanese and Poodle. Both the purebred Cavalier and Havanese are smaller-sized pups, and therefore, they’re usually crossed with either Miniature or Toy Poodles. 

In terms of their appearance, Cavapoos tend to be ever so slightly larger than Havapoos. They also have a more rounded face, a shorter snout, and longer ears in comparison to the Havapoo.

When it comes to their temperament, both are loving and intelligent little pups that are easy to train. However, the Cavapoo might sometimes be a bit more chilled, whereas the Havapoo may be more energetic by nature. 

Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Size

What is the Cavapoo vs Havapoo size difference? Are Standard Cavapoos bigger than Havapoos? As we briefly mentioned both Cavapoos and Havapoos are small-sized dogs that come in the Toy and Mini size category. Due to the size of their Havanese and Cavalier parents, both of these pups are created by adding either Toy or Miniature Poodles into the mix. 

Let’s take a closer look at the Cavapoo vs Havapoo size comparison:

	Cavapoo	Havapoo
Toy	Weight: 7-15 pounds Height: 9-12 inches	Weight: 7-15 pounds Height: Up to 12 inches
Mini	Weight: 15-25 pounds Height: 12-16 inches	Weight: 15-20 pounds Height: 12-15 inches

Looking at the Cavapoo vs Havapoo size comparison above, we learn that these tiny Doodles come in a very similar weight and height range. Some Cavapoos may be slightly taller and heavier than Havapoos, but the difference isn’t usually as significant. 

Naturally, the size of both Cavapoos and Havapoos is determined by the size of their parents and what Poodle was used in the mix. If we use Toy Poodles in the mix, we’ll likely get a smaller Dood ranging in the toy size category. Likewise, by using Miniature Poodles, we’ll get a larger Cavapoo or Havapoo. 

Although both of these designer breeds use Miniature Poodles as the largest version in the mix, their Mini versions are sometimes also referred to as Standards. 

Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Temperament

Are Havapoos calmer than Cavapoos? When comparing the Cavapoo vs Havapoo temperament, both Doodle breeds are actually very similar. They’re both great companion dogs who are friendly, gentle, and outgoing by nature. You’ll get a playful pup during the daytime and a snuggly lap dog in the evenings. 

Of course, regardless of the breed, each puppy is unique and has their own personality. For this reason, reputable breeders often conduct personality testing to match the puppies with the most suitable families. 

They can also exhibit various levels of certain personality traits inherited from either of the parental breeds. Some people note that Cavapoos tend to have a more peaceful and laid-back personality compared to the more energetic Havapoo. Nevertheless, both pups enjoy their exercise and playtime, so neither of them is regarded as a couch potato. 

Overall, both Cavapoos and Havapoos are intelligent dogs. However, Havapoos might have a slight advantage here. The Havanese is known to be super eager to please and an expert in learning new tricks, just like their Poodle parent. 

And finally, due to their affectionate nature and tendency to bond very well with their humans, Cavapoos and Havapoos can sometimes struggle with separation anxiety. So, if you can’t be around for the majority of the day, you should reconsider if a Cavapoo or a Havapoo is the right fit for you. 

Cavapoo vs Havapoo: Appearance

When comparing the Cavapoo vs Havapoo, many people have trouble finding any differences between these two Doodles. They’re both similar in size, depending on the Poodle used in the mix. 

On the other hand, Cavapoos can be slightly taller and heavier paired with longer legs. Cavapoos also inherit a more rounded face, a shorter snout, and longer ears from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. 

Additionally, both Cavapoos and Havapoos can inherit different coat types. As we combine two different purebred dogs, the outcome can sometimes be a bit hard to predict. Cavapoos can come with straight, wavy, or curly coats, whereas Havapoos can inherit either a wavy or curly coat. They can also sport various coat colors and color combinations.

The most common Cavapoo colors are blenheim, black, chocolate, red or ruby, apricot, tan, cream, golden, and white. They can also come in different patterns, such as bi-colors and tri-colors, sable, merle, or phantom.

The Havapoo, on the other hand, can come in black, chocolate, blue, silver, red, white, cream, fawn, gold, phantom, sable, parti, abstract, or brindle. 

Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Grooming & Maintenance

If you know a little bit about Doodles, you know that these dogs are always high maintenance when it comes to grooming. When we compare the Havapoo vs Cavapoo grooming and maintenance, they both have very similar requirements. However, it all boils down to which coat type your new puppy has inherited. 

