Havapoo | Dog Breed Information and Pictures

Put away the teddy bears because, with a pup as cute and loveable as this, you won’t be needing stuffed animals for your cuddle-related needs anymore. An absolute delight to have in your life, the Havapoo is equal parts adorable and intelligent. A mixed-breed pup with Miniature or Toy Poodle and Havanese parents, the Havapoo is the perfect dog for anyone looking for a new best friend.

Origin & History of Havapoos

With the arrival of the Labradoodle on the scene in the 1980s, the craze for Doodle breeds truly took off. Since then, several types of Doodle dogs have made their debut in the pet world. However, the origin of most is relatively difficult to trace. The Havapoo is also one such breed with not a very well-documented past. It can’t be said for sure exactly where and when this breed originated, only that we’re glad that it did. The point of origin is largely believed to be the United States anywhere from 20 to 30 years ago, due to the explosive popularity of Doodle breeds in the region at the time. The Havapoo, like most designer dogs, isn’t a registered breed. However, they have a strong following comprised of adoring pet owners and fans alike that have cemented the Havapoo’s status as a beloved Doodle breed.

Personality and Temperament

If there’s one thing your Havapoo will want at all times, it will be your attention. These pups tend to get fiercely attached to their owners, making them perfect for retirees and families looking for an animal companion. They love being around humans and are incredibly friendly. When it comes to strangers, you can expect your Havapoo to let you know there are unfamiliar people at the door with a little bark or two. However, once acquainted, these dogs are as friendly and loveable as they get. Other than the occasional bark due to such reasons, the Havapoo isn’t too noisy. Don’t rely on your Havapoo to fulfill any guard dog duties, though. While they may be wary of strangers at first, they are far too friendly and playful to be any kind of effective security dog. They are the perfect lap dogs thanks to their tiny size and their cuddly nature. While they are incredibly amicable, it is best to introduce your Havapoo to other animals and people as a puppy in order to kick start the socialization process. If you want to get a good idea of what your puppy will grow up to be like, spend time around the Poodle and Havanese parents as their temperaments will be good indicators of what kind of personality your Havapoo will grow up to have.

Havapoo Size

The Havapoo is a small dog, with the size that the adult will grow into being dependent on whether the Poodle parent was a Toy or Miniature. They rarely weigh more than 45 pounds or less than 15 pounds, standing at around 8 to 15 inches tall.

Havapoo Health

While the Havapoo generally enjoys good health, the pup may be predisposed to certain hereditary illnesses generally present in the Poodle or the Havanese. When getting your Havapoo puppy from a breeder, make sure health clearance certificates for both parent dogs are provided. Be careful not to buy from breeders that cross dogs younger than 2 years old since that is the age when most genetic illnesses start showing symptoms. It is possible that your Havapoo may not suffer from any of these illnesses and live a long, happy life. However, it is best to stay informed and keep a lookout for any potential health issues. Regular veterinary checkups are essential when it comes to ensuring any potential issues and caught early and dealt with promptly. Illnesses that your Havapoo may be predisposed to include cataracts and other vision-related issues, hearing loss, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. Ear infections and dental issues are also potential problems that must be identified and addressed in a timely manner.

Havapoo Care and Training

While the Havapoo is predominantly a lap dog that loves cuddle time on the couch, make sure their moderate exercise needs are being met. These are great pups for apartment life, but attention needs to be paid to their physical needs, with access to a fenced yard or similar open space being recommended. A daily walk should be enough for the Havapoo, and if going outside on any particular day is too much of an issue, then a play session indoors with a low-intensity game of fetch may also suffice. When it comes to training, the Havapoo (thanks to the obedient Poodle genes) will be picking up tricks and desired behaviors in no time. These dogs are incredibly easy to train, making them the perfect fit for novice owners with no real dog training experience. Incorporate a lot of love and positive reinforcement into the training process and steer clear of any yelling or harsh punishments. These are sensitive and gentle pups, with a little coaxing mixed in with a loving head pat or two going a long way.

Feeding

The Havapoo should be fed high-quality dry dog food a couple of times a day. The exact amount depends on the size of the pup, their age, as well as energy levels. When it comes to setting up a sustainable and healthy diet plan, it is best to speak to a veterinarian. A professional will be able to best recommend exactly how much food your dog needs. It is a good idea to divide the amount up into two separate meals instead of one large meal to avoid issues such as bloat. If you feel your dog is overweight but can’t say for sure, perform the eye test as well as the hands-on test to gauge whether your pup needs to be placed on a restrictive diet or not. Always speak to a professional before introducing changes in your pup’s diet.

Coat Color, Types, Shedding

The Havapoo has a perfectly soft coat, making your pup the ideal cuddle buddy. Thanks to their Poodle genes, the coat is largely considered hypoallergenic thanks to its “non-shedding” and low-dander nature. However, it must be understood that all dogs can be expected to shed at least a tiny amount. The Havapoo’s coat ranges from wavy to curly and is thick in nature, coming in a variety of gorgeous colors like black, brown, tan, grey, and white.

Havapoo Grooming

The Havapoo’s gorgeous coat should be brushed regularly to ensure it stays silky smooth, and knot-free. Try to do this at least twice a week. Make brushing your Havapoo a bonding experience that both you and your pup can enjoy and look forward to. Bathe them when necessary, and not more than twice a month. Brush your Havapoo’s teeth regularly since most small dogs are predisposed to dental issues. Keep an eye on your dog’s ears to make sure there is no buildup of debris or dirt. If you notice a foul odor emanating from the ears, immediately take your dog to the vet since it may be a sign of an ear infection.

Deciding on a Havapoo

The Havapoo is a right fit for you if:

You want a small dog that can fit into your apartment
You are looking for a dog with a low-shedding and low-dander coat due to allergies
You want a gentle and loving dog that loves to show affection

The Havapoo is not a right fit for you if:

You tend to leave your home and pets unattended for long hours
You want a guard dog
You want a dog that can be your exercise companion on runs and hikes

Getting a Havapoo

How Much is a Havapoo Puppy?

While there is a range of prices you can expect a Havapoo to come with depending on breeders, age, size and coat type, and color, the average cost for a Havapoo puppy is around $1650. This can go up to $7500 for a premium quality puppy.

Havapoo Breeders

Rescue and Adoption

While it is rare for such a breed to end up in a shelter, it is best to check your rescue options before opting for a breeder. When it comes to pets, it is always better to adopt than shop! Here’s a list of rescue organizations that shelter Havapoos (among other breeds):

Havaheart Rescue
Poodle Rescue of New England