Introduction
The Havapoo may exude the charming appeal of the friendly neighborhood dog, but this tiny canine carries an impressive global lineage. A delightful blend of Cuba’s only native breed, the Havanese, and France’s famed national breed, the Poodle, the Havapoo is yet to gain recognition from the American Kennel Club. Although lacking an official breed standard, the well-documented traits of its parent breeds provide a reliable glimpse of what to expect from this lovable hybrid.
Drawing its name from Cuba's vibrant capital, the Havanese charms with a perfect fusion of intelligence, elegance, and warmth. Poodles, originally bred in Germany as skilled duck-hunting retrievers, brought their athleticism and smarts to the mix. Havapoos often descend from either a Miniature Poodle (weighing 10–15 pounds) or a Toy Poodle (4–6 pounds). While these smaller-sized Poodles may not engage in waterfowl retrievals, their brains and agility match those of their larger Standard Poodle ancestors.
When these two breeds unite, the result is usually a Havapoo that captivates with its stunning coat and wins hearts with a gentle, sociable disposition.
Caring for a Havapoo
Havapoos are bright, eager learners who flourish with steady, positive training methods. Though energetic and playful, they require only moderate daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. These affectionate dogs despise extended periods alone and may resort to behaviors like persistent barking if they feel neglected.
Havapoos tend to adapt well to families with members of all ages and happily coexist with other pets. However, their petite stature means interactions with very young children or large dogs must always be carefully supervised to prevent accidental injury. Fully grown, Havapoos generally weigh under 15 pounds.
One of their appealing traits is minimal shedding, which suits those with allergies or a preference for cleaner homes. Nonetheless, their luxuriant fur requires daily attention to prevent tangles and mats, ensuring their coat remains silky and beautiful.
Havapoo Health Issues
Both the Havanese and Poodle are generally robust breeds, with life spans ranging from approximately 14 to 16 years and 10 to 18 years, respectively. Your Havapoo can be expected to live within these typical ranges.
Still, as with all breeds, certain health vulnerabilities may arise, potentially inherited by Havapoo puppies from their parent breeds.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) encompasses a group of eye disorders where the retina’s light-sensitive cells either fail to develop normally in puppies (early-onset) or gradually degenerate in adults (late-onset), eventually causing vision loss.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Hesitancy to enter dimly lit areas
- Clumsiness or bumping into objects, especially in darker environments
- Pupils that remain dilated and respond sluggishly to bright light
- Increased eye reflectivity in low light
- Development of cataracts
There is currently no cure for PRA, making early detection vital.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a progressive oral condition where bacteria buildup leads to inflammation and damage of gums, bone, and surrounding tissues. Though common in most dogs, small and toy breeds like the Havapoo are particularly susceptible.
Mild cases might be resolved with professional dental cleanings, but severe infections often require tooth extractions. Regular home care, ideally brushing your dog’s teeth at least three times per week, combined with yearly professional cleanings, is crucial for prevention.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease occurs when the femur’s head deteriorates, causing the hip joint to break down and resulting in painful inflammation known as osteoarthritis.
Predominantly impacting small, miniature, and toy breeds, its exact cause is unknown. Many affected dogs benefit from surgery to remove the damaged femoral head, followed by committed exercise and physical therapy. Post-treatment recovery is typically excellent, with minimal discomfort or limitations.
Look out for signs such as:
- Gradual onset of limping
- Favoring or lifting the affected leg during walks
- Discomfort when moving the hip
- Noticeable muscle wasting around the thigh area
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove on the femur, a condition seen more frequently in smaller dogs like the Havapoo. While some pups show no symptoms, severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Signs include:
- Limping or irregular gait
- “Bunny hopping” motions when running
- Audible popping or cracking from the knee joint
What To Feed a Havapoo
Feeding your Havapoo requires thoughtful customization. Collaborate with your veterinarian to create a balanced, nutritionally complete diet tailored to your dog’s age, weight, and overall health. Even the size of the kibble matters—small, manageable pieces suit the Havapoo’s tiny teeth best.
How To Feed a Havapoo
Puppies need frequent meals—typically three to four daily—to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Adult Havapoos can be fed two to three times per day. Your veterinary team can help determine an ideal feeding schedule matching your dog’s developmental needs.
How Much Should You Feed a Havapoo?
Feeding guidelines on dog food packaging offer a general starting point based on weight, but your vet’s advice will provide precise recommendations tailored to your Havapoo’s body condition, activity level, and health profile.