As we mentioned earlier, Cavapoos can come in three different coat types. Meanwhile, Havapoos can inherit two main types of coat. Both Cavaliers and Havanese dogs are double-coated, meaning that they tend to shed hair. As a result, some Cavapoos and Havapoos can also shed a little bit of fur. 

But with that being said, as the Havapoo only inherits either a wavy or curly coat, they are less likely to shed compared to straight coat Cavapoos. That’s because wavy and curly coats usually manage to trap in loose dead hair. In contrast, the undercoat has an easier time letting loose from a straight coat. 

All Cavapoos and Havapoos require regular hair trims to keep their hair at a healthy and comfortable length. But, keep in mind that the longer your dog’s hair, the more you have to brush it. 

Curly Coat

The curly coat is mostly inherited from the Poodle side of the lineage. It’s the most desirable choice for people who suffer from severe dog dander allergy, as curly coat Doodles are generally very low to non-shedding.

On the other hand, curly coats are also the hardest to maintain, as they’re the most prone to matting. Their textured hair can get tangled very easily, so daily brushing is an absolute must. 

Also, as some curly-coated Havapoos may come with an undercoat, it does mean that they might shed a little bit of hair. If your Havapoo puppy does have a curly double coat, it’s especially crucial you brush it out on a daily basis to rid the fur from any loose hair, as it can greatly contribute to matting. 

Wavy Coat

In both Cavapoos and Havapoos, the wavy coat type is usually considered the easiest to maintain. It doesn’t tangle as easily as the curly coat and it tends to shed considerably less than the straight coat.

Nevertheless, we recommend you brush your wavy-coated pup regularly, as even these Doods experience knots and tangles, and sometimes shedding. Especially those Havapoos and Cavapoos who come with a double coat. 

Straight Coat

Lastly, we have the straight coat, which some Cavapoos have inherited from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent. These pups often come with a shedding undercoat, so that’s something you’ll want to consider. Nonetheless, thanks to the Poodle genes, straight coat Cavapoos also shed much less compared to their purebred Cavalier parents. 

Even though straight coats are generally easier to maintain compared to curly coats, the loose hair can still get trapped inside the fur and contribute to matting. For this reason, these pups also need to have their hair brushed regularly. Ideally, every day, but you can also get away with 3 to 4 brushing sessions per week. 

Cavapoo vs Havapoo: Health & Wellness

The great thing about Cavapoos and Havapoos is that they are oftentimes healthier than their purebred parents. That’s thanks to hybrid vigor, which means that hybrid breeds are less likely to inherit specific health conditions that are common in their purebred parents. 

But having said that, it doesn’t mean that these Doods never experience any health concerns. Cavapoos and Havapoos are both prone to certain health issues, such as joint problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. They’re also at a higher risk of eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts, ear infections, allergies and sensitivities, thyroid diseases, and digestive problems. 

Additionally, when looking at the Cavapoo vs Havapoo health problems, both breeds are also at risk of a few different conditions. From the Cavalier parent’s side, Cavapoos are at a higher risk of heart mitral valve disease (MVD). Meanwhile, Havapoos are at a higher risk of deafness. 

If you’ve decided to adopt your new puppy from a breeder, be sure to opt for an ethical and reputable breeder who spares no expense on rigorous health and genetic testing. This is the best way to reduce the risk of the puppies inheriting any serious genetic conditions. 

Cavapoo vs Havapoo: Lifespan

Another great thing about Cavapoos and Havapoos is that they have a relatively long life expectancy of about 12 to 16 years. Usually, smaller dogs live longer lives compared to their larger counterparts, and these two Doodles are no different.

But naturally, the key to a long and healthy life is a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you feed your pup a high quality, balanced, and nutritious diet, provide them enough exercise, and stay on top of your regular vet check-ups. And don’t forget all the love, care, hugs, and kisses your dog needs. 

Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Training & Environment

By this point, you probably know that the Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Of course, the Cavapoo and Havapoo have inherited this amazing trait and both of them are fairly easy to train. 

But, in terms of the Cavapoo vs Havapoo trainability, Havapoos might have a slight advantage here. The Havanese parent has a very similar disposition to the Poodle and is very eager to please its humans. Meanwhile, some Cavapoo owners have reported that as puppies, Cavapoos have a short attention span, which makes training them slightly trickier during this phase.

All in all, both Cavapoos and Havapoos usually respond well to training. For the best results, you should start socializing and training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. This includes socialization with people of all ages and races, obedience training, potty training, and crate training. 

