Havapoo: Havanese Toy Poodle Mix Facts, Traits & More

The Havapoo is an adorable, fluffy, designer breed of dog. This is a cross between a purebred Havanese and a purebred Miniature or Toy Poodle. They also go by Poovanese, Havadoodle, Havanese Doodle, and Island Mini Doodle. These fluffy little goofballs are sure to please and make wonderful family pets. Both parent breeds are small, with soft coats, but each brings unique characteristics to the mix. Doodles, any breed mixed with a Poodle, are incredibly popular, and the Havapoo will not disappoint.

Though these dogs look similar, they are different, and a mix of the two can be a little unpredictable. The appearance, personality, and behavior of the Havapoo will depend on which parent’s genes are more dominant. This little pup will likely be a delightful mix of both breeds.

The Havapoo is an adorable mixed breed created as part of the wave of designer dog breeds that became popular worldwide in the last 20 to 40 years. There is a lot more to know about this petite pup. Let’s jump in and take a closer look.

Parent Breeds

In order to get to know any mixed breed, it is essential to learn about each parent breed. After all, this mix is a combination of two highly sought-after breeds. There is no way to tell which physical, personality, or mental traits this mix will inherit, so it is good to understand the needs of each parent breed.

Havanese

The Havanese, a small white dog, belongs to the ancient Bichon family. Like many of the Bichon family, they traveled around the world with sea merchants and became popular pets among the upper class and nobility. Spanish colonizers likely brought the Havenese’s ancestors to Cuba in the 1600s. The little dogs became very popular among the Cuban Sugar Barons. Eventually, these earlier pups were bred with other small dogs, like Poodles creating the adorable Havanese breed of today.

Because of the political situation in Cuba during the 1959 Cuban Revolution, many people escaped to the United States, bringing their tiny, adorable lap dogs with them. It is believed that the population of Havanese in the United States descended from only eleven dogs that escaped Cuba.

The Havanese is a very gentle and affectionate pup. He loves human contact, attention, and interaction. This breed is perfect for people who like a constant companion. This little guy has a goofy personality and becomes attached quickly, earning him a place in the Velcro dog category.

The Havanese is a very small toy breed, weighing only 7 to 13 pounds and standing 8 to 12 inches tall. He has a long silky coat and can come in many different colors, including white, black, sable, gray, black, tan, and more, though the most common color is white.

Toy Poodle

Poodles are native to Germany and were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. There are three sizes of Poodle standard, miniature, and toy. Toy Poodles are quite small, weighing just four to six pounds. They are incredibly smart. Poodles are some of the most intelligent dogs around. All three sizes are the same breed, just different sizes.

Poodles are well known for their intelligence and can be taught almost anything. They are powerful athletes with agile and strong bodies. Toy Poodles are also known for being very energetic and eager to please. They can retain some of their hunting and retrieving instincts and like to chase after birds and rodents.

The Toy Poodle is well known for his thick, curly coat of hair. His hair is water resistant, and these dogs are often said to be hypoallergenic because they do not shed the same as most other breeds. He does require a significant amount of grooming to keep his lush coat nice and clean.

Toy Poodles need regular exercise, lots of grooming, and plenty of attention. They get along very well with cats and other dogs and absolutely adore children. The Poodle has long been a popular breed for family pets.

The Havapoo

The Havapoo is a mixed breed, meaning that, like all other crossbreeds and hybrid dogs, there is a certain amount of unpredictability about what parent he will take after. Thankfully, both his parents are similar, and this mixed pup is usually an adorable blend of both.

Temperament

The Havapoo has a wonderful personality. This guy is smart, friendly, outgoing, playful, and gentle, though he has a fair amount of energy. This little pup is always eager to please and will want to spend every minute he can with his human family. The great news is he gets along with everyone, including children, adults, strangers, and seniors. It is good to remember he is prone to separation anxiety and dislikes being left alone.

This little guy will also stay on alert and let you know when something needs your attention, like a stranger stopping by. Though he might bark to announce their presence, he is also likely to run up and greet them with happy licks and lots of bouncing. This little guy retains his playful puppy attitude well into his adult years.

One thing to note about this little mixed breed is that he is very smart. This means he is easily trained, learns quickly, and happily jumps in on new games and tricks. However, he can become quite independent and mischievous because he is so smart. He will always need lots of toys, plenty of playtime, and lots of attention. Even though he is a smaller breed, the Havadoodle has lots of energy and needs plenty of walks and physical playtime.

Size & Appearance

Like his parents, the Havapoo or Havadoodle is a small breed. He will not be as tiny as mom and dad and can reach between 7 and 25 pounds. The Havadoodle stands about 9 to 12 inches, and most reach about 12 pounds. He may be a little larger depending on whether his Poodle parent is a Toy or Miniature size. In some cases, even a smaller Standard Poodle is, in fact, some can reach 40 or more pounds. The Toy Poodle is generally part of this mix, but it is also fairly common to find those with miniature Poodles as their parents.