Remember that treats contain calories too; they should never exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily calorie intake.
Nutritional Tips for Havapoos
If your Havapoo enjoys a complete, balanced diet approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), additional supplements are typically unnecessary.
However, to support dental health—since both parent breeds are prone to gum disease—veterinarians may suggest dental chews as a preventative measure, though these should complement, not replace, regular tooth brushing.
Always consult your veterinary team before introducing new foods or supplements.
Havapoo Personality and Temperament
Your Havapoo’s temperament can lean toward either parent breed, but both Havanese and Poodles are renowned for their friendliness, playfulness, intelligence, and adaptability. Poodles often exhibit higher energy and mental stimulation needs.
Havapoos dislike prolonged solitude and may develop behaviors like continual barking if they lack attention.
Havapoo Behavior
The Havanese descends from elegant lapdogs, while Miniature and Toy Poodles hail from hunting lines. Both breeds share a deep need for close companionship, which their offspring mirror.
Lonely, bored Havapoos with excess energy may show separation anxiety and disrupt the household with behaviors such as excessive barking.
Havapoo Training
Early socialization during the first 16 weeks is vital. Introducing your Havapoo puppy safely to different people, pets, environments, and experiences helps build confidence and comfort in varied settings. Ask your veterinarian for age-appropriate activities.
Havapoos are intelligent and respond readily to training, but combining the Havanese’s sensitivity with the Poodle’s need for consistency calls for gentle, patient, reward-based methods. This lifelong training approach strengthens your bond while providing mental and physical enrichment.
When using treats for encouragement, count their calories toward daily intake. Toys, games, and affection also make excellent rewards that won’t contribute to weight gain.
Fun Activities for Havapoos
- Leisurely walks
- Swimming adventures
- Playing fetch
- Interactive food puzzles
- Hide-and-seek games
- Nose work exercises
- Obedience practice
- Learning new skills
Havapoo Grooming Guide
Both Havanese and Poodles sport long, beautiful coats that, while low-shedding, demand regular grooming care.
Skin Care
Proper coat maintenance underpins healthy skin. Mats can trap moisture and irritants near the skin, potentially causing discomfort or infections.
Consult your veterinarian about bathing frequency; too frequent baths can strip natural oils, resulting in dryness and itching.
Coat Care
To avoid the persistent issue of matting, daily brushing and routine professional grooming visits are essential. Opting for shorter haircuts can simplify upkeep and reduce grooming time.
Eye Care
Both parent breeds are susceptible to certain eye conditions, so closely observe your Havapoo for signs such as cloudiness, redness, or inflammation. Keeping hair trimmed around the eyes helps prevent irritation.
Tear staining—a reddish-brown discoloration near the eyes—is common but generally harmless and manageable with gentle wipes. Alert your veterinarian if you notice sudden, pronounced staining, which could indicate an underlying health concern.
Ear Care
Havapoos, especially those who inherit a love for water from their Poodle lineage, can be prone to ear infections. Ask your vet how often and with what products to clean your dog's ears. If you observe signs like redness, foul odor, pain, or itching, consult your veterinary professional promptly.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Before welcoming a Havapoo puppy into your home, reflect on these important questions:
- Can I provide a safe environment for a small dog vulnerable to accidental injury from young children or larger pets?
- Am I committed to daily brushing of a hypoallergenic, high-maintenance coat?
- Do I have the financial resources to afford regular professional grooming?
- Can I regularly brush my dog’s teeth (at least three times weekly)?
- Will I be home enough to offer the companionship this social breed needs?
- Can I dedicate time to daily mental and physical exercise?
- Do I possess the patience and skills necessary for positive reinforcement training?
- Am I prepared financially for ongoing veterinary care?
- Can I pledge lifelong love and support for a dog who could live 18 years or more?
If you enthusiastically answer “Yes!” to these questions, you may be ready to embrace life with a Havapoo.
How big will a Havapoo get?
Typically, Havapoos weigh under 15 pounds, blending the Havanese’s 7–13-pound range with either Miniature Poodles (10–15 pounds) or Toy Poodles (4–6 pounds).
What’s the difference between a Havapoo and a Cavapoo?
Havapoos are crosses between Havanese and Poodles. Cavapoos, on the other hand, are offspring of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles.
Are Havapoos easy to train?
Yes! Their intelligence and eagerness to please make Havapoos highly trainable. Consistent, reward-based training yields the best results.
Are Havapoos hypoallergenic?
Havapoos shed very little and can be suitable for some allergy sufferers, but no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic.
