Havapoo: All You Need To Know About These Adorable Companions

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Different pet parents look for different things in their dogs. If you are looking for an adorable, hypoallergenic, non-shedding dog, the Havapoo crossbreed might be interesting. These cute little dogs are rapidly gaining popularity. They are a crossbreed between two pureblooded breeds - the Havanese and the Poodle.

These adorable little dogs are known by several names; Havanoodle, Havadoodle, and Poovanese. The last one isn’t that popular because of the unfortunate association that goes with it. Whatever you might call them, there is no denying that these dogs are as cute as they come. Here is what you need to know if you are thinking about getting a Havapoo.

Crossbreed dilemma

The first thing you need to know about most Doodle dogs and crossbreeds is that they result from crossbreeding two pure-blooded dogs. Perhaps the most significant advantage pure-blooded dogs have is certainty. You can be reasonably certain how a puppy will turn out to be. Their looks are defined by their character, energy levels, friendliness, etc. Of course, individual dogs may be slightly different, but no more than 5%.

Regarding crossbreeds, you can never be sure how the puppy will turn out and which side of the family will be dominant. Their looks can be pretty different, even within the same litter. That is why if you are looking to get a crossbreed, look for crossbreeds whose parents have similar characteristics. Luckily, Havapoo is one of those crossbreeds.

Interested in Poodle mixes? Check out this article - Best Poodle Mixes.

What kind of pet is the Havapoo?

The Havapoo is usually a friendly and sociable dog that thrives on human companionship. Many Havapoo owners describe them as clingy because they will want to spend most of their time close to their owners. The only time they won’t act like your shadow is when they are napping.

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These dogs should naturally be great with kids, other dogs, and pets. They are peaceful, and unlike their Poodle parents, they are a lot less vocal. These dogs love playing, so ensure you provide them with plenty of fun activities during the day. Havapoos should never be aggressive, and they shouldn’t be shy. They might act like a watchdog and notify you if someone is at your door, but as soon as your guests come in, your Havapoo will want to cuddle.

Intelligence

Both parent breeds are considered intelligent, and Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Training these dogs shouldn’t be too much of a problem. You must include plenty of treats because these dogs are highly food-motivated. Their behavior can be significantly influenced by training and socialization. Make sure you start both processes while they are still young.

Pros of owning a Havapoo

Small companion dogs can offer plenty of benefits that large dog breeds just can’t. If you are deciding which dog to get, you should consider some things. Think about your budget, schedule, and time you are willing to invest in working with your dog. Large dog breeds might need a bit more than smaller ones, and here are the best things about getting a Havanese Poodle mix;

1. Adaptability

Such small dogs can quickly adapt to any living conditions. You don’t need a large backyard or plenty of room for them to move. They are equally at home in urban areas as they are on large farms.

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2. Costs

Smaller dogs cost less. They might be more expensive when you are getting them, but the cost of food, toys, supplies, and other things your dog might need is significantly less.

3. Hypoallergenic

A Havanese Poodle mix’s parents are considered hypoallergenic. Mind you, all dogs produce at least some allergens, but these ones barely shed. Dog hair is a potent allergen, and these dogs are an excellent choice for those suffering from pet hair allergies.

If you are interested in hypoallergenic breeds, check out this article - 11 Best Hypoallergenic Dogs.

4. Friendly

Having a dog that is not friendly can become a problem. You can’t have guests over without keeping your dog safely tucked away, and going to the dog park is stressful. Luckily, Havapoos are very friendly and will gladly play with everyone.

Cons of owning a Havapoo

Like with any other dog breed, pure-blooded or not, some things might be considered downsides. However, if you don’t find yourself in any of these potential problems, these things can even be advantages. Here are some things that could be problematic;

1. Small size

The smaller size of the Havapoo means they are pretty fragile. That means you should always keep an eye on their interaction with other dogs and children. Even a bit of rougher play can result in injuries.

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2. Crossbreed

Havapoos are crossbred, which means they do not have a constant set of characteristics you can rely on. Some puppies can end up with more characteristics from the Poodle side of the family, and some might end up with the Havanese genes being dominant. You can never be sure until you physically see the puppy.

3. Health issues

There is a widespread belief that crossbreeds are healthier than pure-blooded dogs, which is not actually true. Crossbreeds can be affected by health problems from both sides of the family, and the lack of breeding clubs makes it hard to control breeding practices and breeders.

Characteristics

One of the best things about Havapoos is their physical characteristics. You will love this adorable mix if you love small, fluffy breeds. Their parents are relatively small, so it is natural to assume they will be pretty small as well. Most Havapoos are between 8 - 15 inches tall and weigh between 10 - 16 pounds. Of course, that will depend if their parent is a Toy Poodle or a Miniature Poodle.

Getting a Havapoo puppy

Getting a well-bred crossbreed puppy is always a bit problematic. No official breeding clubs can point you in the right direction. The best way to start is to ask the owner community if they got any tips or recommendations. Some future owners look on social media, but the problem with social media is that there is no way of knowing who is a good breeder and who is a scammer.

It is important to be careful and ask the breeder for health tests of the puppies. If they cannot provide that, turn around and leave. All responsible breeders will test their puppies as well as their parents. They will breed healthy dogs, and that way reduces the possibility of producing unhealthy puppies. The average price of a Havapoo puppy is around $1.000, but those puppies whose parents have top pedigrees can go for as much as $7.500.

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World Dog Finder team