Havapoo Breed Guide

  • Breed Group
    Breed Group

    Mixed breed

  • Breed Height
    Height

    20-38 cm

  • Breed Weight
    Weight

    3-13 kg

  • Breed Lifespan
    Lifespan

    10-14 years

About the Havapoo

There's nothing better than a fluffy, cuddly, and loving four-legged furry friend. And the Havapoo is precisely that. These little fur babies will be your friend for life and will be by your side all the time (literally). They are low maintenance and make incredible companions!

We don't doubt that you'll want to welcome one of these little ones into your home by the time you're finished reading our guide!

What is the history & origin of the Havapoo?

It is believed that the Havapoo started existing in the United States about 20-30 years ago. Since they are designer dogs and a mixed breed, it is best to look at the history and origin of their parent breeds.

The Havanese parent originates from Cuba and is their national dog. They were first bred as lap dogs by Spanish colonists, and they come from the Bichon family and are recognised by the American Kennel Club in the toy group. They were also used as trick dogs.

The Havanese was registered as an official breed in 1995, and they were initially bred to be companions.

The Poodle parent is of German and French descent and has been around for more than 400 years. They were first bred to retrieve fowls and ducks as they are fantastic water dogs, but they quickly became companions for French aristocrats and nobles.

The poodle comes in various sizes: the standard, miniature poodle, and toy poodle. They are one of the oldest purebred dogs. The Havapoo is recognised as a breed by the American canine hybrid club, the designer dogs kennel club, and a few others.

Who are Havapoo dogs best for?

Havapoos are the perfect dogs for families; they get along well with little children and make for the best playful companion. They will be perfectly happy in apartments or even smaller spaces, as long as you give them a good amount of attention and exercise time.

They get along well with other dogs and cats due to their friendly nature, so they work well with families that have other pets - it is just best to socialise them early on so that the animals can get used to one another.

How much grooming does a Havapoo need?

The Havapoo does not shed a lot, and their grooming needs are relatively simple. It would be best to brush their coats daily as this will prevent a lot of shedding. You can give them a nice warm bath once a month and always use dog shampoo!

It is best to bathe them if they get dirty or start smelling. If you wash them too often, they will end up removing their natural oil. Give their nails a clip when they get too long, and you will need to wipe their ears and eyes as they are prone to infections.

It is a good idea to take your little ball of fluff to a professional groomer every few weeks to maintain its coat and keep it at a suitable length. It would help if you also brushed their teeth daily.

Do Havapoo bark much?

Havapoos may bark when they are playing, get excited, or see a stranger. But they are not, particularly yappy dogs. If you find that your dog is barking abnormally, it is best to look into it, or a simple solution may be to train them or remove their barking trigger.

Excessive barking may be due to a behavioural issue, and this will need to be corrected through training and socialisation.

Do Havapoo bite?

You may find that your puppy is biting a bit. This is normal when they are small as they are teething and do not fully know how to express themselves yet. Their bite will never be aggressive; it is more out of excitement.

The best thing to do is train them and teach them a no command so that they learn that biting is bad. If biting becomes a problem, it is best to seek help from a professional to change this habit immediately.

What is the temperament & personality of a Havapoo?

These pooches are intelligent and highly affectionate. They'll never miss an opportunity to snuggle up with you. They are outgoing, friendly, and lively, so you can expect them to get along with almost anyone.

These pups are playful, making them the best companion for younger children. They also love to please their humans and bring a high level of energy. They'll also likely stick to you like glue because they love you so much!

The Havapoo is very charming, so there's no surprise that they're a favourite among so many people. Havapoo's personality characteristics can change as they may favour one parent breed over another and favour a particular trait.

They also have a curious little streak and will love playing and running around.

What is the weight & size of a Havapoo?

A Havapoo male typically weighs around 8-20 kg and is approximately 20-38 cm in height, making it quite a small dog. And a female Havapoo generally weighs about 6-16 kg and is 20-38 cm in height.

This designer breed does not get very big. Since they are so tiny, they can be rather delicate, and it is best to be gentle with them. Always take caution around younger children and bigger dogs.

How much training does a Havapoo need?

Training a Havapoo puppy is relatively easy to train. The mix of a Havanese and a Poodle is perfect; they are a bundle of brilliance and are made of the best parts of their parents. They are very eager to please and thrive on learning new fun tricks.

Havapoos are always active, so it is best to be assertive and calm when training them. They are highly sensitive, so always use positive reinforcement. Expose them to certain skills and socialisation while they are young.

Havapoos are obedient and will love being rewarded with treats and praise; they will likely learn faster this way. The more enjoyable training is for them, the better!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Havapoo?

Overall, they are quite a healthy breed, but they are prone to specific health issues that they may have inherited from their parent dog breeds. These are the following things to look out for: Hip dysplasia, cataract, Hypothyroidism, Dental Problems, and Patella Luxation.

You can opt for pet insurance; this way, a lot of your fur babies' medical bills will be covered should any problems arise.

What is the lifespan of a Havapoo?

Most healthy, well-cared-for Airedale Terriers have a lifespan of about 12 years.

How much should you feed a Havapoo?

A Havapoo can live around 12-15 years. This is because they are pretty healthy, but their lifespan will depend on their lifestyle, what they eat, and how they are looked after. A healthy pup is a happy pup!

What is the price of a Havapoo in Australia?

The amount you feed your pup depends on its age, weight, metabolism, and activity level. They should be eating good-quality dog food, and you can spread 1 cup or 250 grams between two meals during the day when they are little.

Since they are high energy, they need to be fed food that is high in proteins and minerals. If your pup weighs more than 13 kg, you could feed your pooch 1.5 to two cups of dry dog food each day.

It is best to stick to a feed schedule to avoid overeating or any digestion problems.

Pros

  • Very intelligent
  • Family-friendly
  • Doesn't bark a lot

Cons

  • Not a guard dog
  • High separation anxiety
  • Hard to predict the size and appearance