Regardless of his Poodle parent size, most Havapoos will inherit some physical traits. These include floppy ears, button noses, fluffy tails, round heads, and rounded dark eyes. He is also famous for his fluffy, floppy tail. His face looks a lot like a teddy bear.

Coat & Colors

The Havapoo has a medium-length coat that is usually curly or wavy. His coat is usually quite soft and requires regular grooming. The coat can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, apricot, silver, blue, chocolate, white, fawn, gold, gray, and cream.

His coat is thick, fluffy, and may be curly like his Poodle parent or long and silky like his Havanese side. Often coats will be somewhere in between medium and long, soft, and wavy. Due to his Poodle genetics, the Havadoodle does not shed a lot, though does require brushing several times a week.

This breed is often sought out for its hypoallergenic qualities. Poodles do not shed as much as other dogs. The same goes for his Havanese parents. Though no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, this little guy is a great pick for allergy sufferers. Minimal shedding means that allergy sufferers may not react as severely, though this little pup still produces dander and allergy-inducing proteins.

Exercise

Despite his small size, the Havapoo needs regular exercise. They have medium to high energy, and they do not need as much outside room as some other dogs because they are smaller. Depending on the size of their Poodle parent, they may need more exercise. A couple of short brisk walks throughout the day and regular outside playtime is a great idea.

You can expect this little pup to be very energetic and love to play. He will happily spend plenty of hours playing fetch, running around in the backyard, digging, and even learning agility tricks. For this little pup, an exercise session should last about 20 to 30 minutes. Be careful not to overwork him. You do not want to overstress his frame, muscles, and joints.

Living Conditions

These little pups can live in a home with a big yard or do perfectly fine in a small apartment. As long as they are getting regular exercise and access to outside time, they will be very happy. Make sure to provide lots of toys and entertainment.

These doggies are great for novice pet owners because they are so friendly and easily trainable. He does well in both hot and cold climates but is a better fit in warmer climates. He needs to wear a sweater or coat in colder temperatures. Like all other tiny dog breeds retaining body heat is very important.

Be ready for regular grooming and coat maintenance. These little dogs need a lot of help keeping their fluffy coats clean and soft.

Training

The cute and cuddly Havapoo is a people pleaser and also very smart, meaning he is easy to train. House training and basic commands should be no trouble at all. Owners must be clear, confident, and encouraging. This breed does well with a lot of positive reinforcement. Firm boundaries and redirection work much better than yelling or strict discipline. Redirect bad behavior like biting and nipping.

Keep plenty of treats on hand and stick with them. These little guys can be a bit stubborn due to being so smart. If your Poovanese is stubborn, do not give up and continue consistent training. It may take a few months to potty train, which is normal. Set a potty schedule and take your pup out regularly to help him learn the ropes.

Make sure to socialize your pup actively so he knows how to act around new people and other dogs. This is very important as this little guy loves to play and likes company. Ensure they know acceptable behavior in public and around others so they grow into agreeable adult dogs.

Because these dogs develop separation anxiety, it is wise to crate-train them. This will keep them safe and out of trouble when you need to leave or when they need a quiet place to retreat.

Health

This mixed breed pup has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. Both his parents are fairly healthy and long-lived. Because both parents are purebred, he can be susceptible to some genetic health conditions. Because he is a mixed breed, there is no way to really know what he will inherit from either parent. Reputable breeders will screen for certain genetic health conditions. It should also be noted that mixed breeds tend to be healthier than their purebred parents due to more diversity in the gene pool. Some conditions that affect this breed include:

• Legg-Perthes Disease – This condition occurs due to a deformed hip ball joint. This causes pain and a limp. It can worsen and lead to lameness. Because the deformed femoral head can deteriorate, dogs with this condition can easily fracture their bones. It often presents in the first year of a dog’s life.
• Hip Dysplasia – This painful condition occurs when the hip joints do not form properly. This can lead to issues with walking as the ball and socket grind against each other. Without treatment, dogs may lose joint function.
• Eye Disease – The Havanese are at risk for heritable cataracts, cherry eye (because of a third eyelid), and excessive tearing. Poodles often develop glaucoma and have cataract issues.
• Epilepsy – This is a neurological disorder that causes unpredictable seizures. It can vary in severity. In some cases, the disease is inherited, and in others, it has no explained cause. Epileptic dogs will need special care and medication to control their seizures. With proper supervision and care, they can live long, full lives. Hereditary epilepsy often affects the Poodle breed, regardless of size.
• Luxating Patella – This kneecap condition can affect both parent breeds. It is very common among small breeds like these. It can be treated but may lead to arthritis later on in life. Severe cases may need surgery.
• Cardiac Conditions – this mixed pup can develop heart conditions, including mitral valve disease. This impacts the heart’s ability to pump blood properly throughout the body. Affected dogs often develop a heart murmur as the first sign of the condition.

Because of their small size and the possibility of inheriting these and other conditions, many Havapoo owners choose to purchase pet insurance. Depending on your plan, this can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills associated with accidents and illnesses. With a high-dollar, high-need pup like this, it is worth investigating.