In addition to that, Cavapoos and Havapoos also require plenty of physical and mental stimulation each day. As they say, a tired pup is a happy pup, and we cannot agree more. For a happy and fulfilled life, you should take your dog for daily walkies and let them play with interactive toys and puzzle games that stimulate the mind. 

And finally, both of these pups can very well live in an apartment setting or a smaller house. Thanks to their small stature, they don’t require as much space compared to some larger dogs like Goldendoodles or Labradoodles. 

Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Cost

Designer breeds like the Cavapoo and Havapoo do not come cheap. On average, you can expect to pay between $2000 and $4000 for either a Havapoo or Cavapoo puppy. 

Their high price is determined by various factors, such as your location, the breeder’s experience and reputation, breeding standards and health testing protocols, and demand. What’s more, some breeders also charge higher prices for certain coat types, generations, and sizes.

And although some people might be tempted to adopt a Doodle puppy from a breeder that sells them at much lower prices, we urge you to stay cautious and do your research. Unfortunately, the growing demand for Doodles, especially the smaller ones, has attracted unethical breeders and puppy mills that have no regard for the breeding dogs nor the puppies’ health and wellbeing. 

When comparing the ongoing costs of the Cavapoo vs Havapoo, there isn’t much of a difference between these two dogs. Of course, the expenses you’ll have to be prepared for are related to their food, regular grooming, vet visits, and other necessities like food and water bowls, toys, dog beds, and so forth. 

Also, you might want to consider that having your pup groomed by a professional can become rather costly in the long-term. In fact, many Doodle owners have decided to groom their dogs at home, which is a great way to save money, but also bond with their pets in the process. Of course, this does require that you invest in good quality grooming tools. 

Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Are They Family Friendly?

Cavapoos and Havapoos are excellent family companions. They get along well with adults, children, and even other pets in your household. But the key here is to socialize and introduce your new puppy to a variety of people and other animals from an early age.

Moreover, Cavapoos and Havapoos are very social and outgoing and they bond with their families very easily. They love being at the center of attention and overall take part in your everyday life. 

On the other hand, you should keep in mind that these small, delicate Doodles can accidentally get hurt if young children don’t know exactly how to play with them. For this reason, be sure to supervise any interactions between young children and the dog to avoid any unfortunate accidents. 

Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Which Is The Puppy For You?

Choosing between the Havapoo vs Cavapoo is certainly not an easy decision. Both of these dogs have many amazing qualities and they’re very similar in size, temperament, and maintenance requirements. 

Nevertheless, their differences can greatly influence your decision. Above all, you’ll want to adopt a puppy that fits with your lifestyle and household dynamics. 

Here are the most important things to consider when choosing between the Cavapoo vs Havapoo:

Cavapoo	Havapoo
Hybrid cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Toy or Miniature Poodle.	Hybrid cross between the Havanese and Toy or Miniature Poodle.
Friendly and affectionate, but can be a bit more laid-back when compared to the Havapoo.	Loving, gentle, and playful, but may be more energetic than the Cavapoo.
Doesn’t tolerate loneliness as well as some other breeds.	Also prone to separation anxiety and don’t tolerate being alone for the majority of the time.
Slightly heavier and taller than the Havapoo	A little shorter than the Cavapoo.
Rounder face, shorter snout, and longer ears.	Longer and narrower face, slightly longer snout, and shorter ears.
Requires regular grooming to prevent matting and minimize shedding	Requires regular grooming like the Cavapoo.
Three main coat types – curly, wavy, and straight.	Two main coat types – curly or wavy.
Intelligent and easy to train.	Intelligent and easy to train.

So, the Havapoo would be the best choice for you if… you prefer a more boisterous pup that would mesh well with a lively and busy household. And as they’re typically more energetic, Havapoos might be better suited for families with slightly older children. 

On the other hand, opt for a Cavapoo if… you’re looking for a more laid-back and calmer companion. They’re usually a little bit less active, which makes them more suitable for families with very young children and babies who need lots of quiet time during the day. 

In conclusion, both Cavapoos and Havapoos are wonderful companions. Whether you’re a family of one or five, these pups can adapt to any household and bring a smile to anyone’s face. They’re equally adorable, sweet-natured, and intelligent dogs. And as an added bonus, they come with the most gorgeous low-shedding coats, making them suitable for people who otherwise cannot adopt their purebred parents. 

We hope that our guide on the Cavapoo vs Havapoo similarities and differences has managed to answer any questions you might’ve had about these two breeds. And hopefully, has made your decision a little bit easier. Whichever pup you choose, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll have the most loving and loyal companion for many years to come.