Havapoo
Havapoo is a crossbreed obtained by breeders combining the poodle and the Havanese breeds. They are friendly, cute and cuddly dogs with a notable hypoallergenic coat.

Havapoo Breed overview
Havapoo is a friendly and adaptable breed that is perfect for families and novice owners. They have a great personality and love to be around people, making them excellent companions. They are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies or who live in small spaces. They require regular grooming, training, and exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Their energy level is moderate, and they can adapt well to apartment living, but they still require enough mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Early socialization and training are essential for preventing behavioral issues and ensuring a well-behaved and friendly dog. Overall, Havapoo is a great breed for those who want a small-sized, friendly, and adaptable dog that will bring joy and love to their families.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Havapoo
Nutrition
Havapoos require a well-balanced diet enriched with minerals, protein and fibers that cater to their small bodies. They are susceptible to food allergies and diet inconsistencies, and pet owners should exercise caution when changing the dog's diets.
Food rich in omega-3 and fatty acids helps support the overall skin, nails, and coat health. Pet owners can divide Havapoo's diet into three or four small meals throughout the day to avoid overfeeding and obesity. Fresh water supply should also be available throughout the day to keep the dog hydrated.
Health
Havapoos are healthy breeds that can live up to 14 years with routine healthcare and a healthy diet. They are susceptive to conditions such as deafness, hypothyroidism, cataracts, and mitral valve disease. It’s important to visit a vet for regular health checkups to detect and treat any underlying health issues early.
Training
Havapoos intelligence allows them to be highly trainable when done early and consistently. The breed requires reward-based training, including positive reinforcement approaches such as praise, treats, and play. The training should be consistent and include socialization training, leash training, and recall commands.
Harsh training approaches may lead to anxiety, fear, or aggression, which may cause long-term adverse effects on the dog's mental and emotional health.Each training session should only last between 10 to 15 minutes to avoid over-stressing the young puppies.
Exercise
Havapoos need daily exercise regime that can include brisk walks, indoor or outdoor play. They love to socialize and can do well in parks or dog playdates. Avoid overexerting the Havapoo with intense exercise. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity and associated health risks that are harmful to the dog's health.
Grooming
Havapoos have curly, wavy or straight coats that require regular grooming twice a week, using appropriate brushes and combs. They should be trimmed or clipped every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the dog's hair growth rate. Shaving their coat can be harmful to their skin and may cause thermal shock to the dog.
Nail trimming and cleaning of their ears should be done regularly to avoid infection and irritation of the ear canal. Dental hygiene is also crucial to prevent plaque buildup that may lead to gum diseases.
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Havapoo Traits & Characteristics
Havapoo is a designer breed, that lack a standard form.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Havapoo is an affectionate breed that loves to be around people all the time. They have a great personality and enjoy snuggling up to their owners. They are perfect for families with kids and other pets as they like to share the love. Havapoo needs lots of love and attention, but they return that tenfold
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Havapoo is a great family pet that loves children. They have a friendly temperament and are always happy to play with kids. They are small, making them suitable for small children, but they also have a lot of energy always. They require proper training to avoid accidental injuries and must be supervised while around kids
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Havapoo gets along well with other dogs if socialized from an early age. They are friendly and curious, making friends quickly, especially with dogs that have a similar size. However, they may feel intimidated by larger dogs, and it's best not to leave them unattended with unfamiliar canines. Socialization and training is important for this breed
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Havapoo is a friendly breed that likes to please strangers. They are sociable and curious and often approach with a wagging tail, especially if the stranger has a treat or toy. They are naturally curious and alert, but don't tend to be territorial or aggressive. Early socialization can help them adjust more easily to novel situations
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Havapoo has a moderate activity level, making them suitable for small living spaces and busy households. They enjoy playing with toys, chasing balls, and entertaining themselves in the backyard. But, they are also happy to lounge around the house and snuggle with their owners. They need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Havapoo is a very alert and curious breed that likes to explore their surroundings. They have a good awareness of their environment and tend to be vigilant when strangers or other animals are around. They make good watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of any perceived threats. Socialization is important so that they don't bark excessively.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Havapoo is a highly adaptable breed that can adjust to different living environments easily. They are suitable for living in small spaces and can thrive in apartments or houses. They can handle changes in routine and adapt well to new situations. However, they do require socialization and training to avoid separation anxiety.