Image Credit: Isadora Taft
You may be wondering, “What is a Havapoo”?
The Havapoo is a cross between the Havanese and the Poodle. They are sometimes also called a Havapoodle, Poovanese, Havanoodle, or Havadoodle. or a Doodle.
They are one of the newer breeds of dogs and are becoming increasingly popular. Havapoos are typically low-shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies. They are also known for being intelligent and easy to train.
In this guide, we will discuss all you need to know about the Havapoo breed, including their characteristics, origins, size, temperament, nutrition, grooming, exercise and training needs, health concerns, and price tag!
Characteristics of a Havapoo
The Havapoo is a small to medium-sized dog. They typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and stand 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a lifespan of 13 to 18 years.
Havapoos can come in any color or combination of colors, but the most common are:
- black
- white
- cream
- brown
- apricot
- red
They have a soft, wavy coat that can be either long or short. The coat is low-shedding and hypoallergenic.
Do Havapoo puppies shed?
Havapoos are low-shedding dogs, but they do shed some hair. If you are allergic to dogs, it is important to spend time with a Havapoo puppy before you commit to owning one. This will help you to determine if you are allergic to the Havapoo breed.
Havapoo Temperament
Havapoos are known for being intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs. They make great companions and are good with children and other pets. They typically have a gentle and friendly personality. Havapoos are also very trainable and eager to please their owners.
How are Havapoos with children?
Havapoos are good with children and make great family dogs. They are patient, gentle, and affectionate. Havapoos do well with other pets, too.
Do Havapoos bark a lot?
Havapoos are not known for being yappy dogs. However, all dogs can bark, and some Havapoos may bark more than others. If you are looking for a dog that does not bark much, it is important to choose one that has a calm personality and is not easily excited or startled.
Are Havapoos good watchdogs?
Havapoos make good watchdogs because they are alert and will bark to warn their owners of strangers or strange noises. However, they are not aggressive dogs, and they are more likely to welcome a stranger than to attack them.
Do Havapoos like to cuddle?
Yes! Havapoos are very affectionate dogs and love to cuddle with their owners. They also enjoy being petted and scratched.
Origins
The Havapoo is a relatively new breed that originated in the United States within the last two decades. They are created by crossing a Havanese with a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle. The Havapoo is still considered a rare breed, but their popularity is increasing as people learn about them.
The origins of the Havanese
The Havanese can be traced back to Cuba, where they were once the national dog of Cuba. They are thought to be descendants of the Maltese and Bichon Frise. The Havanese was brought to the United States in the late 1800s by Americans who were living in Cuba.
The origins of the Poodle
The Poodle originated in Germany, where they were originally bred as water dogs. Toy and Miniature Poodles were later bred down from Standard Poodles. Standard Poodles were originally used for hunting, but all three sizes of Poodle are now popular companion dogs.
Size Information
Havapoos are small to medium-sized dogs. They typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and stand 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder.
Nutrition
Havapoos should be fed a high-quality, age-appropriate diet.
Havapoo puppies under six months old should be fed three to four times per day. A Havapoo puppy six months to one year old should be fed two to three times per day.
Full grown Havapoos should be fed once or twice per day. Their diet should consist of 20-30% protein and 15-20% fat.
Havapoos are prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor their food intake and make sure they are getting enough exercise.
Grooming
Havapoos need to be brushed two to three times per week and bathed as needed. They also need their nails trimmed every two weeks and their teeth brushed three to four times per week.
How to groom your Havapoo
While Havapoos make great pets, they do require some grooming to keep their coat looking its best. Here are some tips on how to properly groom your Havapoo:
- Start by brushing your Havapoo’s coat with a soft bristled brush. This will help to remove any knots or tangles.
- Next, use a dog shampoo to wash your Havapoo’s coat. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo.
- After bathing, use a blow dryer set on low to carefully dry your Havapoo’s coat. Be sure not to hold the dryer too close to the skin as this can cause irritation.
- Finally, comb your Havapoo’s coat to help keep it free of tangles and matting. Regular grooming will help to keep your Havapoo’s coat looking its best.
Exercise
Havapoos need moderate exercise. A daily walk or play session is sufficient. They also enjoy playing fetch and going for runs. Havapoos are prone to obesity, so it is important to make sure they get enough exercise.
Common types of exercise for Havapoos
Going for walks or runs
Havapoos enjoy going for walks and runs. They should be taken on a daily walk or play session.
When taking your Havapoo on a walk, it is important to use a leash and collar that fit properly.
Havapoos are also known for being intelligent and easy to train. With proper training, they can be well-behaved walking partners.
