¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
A Havapoo is a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle, not a breed with one shared standard. The name therefore tells you which breeds are in the dog’s background, but not exactly how large the dog will become or which coat and personality it will have.
- Background: Havanese and Poodle; the Havapoo is a cross, not a recognised breed
- Size: varies mainly with the Poodle variety, the parent dogs and their family lines
- Coat: may be wavy, curly or somewhere in between; the actual coat determines the care required
- Activity level: a small, active dog that will generally need walks, scent work, training and rest
- Best suited to: an owner who wants to teach everyday skills, can maintain the coat and has time for gradual home-alone training
Labels such as F1 and F1b describe ancestry. F1 is the first-generation cross between the two parent breeds, while F1b means a backcross to one of them. These labels do not guarantee a particular size, suitability for someone with allergies, coat type or temperament. Ask for information about the exact parent dogs instead of deciding on the generation label alone.
¶Appearance & Coat
A Havapoo’s adult size cannot be predicted reliably without knowing which Poodle variety was used and the sizes of the parents and their adult relatives. For context, the breed standards specify 23–27 centimetres for the Havanese, with a tolerance of two centimetres in either direction, over 24–28 centimetres for the Toy Poodle and over 28–35 centimetres for the Miniature Poodle. A crossbred puppy does not have to end up halfway between its parents or even within a quoted average. Ask to see both parents and their height and weight, as well as the sizes of previous offspring once fully grown where that information is available.
Coats can also vary noticeably within the same litter. Under its standard, the Havanese has a long, soft, straight or wavy coat with little or no woolly undercoat. The Poodle has a dense, woolly and curly coat. A Havapoo may inherit different combinations of these traits, and a puppy coat does not always show how the adult coat will behave. Colour and markings say nothing about grooming needs, health or temperament.
No Havapoo can be guaranteed to be suitable for someone with a dog allergy. Dog allergens are found in saliva and skin material, among other sources, and individual dogs can differ even within the same litter. Low shedding or a curly coat therefore does not mean that a person with an allergy will tolerate the dog. Anyone with an allergy should discuss dog ownership with a healthcare professional and spend time with the individual dog on several occasions in the environment where contact will occur; even this cannot guarantee that problems will not develop later.
Coat care should follow the way the individual dog’s coat behaves. Comb all the way down to the skin and pay particular attention behind the ears, in the armpits, around the harness, on the legs and wherever the coat is exposed to friction. If the comb catches or you cannot see the skin when parting the coat, the dog needs more frequent attention, a shorter coat or help from a professional groomer. Begin calm handling of the paws, face, ears and mouth early. A fixed schedule such as “brush three times a week” or “clip every eight weeks” is less useful than monitoring mats, coat length and the dog’s daily routine.
¶Temperament & Personality
Havapoos are often described as sociable, cheerful and easy to teach because those traits appear in the ideals for the parent breeds, but a cross does not automatically receive the best of both. The Havanese standard calls for an affectionate, friendly, playful and cheerful dog. The Poodle should be alert, active, loyal and easy to train. An individual Havapoo may nevertheless be more cautious, intense, vocal or independent than the simplified description suggests.
The parent dogs’ behaviour, family lines, early environment and the dog’s experiences are more informative than a general temperament promise. Meet the mother if possible and ask how both parents react to unfamiliar people, sounds, handling, other dogs and brief separation. Look for dogs that can recover after something unexpected, not merely dogs that are happy while everything is calm. Information about adult full and half-siblings can add useful context.
A Havapoo can suit a committed first-time owner, but it is not a maintenance-free beginner’s dog. Coat care, home-alone training and the ability to notice early signs of stress take time. Alert barking and general vocal behaviour can also vary. The aim should be to teach the dog to move between activity and rest and to reward calm behaviour, not to assume that the cross will be quiet or sociable in every situation.
¶Training & Exercise
A Havapoo needs regular movement and mental activity, but there is no universal number of minutes that suits every dog. Age, body size, health, fitness and intensity determine what a good day should include. Combine walks with time to sniff, short training sessions, play and recovery. A dog receiving an appropriate amount of activity should be able to settle and remain comfortable during the quieter parts of the day.
Prioritise skills that make daily life safer: responding to the dog’s name, checking in with the handler, recall, loose-lead walking, calm passing of other dogs, a reliable place to rest and cooperative handling for coat and dental care. Reward-based training with clear breaks makes it easier to adjust the difficulty without fear, pain or harsh corrections. If the dog barks, first identify the context—such as anticipation, worry, sounds outside the home or excessive arousal—before choosing training and changes to the environment.
For a puppy, moving at its own pace, playing and exploring varied but safe surroundings are more useful than an exact minutes-based formula. Increase duration and difficulty gradually, allow the puppy to stop and do not make long, monotonous distances or repeated jumping a training goal. Adjust the plan to the individual’s recovery and seek veterinary advice for lameness, reluctance to move or recurring stiffness.
¶Health
There is no single Havapoo health programme, so a meaningful health check must consider both parents and the exact Poodle variety. Crossing two breeds neither guarantees better health nor proves poorer health. There are no robust Havapoo-specific data that justify quoting confident frequencies for a long list of diseases.
For the Havanese parent, the Swedish breed club recommends, among other measures, examination of the kneecaps for patellar luxation, a current eye examination and heart auscultation before breeding. The club recommends patellar status 0/0, and results must be obtained at the appropriate age and remain current where the recommendation requires this. Also ask about movement problems affecting the front legs or back and about allergy problems in close relatives; this is relevant family information, not a claim that every Havapoo will be affected.