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Havapoo is an average shedding breed that requires regular grooming to avoid tangles and mats. They are hypoallergenic and produce less dander and saliva than other breeds. They have a poodle-like texture coat and require brushing at least every other day to keep their coat tangle-free. Regular grooming sessions are also necessary to control allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Havapoo's coat is long, wavy, and thick, requiring regular grooming to keep it mat-free. They need brushing to avoid tangles, trimming to keep the coat at a manageable length, and regular bathing to keep the coat looking clean and shiny. Their grooming needs are moderate but essential to avoid hygiene problems and potential skin irritation.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Havapoo is not a drooling breed and, therefore, makes an excellent choice for people with allergies or those, who live in small spaces. They have a dry mouth most of the time, and even when they are stressed or anxious, they don't drool excessively. Overall, they are a tidy and clean breed that are low maintenance.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Havapoo is a small breed with a height of around 9-12 inches and weight of 7-15 pounds. They are the perfect size for small living spaces and make great lap dogs. They are small enough to be easily carried around, but not too small that they are too fragile or delicate. They are small in size but not in personality or energy
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Havapoo has a moderate activity level and is suitable for families that can offer at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy playing with toys, going for walks, and even jogging with their owners. But, they are also happy to snuggle with their owners and relax inside. They will appreciate regular exercise, but they are not overly demanding
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Havapoo requires at least 30 minutes of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy walking, jogging, and playing with their owners, but they also enjoy interactive games that stimulate their minds. Although they have a moderate energy level, they require proper exercise to prevent obesity and promote mental stimulation
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Havapoo is not a breed that is typically used for working or performance tasks. They can excel in obedience or agility competitions but are mostly kept as companion dogs. They thrive in environments where they can be around people, and they will work hard to please their owners and trainers
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Havapoo is not a hunting breed and is not typically used for tracking, pointing, or retrieving. They have a low prey drive and are more likely to engage in playing with toys or chasing small animals in the backyard. They are a breed that is better suited as a companion and family dog, rather than for hunting or other working activities
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Havapoo has a moderate vigor or physical stamina and can handle moderate exercise and play. They enjoy interactive games, walking, or playing with their owners, but may tire quickly if over-exerted. They are a breed that is not extremely energetic but requires regular stimulation to keep them both physically and mentally fit
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Havapoo is generally healthy, with a lifespan of around 10-14 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to some health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and dental problems. Early screening for potential health problems and regular checkups can help manage their health and ensure a long and healthy life
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Havapoo is a breed that is prone to gaining weight, especially if they are not provided with enough exercise or have a diet with too many calories. They require regular exercise and proper feeding to avoid obesity, which can lead to health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease. It's advised to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Havapoo is moderately tolerant to cold temperatures but may require extra layers or protection in extreme cold weather. Their thick coat keeps them warm in mildly cold weather, but they may need additional warming clothes or protection in extremely low temperatures. It's important to monitor them in cold weather to prevent hypothermia and frostbite problems.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Havapoo is not heat-tolerant and may need extra cooling and protection in hot weather. They have a dense coat that insulates them from heat, making them prone to heat exhaustion or dehydration when exposed to high temperatures for long periods. It's crucial to provide them with enough water and shade and avoid exercising them in hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Havapoo is a great breed for apartment living, as they are small-sized and low energy, requiring minimal space and exercise. They can get enough physical exercise indoors, playing with their toys or simply walking around the house and interacting with their owners. But, they still require outdoor walks or visits to the dog park to get enough fresh air and socialization.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Havapoo has a moderate wanderlust tendency and enjoys exploring new places. However, they are small enough to be contained and are not likely to roam away from their owner while outside. They require leash training and proper fencing in the backyard to avoid accidentally wandering off.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Havapoo is generally not a sensitive breed, but they may become stressed in certain situations. They are alert and aware of their surroundings, which can result in anxiety or fear when in new or noisy environments. They may need some time to adjust to new situations or changes in their routine, making early socialization important.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Havapoo can tolerate moderate amounts of time alone, but they prefer to be around their owners as much as possible. When left alone for extended periods, they may become anxious and destructive, leading to unwanted behaviors such as barking or chewing. They do best in environments where someone is around most of the time and can provide mental and physical stimulation regularly.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Havapoo barks to communicate their needs or as an alert mechanism, but they are not an excessively vocal breed. They tend to bark when necessary, such as when someone is at the door, but they are not a nuisance. Proper socialization can help minimize unnecessary barking and improve their training and socialization.