Playing fetch
Havapoos also enjoy playing fetch. This is a great way to get them the exercise they need.
Going to the dog park
Havapoos enjoy going to the dog park. This is a great way for them to socialize with other dogs and get some exercise.
Training
Havapoos are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and petting.
It is important to start training early and be consistent with commands. Havapoos may be shy around strangers but warm up quickly with socialization training.
Common types of training
Potty training
Potty training a Havapoo is relatively easy due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. The key is to be consistent with commands and rewards.
Start by confining your puppy to a small area, such as a bathroom or laundry room, with easy-to-clean flooring.
Put their bed, food, water, and toys in the area.
Take them outside often, especially after meals and naps, and immediately give them a treat when they go potty outside.
Never punish your puppy for accidents, as this will only make them afraid of you and more likely to have accidents in the future.
Leash and collar training
A good way to start leash and collar training is by taking your puppy for short walks around the block.
Let them stop and sniff along the way, and praise them when they walk calmly.
If they start to pull on the leash, stop walking and wait until they calm down before continuing.
Repeat this process until your puppy is comfortable walking on a leash.
Crate training
Crate training is a good way to provide your Havapoo with a safe, comfortable place to sleep and relax.
Start by putting their bed and some toys in the crate.
Leave the door open so they can come and go as they please.
Once they are comfortable with the crate, start closing the door for short periods of time.
Gradually increase the amount of time you leave them in the crate until they are comfortable being in there for up to eight hours at a time.
Obedience training
Obedience training is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for Havapoos because of their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down.
As your puppy masters each command, move on to more difficult ones.
Be sure to use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and petting.
Socialization training
Socialization training is important for Havapoos because they can be shy around strangers.
Start by exposing them to different people, places, and experiences in a positive way.
Take them to the park, on walks, and to dog-friendly stores and restaurants.
Invite friends over to your house often.
The more positive experiences they have, the less shy they will be around strangers.
Health
Havapoos are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 13-18 years. However, they are prone to some health conditions.
Common health issues for Havapoos
Hip Dysplasia
This is a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. It can be painful and cause lameness.
Patellar Luxation
This is a condition where the kneecap slides out of place. It can be painful and cause lameness.
Epilepsy
This is a neurological condition that causes seizures.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
This is a condition that affects the blood supply to the hip joint. It can be painful and cause lameness.
Hypothyroidism
This is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. It can cause weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy.
Bloat
Havapoos are also prone to bloat, which is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fill with gas. This can be prevented by feeding smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding exercise immediately after eating.
Dental Issues
Havapoos are also prone to dental problems such as tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth loss. It is important to brush their teeth regularly and have their teeth checked by a veterinarian every year.
Cataract
This is a condition where the lenses of the eyes become cloudy. It can lead to blindness.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian before getting a Havapoo to make sure they are the right breed for you.
Appearance
Havapoos can come in any color or combination of colors, but the most common are black, white, cream, brown, apricot, and red. They have a soft, wavy coat that can be either long or short. The coat is low-shedding and hypoallergenic.
When is a Havapoo full grown?
Havapoos reach their full adult size around one year of age. However, they may continue to fill out and mature until they are two or three years old.
Price
The average price of a Havapoo puppy is $1000-$2000. Prices will vary depending on the breeder, the puppy’s parentage, and whether the puppy is show quality or pet quality. Havapoos are still considered a rare breed, so prices may be higher than other breeds of similar size.
Where can I find a Havapoo breeder?
Havapoo breeders can be found online or through a breeder referral service.
Be sure to do your research before choosing a breeder. Ask for references and visit the breeding facility to meet the parents and see the conditions in which the puppies are raised.
Choose a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs and provides health guarantees.
Havapoo vs. Cavapoo
Havapoos and Cavapoos are similar in many ways:
- They are both small to medium-sized dogs with a lifespan of 13-18 years.
- They are also intelligent, playful, and loving dogs that make great companions.
- Both breeds are low-shedding and hypoallergenic.
The main difference between Havapoos and Cavapoos is their coat type. Havapoos have a soft, wavy coat while Cavapoos have a curly coat. Additionally, Cavapoos are more expensive than Havapoos.
Conclusion
Havapoos are intelligent, playful, and loving dogs that make great companions. They are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Havapoos are also easy to train and typically obey commands quickly. While they may be shy around strangers, they warm up quickly with socialization training. If you are looking for a small to medium-sized dog that is easy to train and doesn’t shed much, the Havapoo might be the right breed for you!
For more information on other doodle breeds, please take a look at our Doodle Breeds page.