You might have heard about the Doodle breed called Havapoo. A fun-sized fluffball of joy that’s on its way to become a household name in the United States, the Havapoo has certainly won our hearts. If you’d like to learn more about this adorable hybrid breed, keep on reading! We’ll discuss everything you need know about the Havapoo – their size, appearance, personality, shedding, grooming requirements, and more. Let’s get started!
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What Is A Havapoo?
The Havapoo is a hybrid mix of the curly-haired Poodle and the regal Havanese. Although there’s no exact date to pinpoint, it is thought that the first Havapoo puppies were bred around 20 to 30 years ago.
If we want to learn more about the Havanese-Poodle mix, we must first understand both of the parent breeds. The Poodle is well-known for its signature curls, hypoallergenic coat, and super high intelligence levels. They’re also friendly and outgoing dogs who are known to have a good sense of humor as well!
The Havanese, on the other hand, is a gentle and affectionate pup who was originally bred as a companion dog for the Cuban aristocracy in the 1800s. But it’s not just the companionship that the Havanese dog has to offer! They’ve proven to be intelligent little pups who are easy to train. Some Havanese owners even have to admit that their pup can outsmart them from time to time.
As the Havanese is a small-sized breed, they’re only ever mixed with either Miniature or Toy Poodles. Naturally, the result is a small Havanoodle whose size and appearance is determined by its parents.
Havapoo Physical Appearance
Colors
Havapoos come in many colors and color combinations. You might come across a solid black, brown, gray, white, apricot, or cream Havapoo. In addition to that, Havapoos can also have bi-colored and tri-colored coats that combine two or three colors in their fur.
Hair & Coat Types
One of the great appeals of the Havanese-Poodle mix is that they’re usually very low to non-shedding dogs, making them suitable even for people who suffer from allergies. However, not all Havapoos come with the same coat type. As we mix two different breeds, we can expect a variety of outcomes.
The Poodle comes with a curly coat and the Havanese can have either a curly or wavy double coat. By combining these traits, we can expect a Havapoo to end up with either a curly or wavy coat. If the puppy takes after the Poodle parent, they’re going to have a curly coat that sheds very minimally, if any at all. On the other hand, if they take after the Havanese parent, they might shed slightly more, as they sometimes come with a double coat. Regardless, Havapoos usually have thick, soft, and cushy coats that grow to medium to long length.
Havapoo Size (Toy & Mini Havapoo)
How big will a Havapoo get? Are there different sizes of Havapoo? Havapoo puppies come in a variety of sizes. As we’re combining the Havanese with either Toy or Miniature Poodle, the outcome is largely dependent on the size of the parent dogs used in the mix. Naturally, if the goal is to achieve a medium-sized Havapoo a.k.a Mini Havapoo, a breeder will use a Miniature Poodle in the mix. If you’d prefer a smaller pup like the Toy Havapoo, a Toy Poodle is used instead.
Here are the typical size estimates for adult Toy and Mini Havapoo:
| Mini Havapoo | Toy Havapoo | |
| Weight | 15-20 lbs | 7-15 lbs |
| Height* | 12-15 inches | Up to 12 inches |
| Age at Adult Size | 11-13 months | 7.5-11 months |
As we can see, Havapoos can weigh anywhere from 6 to 20 pounds and have a height of up to 15 inches from the shoulder. Since both Toy and Mini Havapoos are small dogs, they tend to reach their full adult size rather quickly – from 6 to 12 months old.
Havapoo Variations & Generations
With Doodles like the Havapoo, there’s the added confusion of their variations and generations. Generations give us more flexibility and control over the outcome. We have first generation Havapoos, then we have first generation backcross, second generation, and so on… Let us explain:
| 1st Parent | 2nd Parent | % Havanese* | % Poodle* | |
| F1 Havapoo (first-generation) | Havanese | Poodle | 50% | 50% |
| F1B Havapoo (first-generation backcross) | F1 Havapoo | Poodle | 25% | 75% |
| F1BB Havapoo (first-generation backcross backcross) | F1B Havapoo | Poodle | 12.5% | 87.5% |
| F2 Havapoo (second-generation) | F1 Havapoo | F1 Havapoo | 50% | 50% |
| F2B Havapoo (second-generation backcross) | F1 Havapoo | F1B Havapoo | 37.5% | 62.5% |
| F2B Havapoo (alternate cross) | F2 Havapoo | Poodle | 25% | 75% |
| F3 / Multigen Havapoo | F1B Havapoo or higher | F1B Havapoo or higher | Varies | Varies |
Havapoo Personality & Temperament
Are Havapoos aggressive? Do Havapoos make good family dogs? Havapoos are commonly described as playful, lively, and intelligent. There’s usually not a hint of aggressiveness in a Havapoo pup, as they’re well-known for being gentle and friendly. They’re outgoing and social pups who enjoy spending time with grown ups and children alike.
In addition to adoring human interaction, they also get along well with other pets. Moreover, although Havapoos are great with children of all ages, it’s important to keep an eye on very small children around this breed. As the Havapoo is a small dog, young children can accidentally hurt them, especially very small pups like the Toy Havapoo.
What’s more, Havapoos bond with their families very easily and they’re eager to please. On the other hand, because of this, Havapoos can sometimes struggle with separation anxiety. That’s something to keep in mind! If you’ve heard the term “velcro dog” thrown around when discussing Havapoos, it’s actually pretty accurate.
Even though Havapoos are literally *the dream*, it’s imperative you introduce your new puppy to training and socialization from an early age. Preferably, as soon as you bring them home. There’s no such thing as a bad dog, there’s only improper and inadequate training.