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Havapoo is an intelligent breed that requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They enjoy engaging in interactive games, problem-solving tasks, and obedience training. They tend to be quick learners and can master new tricks and commands within a short time. They excel in obedience and agility competitions.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Havapoo is a friendly and trainable breed that can work well for first-time pet owners. They have a great personality and are easy to train using positive reinforcement methods. They are social and enjoy being around people, which makes them a great breed for families with children. Early socialization and training is important to prevent unwanted behaviors.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Havapoo is an intelligent and trainable breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. They are eager to please their owners and can learn new tricks and commands quickly. They do require a consistent and patient approach to training, and early socialization is essential for the successful training of this breed.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Havapoo is an affectionate breed that loves to be around people all the time. They have a great personality and enjoy snuggling up to their owners. They are perfect for families with kids and other pets as they like to share the love. Havapoo needs lots of love and attention, but they return that tenfold
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Havapoo is a great family pet that loves children. They have a friendly temperament and are always happy to play with kids. They are small, making them suitable for small children, but they also have a lot of energy always. They require proper training to avoid accidental injuries and must be supervised while around kids
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Havapoo gets along well with other dogs if socialized from an early age. They are friendly and curious, making friends quickly, especially with dogs that have a similar size. However, they may feel intimidated by larger dogs, and it's best not to leave them unattended with unfamiliar canines. Socialization and training is important for this breed
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Havapoo is a friendly breed that likes to please strangers. They are sociable and curious and often approach with a wagging tail, especially if the stranger has a treat or toy. They are naturally curious and alert, but don't tend to be territorial or aggressive. Early socialization can help them adjust more easily to novel situations
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Havapoo has a moderate activity level, making them suitable for small living spaces and busy households. They enjoy playing with toys, chasing balls, and entertaining themselves in the backyard. But, they are also happy to lounge around the house and snuggle with their owners. They need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Havapoo is a very alert and curious breed that likes to explore their surroundings. They have a good awareness of their environment and tend to be vigilant when strangers or other animals are around. They make good watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of any perceived threats. Socialization is important so that they don't bark excessively.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Havapoo is a highly adaptable breed that can adjust to different living environments easily. They are suitable for living in small spaces and can thrive in apartments or houses. They can handle changes in routine and adapt well to new situations. However, they do require socialization and training to avoid separation anxiety.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Havapoo is an average shedding breed that requires regular grooming to avoid tangles and mats. They are hypoallergenic and produce less dander and saliva than other breeds. They have a poodle-like texture coat and require brushing at least every other day to keep their coat tangle-free. Regular grooming sessions are also necessary to control allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Havapoo's coat is long, wavy, and thick, requiring regular grooming to keep it mat-free. They need brushing to avoid tangles, trimming to keep the coat at a manageable length, and regular bathing to keep the coat looking clean and shiny. Their grooming needs are moderate but essential to avoid hygiene problems and potential skin irritation.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Havapoo is not a drooling breed and, therefore, makes an excellent choice for people with allergies or those, who live in small spaces. They have a dry mouth most of the time, and even when they are stressed or anxious, they don't drool excessively. Overall, they are a tidy and clean breed that are low maintenance.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Havapoo is a small breed with a height of around 9-12 inches and weight of 7-15 pounds. They are the perfect size for small living spaces and make great lap dogs. They are small enough to be easily carried around, but not too small that they are too fragile or delicate. They are small in size but not in personality or energy
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Havapoo has a moderate activity level and is suitable for families that can offer at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy playing with toys, going for walks, and even jogging with their owners. But, they are also happy to snuggle with their owners and relax inside. They will appreciate regular exercise, but they are not overly demanding
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Havapoo requires at least 30 minutes of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy walking, jogging, and playing with their owners, but they also enjoy interactive games that stimulate their minds. Although they have a moderate energy level, they require proper exercise to prevent obesity and promote mental stimulation