Nutrition

All dogs need a well-balanced diet made from high-quality ingredients. This breed will do well on small dog kibble, fresh or wet food. They do not need to eat a lot, depending on the size of 1 cup to 2 cups daily. The smaller sizes usually need just about half a cup twice a day. These little guys love to eat and may seek out extra snacks. You can give them three small meals a day if your dog gets extra hungry during the day.

Havanese can be picky eaters, so a Havadoodle may also be a bit fussy. To keep him from getting bored, add some variety to his diet. You can also add broth or gravy to keep him interested and eat well. This breed cannot be free-fed. They love to eat and will overdo it if they are able. They can be prone to obesity due to being very food motivated.

Always look for high-quality foods free from fillers and artificial additives. Buy the best food you can afford and set a regular feeding schedule. Always discuss any feeding concerns with your veterinarian.

Grooming

There are a few things to know about grooming a Havapoo. They will need brushing at least three times a week and bathing about every three weeks to once a month. There is more to it than that. In particular, they tend to mat, specifically in the bottom area. He may need a sanitary shave to clean and tidy his private areas. Pay close attention to this area. If the hair gets too long, it can cause a messy situation when feces get stuck in it and is very painful for your pup. This is referred to as a “fecal bun,” and it is as gross as it sounds. The fecal bun can interfere with your pup going to the bathroom and cause skin infections if not cleaned.

Another area of concern regarding the Havapoo’s coat is the area around the eyes. The hair can get long and rub in their eyes. This can be very painful and cause irritation and excessive tearing, and eye-watering. To prevent this, you will need to keep his facial hair trimmed regularly.

Pay close attention to the Havapoo’s ears. He is prone to ear infections. This is due to the hair that grows inside their ear canals. Ensure your dog’s hair is trimmed and his ears are kept clean.

Do not forget regular, at least weekly, teeth cleaning. Nail clipping every few weeks as needed is also important. Dental disease can develop by the time a dog is two years old. The best treatment is prevention, so teach your pup to handle those teeth-cleaning sessions at a young age.

Breeders & Puppy Costs

These dogs sell for as low as $500 and as high as $8,500 or more.

Because both parents are purebreds, the price can be even greater. Dogs from higher-quality breeders will cost more. Those from champion bloodlines or very high pedigree can fetch a very high sum. Coat color, gender, and age will all factor in. Healthy puppies will cost more. Always do your research and ask for health screenings and about the health and size of previous litters.

Avoid dogs with too-good-to-be-true low price tags or those from breeders who will not answer health questions. If going the private sale route, it may be wise to ask for a vet examination before adopting the pup.

Rescues & Shelters

Some Havanese and Poodle rescue groups may have mixes. You can always look at local shelters, rescues, and national groups like the Animal Humane Society. Shelter dogs will cost less and are a great choice for someone who does not want a puppy. Far too many doggies need loving homes, and an older pup can bring many years of joy to your life.

As Family Pets

Havapoos make fantastic family pets. They are agreeable, affectionate, smart, and love to play. These pups are happy to sit on your lap but also enjoy a lively game of fetch. They do well with children, and other pets, though they form attachments often and do not like to be left alone. As long as you can give him a lot of attention, he will be a happy guy. He is very smart, easy to train, and will do well in small homes. This little guy is also a great choice for a first-time dog owner. He is up for anything as long as he can do it with you. You will never tire of his adorable antics or playful personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big will a Havapoo get?

Havapoos usually reach between 7 and 25 pounds. Most weigh between 20 and 12 pounds. The larger a Poodle parent, the larger a mix will likely be. Keep in mind that with mixed breeds, it is often a wait-and-see situation. Havapoos can be small or medium-sized and can vary in size and appearance within the same litter.

Can I ever leave my Havapoo alone?

You can leave your Havapoo alone, but it is best to crate-train him. Leaving him to his own devices when you are gone may cause some destructive behavior. This breed is prone to separation anxiety, so he will need a little preparation for when you must leave him home. Crate training him young makes the process easier and gets him used to going to his crate when you leave.

Do Havapoo dogs bark a lot?

Most of the time, this breed is not very loud or prone to barking. He will alert you to a stranger, bark in greeting, and yip and squeak during playtime. Unlike some other smaller breeds, he is not big for yapping or being excessively loud. Of course, every dog is different, and some will be more vocal than others.

Final Thoughts

The Havapoo is a delightful designer dog that will keep you on your toes and happily accompany you on any adventure, from lazing on the couch to exploring the park. These little Doodles are quite the package. They have a huge personality in a pocket-sized, fuzzy body. They can be a handful because they attach to people quickly and do not like being home alone.

Welcoming a Havapoo into your life will bring you lots of love and plenty of cuddles. If you are looking for a lively, energetic, small, and easy-to-train pup, look no further than this designer breed. As part of the beloved Doodle group, these little guys are sure to make a giant impression on your heart. If you must have a Doodle, you should consider the adorable Havadoodle.