Havapoo Health & Life Expectancy
Do Havapoos have health problems? What is the average lifespan of the Havanese Poodle mix? Benefitting from hybrid vigour, Havapoos are often considered healthier than their purebred Poodle and Havanese parents. Their typical life expectancy is about 10 to 15 years. However, like any other breed, Havapoos can inherit certain health issues that are common in their parental breeds, such as:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Dental problems
- Eye disorders like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections
- Deafness
- Addison’s disease
As the Havadoodle is a small-sized breed, they can be more susceptible to certain health concerns that are common in small dogs. That’s why we recommend you look for dog food formulas specially made for small breed dogs.
Havapoo Exercise & Training
Small in size and calm by nature, Havapoos aren’t excessively active dogs. Though, they’re not lazy, either! Even though Havanoodles enjoy spending hours on your lap, they still need at least an hour of exercise and playtime each day. To avoid behavioral problems like becoming destructive, make sure your pup gets plenty of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day.
When it comes to training, we recommend the Baxter & Bella Online Puppy School. This program gives you a lifetime access to all of their puppy and dog training resources you will need to raise your Havapoo puppy into a well-rounded adult. What makes it especially great is that you can go through all of the classes and lessons at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. We’ve tried it, tested it, and absolutely loved it.
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Learn More About BAXTER & BELLAHavapoo Coat & Grooming
Do Havapoos shed? Are Havapoos high maintenance? When adding the curly-haired Poodle into the mix, we’ll have to be prepared to pay some special attention to a Doodle’s grooming routine. That’s the price you’ll have to pay for a hypoallergenic coat! Having said that, although there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, Havapoos are praised for their low to non-shedding coats thanks to the Poodle in their genetic makeup.
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We always recommend you brush any Doodle daily, and the Havanese-Poodle mix is no different. Routine brushing helps prevent matted hair and keep those beautiful locks looking healthy and luscious. The Havapoo coat can easily trap in dirt, debris, and dead hair. For that reason, it’s important you give them a good brush to remove loose hair and anything else that might cause matting. Matted hair is a serious health risk, as it can lead to skin irritations and infections. So, it’s best to prevent this from ever happening!
In this article, we talk about the line brushing method, which is more of an intensive treatment for severely knotted and tangled hair. However, we also recommend you use the line brushing technique before haircuts and bath time. If you want to do this every day, there’s no harm in that either.
Other grooming steps in a Havapoo’s grooming routine include:
- Hair trimming every 6-8 weeks. See also: How to Groom a Doodle At Home: Online Course
- Bathing before every haircut or when your pup gets dirty or smelly. See also: How To Bathe A Dog: Ultimate Guide To Bathing Doodles
- Nail trimming every 1-2 weeks. See also: How To Trim Dog Nails: Ultimate Guide!
- Ear cleaning and drying after each bath time and swim. See also: Dog Ear Infection Symptoms, Treatments, And Prevention In Doodles.
- Daily or weekly teeth brushing. See also: How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth At Home
- Removing eye boogers daily. See also: Beard & Tear Stains In Doodles: Causes & Best Tear Stain Remover
Where Can You Get Havapoo Puppies?
Where can you adopt a Havapoo puppy? How much does a Havapoo cost? Like other Doodles, adopting a Havapoo does not come cheap. You can typically expect to pay anywhere between $2000 and $5000 for a Havapoo puppy. Although rather pricey, it’s well worth the price tag, as reputable breeders ensure that the puppies come from healthy, genetically tested parents. In addition to that, ethical breeders also make sure that they raise their parents and puppies in healthy and safe environments.
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Although you’ll certainly be able to find Havapoo puppies at a much lower price point, we urge you to practice caution and do extensive research before choosing a breeder. Unfortunately, the high demand for Doodles like the Havapoo has attracted countless Doodle scammers and puppy mills who advertise their litters at suspiciously low prices. Oftentimes, the puppies and parent dogs come with serious health problems and hereditary diseases. Not to mention, they’re often malnourished and kept in dirty and unsafe living conditions.
Havapoo FAQ
Do Havapoos Make Good Pets? Who Is A Havapoo Best For?
Havapoos make wonderful pets for singles, families with children, and more mature childless families alike. They’re outgoing and social pups who tend to quickly form attachments to their human parents. Havapoos usually have a calm and relaxed nature, but they’re also smart and clever. Thanks to their small size, they make great pets for apartment living. However, as they do become quite attached, they do better in families, where they’re not left alone for too long.
Do Havapoo Dogs Bark?
Although Havapoos don’t tend to bark for days on end, they are known to be vocal in certain situations. You can expect a Havapoo to make some noise when they’re playing, running around at the dog park, or when someone is knocking on the door. If you’re worried about your pup excessively barking, you can easily manage it with proper training and commands.
Havanese-Poodle Mix 101: Conclusion
The Havanese Poodle mix can certainly compete with other Doodles as one of the sweetest, most perfect dog breeds out there. They’re so loving, affectionate, and playful pups – who wouldn’t enjoy the company of this little guy? Havapoos are not just amazing with their adult humans, but they love the company of almost everyone. They get along well with other dogs and pets, they love spending time with children, they enjoy meeting new people, and they adapt well when introduced to new situations and places. The Havapoo will gladly spend its evenings on your lap and value all the playtime you’ll provide them. And thanks to their small size, this hybrid breed is not just for people who live in spacious houses with big backyards. What more is there to want?!
We hope our Havapoo guide has given you some great insight about this Doodle breed, so you can make an informed decision before adopting this beautiful little pup.