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Havapoo is not a breed that is typically used for working or performance tasks. They can excel in obedience or agility competitions but are mostly kept as companion dogs. They thrive in environments where they can be around people, and they will work hard to please their owners and trainers
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Havapoo is not a hunting breed and is not typically used for tracking, pointing, or retrieving. They have a low prey drive and are more likely to engage in playing with toys or chasing small animals in the backyard. They are a breed that is better suited as a companion and family dog, rather than for hunting or other working activities
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Havapoo has a moderate vigor or physical stamina and can handle moderate exercise and play. They enjoy interactive games, walking, or playing with their owners, but may tire quickly if over-exerted. They are a breed that is not extremely energetic but requires regular stimulation to keep them both physically and mentally fit
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Havapoo is generally healthy, with a lifespan of around 10-14 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to some health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and dental problems. Early screening for potential health problems and regular checkups can help manage their health and ensure a long and healthy life
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Havapoo is a breed that is prone to gaining weight, especially if they are not provided with enough exercise or have a diet with too many calories. They require regular exercise and proper feeding to avoid obesity, which can lead to health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease. It's advised to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Havapoo is moderately tolerant to cold temperatures but may require extra layers or protection in extreme cold weather. Their thick coat keeps them warm in mildly cold weather, but they may need additional warming clothes or protection in extremely low temperatures. It's important to monitor them in cold weather to prevent hypothermia and frostbite problems.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Havapoo is not heat-tolerant and may need extra cooling and protection in hot weather. They have a dense coat that insulates them from heat, making them prone to heat exhaustion or dehydration when exposed to high temperatures for long periods. It's crucial to provide them with enough water and shade and avoid exercising them in hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Havapoo is a great breed for apartment living, as they are small-sized and low energy, requiring minimal space and exercise. They can get enough physical exercise indoors, playing with their toys or simply walking around the house and interacting with their owners. But, they still require outdoor walks or visits to the dog park to get enough fresh air and socialization.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Havapoo has a moderate wanderlust tendency and enjoys exploring new places. However, they are small enough to be contained and are not likely to roam away from their owner while outside. They require leash training and proper fencing in the backyard to avoid accidentally wandering off.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Havapoo is generally not a sensitive breed, but they may become stressed in certain situations. They are alert and aware of their surroundings, which can result in anxiety or fear when in new or noisy environments. They may need some time to adjust to new situations or changes in their routine, making early socialization important.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Havapoo can tolerate moderate amounts of time alone, but they prefer to be around their owners as much as possible. When left alone for extended periods, they may become anxious and destructive, leading to unwanted behaviors such as barking or chewing. They do best in environments where someone is around most of the time and can provide mental and physical stimulation regularly.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Havapoo barks to communicate their needs or as an alert mechanism, but they are not an excessively vocal breed. They tend to bark when necessary, such as when someone is at the door, but they are not a nuisance. Proper socialization can help minimize unnecessary barking and improve their training and socialization.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Havapoo is an intelligent breed that requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They enjoy engaging in interactive games, problem-solving tasks, and obedience training. They tend to be quick learners and can master new tricks and commands within a short time. They excel in obedience and agility competitions.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Havapoo is a friendly and trainable breed that can work well for first-time pet owners. They have a great personality and are easy to train using positive reinforcement methods. They are social and enjoy being around people, which makes them a great breed for families with children. Early socialization and training is important to prevent unwanted behaviors.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Havapoo is an intelligent and trainable breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. They are eager to please their owners and can learn new tricks and commands quickly. They do require a consistent and patient approach to training, and early socialization is essential for the successful training of this breed.
Similar breeds
History of the Havapoo
The breed has a relatively short history dating back to the early 2000s. The aim of Havapoo's breeders was to produce a companionship breed with hypoallergenic features that appeals to a wider population who appreciate a dog’s company. Havapoo can be found mainly on breeding farms with dedicated breeders and pet stores in the US.

Havapoo Puppies
Havapoo litter size varies from 3 to 6, based on their parents' size. They are small and adorable pups that require proper socialization to adjust to their new family. Early training is crucial for the breed's mental, social, and emotional development. Training should commence early, and reward-based approaches should be used to help reinforce good behavior.
Housebreaking Havapoos can be challenging. New dog owners should be willing to train Havapoos to adjust to their new environment properly.