For the Poodle parent, the relevant checks depend on whether it is a Toy, Miniature, Medium or Standard Poodle. Knee examination results matter for Toy and Miniature Poodles, and the Swedish breed club’s strategy also includes eye examinations. Toy, Miniature and Medium Poodles are covered by a formal health programme for prcd-PRA. The DNA result identifies the specific prcd form of PRA, not every form of PRA or every eye disease. A carrier need not be affected but, in Poodle breeding, must be paired with a genetically clear dog; an affected Poodle must not be used for breeding.
Ask for the registered names and identities of both parents, as well as copies or verifiable registrations of results, test dates and examination methods. Check that each document refers to the correct dog and test. Ask how old the parents and adult relatives are and whether the same problems recur in the family. A panel of DNA tests does not replace clinical examinations, the puppy’s veterinary health check or open information about family health.
¶History & Origins
Havapoo is a modern crossbreed name, but there is no well-documented single founder, exact starting date or official breed development that can be presented as established history. Claims that the cross was created in a particular year in the United States should therefore be treated as unverified unless supported by a primary source.
The histories of the parent breeds are better documented. The Havanese descends from companion dogs from the western Mediterranean region that were developed further in Cuba; the breed was later preserved in part through dogs that reached the United States. The Poodle has a history linked to water retrieving and was developed in France into the size varieties and companion dog described by today’s standard.
The crossbreed name brings these two backgrounds together but does not create a uniform population with its own standard. Knowing the individual puppy’s parents, Poodle variety and family lines is therefore more useful than relying on a general Havapoo origin story.
¶Living with the Breed
A Havapoo can live successfully in many types of home when the individual dog’s temperament, size and care needs fit the household. Children and dogs must always be supervised by an adult. Children should not carry the dog, disturb it while it is eating or sleeping, or force interaction. The dog needs a protected resting place and must be able to move away. This is especially important when the individual is small and can be injured by a fall or rough play.
Whether a Havapoo can live with a dog or cat depends on the animals’ previous experiences and a controlled introduction, not the crossbreed name. Start at a distance with brief, calm meetings, keep resources separate and provide the cat with escape routes beyond the dog’s reach. Do not leave the animals alone together until their behaviour is well understood.
Apartment living can work when the dog has regular access outdoors, can settle indoors and is trained for sounds in stairwells and from neighbours. A small body does not mean a small need for activity or a low noise level. Home-alone time should be built gradually from very short, comfortable periods. Video can help determine whether the dog is actually resting or showing signs of stress. A closed crate should not be used as an everyday solution for leaving a dog alone at home; Swedish rules restrict this form of confinement.
Before buying, you should be able to get clear answers to the following questions:
- Who are the parents, which Poodle variety was used and how large are they as adults?
- Are there fully grown previous offspring or close relatives whose size, coat and temperament can be compared?
- Which examinations were performed on each parent, when were they performed and where can the results be verified?
- How do the parents behave during handling, with unfamiliar people, around sounds, when meeting dogs and while resting?
- How have the puppies been introduced to coat care, everyday sounds, different surfaces, brief separation and calm human contact?
- What practical support will the breeder provide if the coat, behaviour or health develops differently from what was expected?
A good match is based on documented parent information and realistic daily requirements. Colour, a generation label or promises of a “hypoallergenic family dog” should never outweigh these checks.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Crossbreed |
| Aggressiveness | 1/5 |
| Child Friendly | 3/5 |
| Energy | 2/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 1/5 |
| Health | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 5/5 |
| Learning Ability | 4/5 |
| Barking Level | 3/5 |
| Height | 28 – 45 cm |
| Weight | 10 – 15 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 13 years |
¶Havapoo price
Here you can see typical asking prices for Havapoo in Sweden over the last 12 months.
The calculation is based on valid Get a Pet listings from the last 12 months, including active and expired listings. These are asking prices, not confirmed sale prices.
¶Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of temperament does a Havapoo usually have?
This mix is typically affectionate, people oriented and fairly adaptable. Most are social and cheerful like the Havanese, with the intelligence and quick learning of the Poodle. They tend to bond closely with their families and often enjoy being lap dogs as much as playmates.
How big do Havapoos get and when are they fully grown?
Most adults fall in the small range, often around 8 to 20 pounds depending on whether the Poodle parent was toy or miniature. They usually reach most of their height by about 9 months, but can continue to fill out and gain muscle until around 12 to 14 months.
Are Havapoos really hypoallergenic and do they shed?
They are often low shedding due to both parent breeds having hair coats instead of typical fur. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic and some dander and saliva allergens will still be present. Allergic people should meet individual dogs first, as coat texture and shedding can vary within the mix.
How much grooming does a Havapoo need and what type of coat maintenance is typical?
Most have a wavy or curly coat that mats easily if not brushed several times per week. Regular professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks is common to keep the coat at a manageable length and to maintain hygiene around the eyes, ears and paws. Owners should also plan on routine ear cleaning because the floppy, hairy ears can trap moisture.
What health problems are Havapoos prone to from their Havanese and Poodle background?
They can inherit issues seen in both parent breeds, such as luxating patellas, hip or elbow problems, dental crowding in small mouths and certain eye conditions like cataracts. Some may also be at risk for allergies, ear infections and genetic issues like Legg‑Calvé‑Perthes disease. Responsible breeders screen the parents, which can lower but not completely remove these risks.
How much exercise does a Havapoo need each day?
Most are moderately active and do well with about 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day, split into walks and play sessions. Short bursts of indoor play, puzzle toys and training games are usually enough to keep them satisfied, especially in smaller homes. They tend to enjoy mental stimulation as much as long walks.
Do Havapoos bark a lot or have separation anxiety?
Many are vocal watchdogs and will alert to noises or people at the door, though individual barking levels vary with training and socialization. Because they bond closely with their owners, some are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long hours on a regular basis. Gradual alone‑time training and providing enrichment can help prevent problem behaviors.
Are Havapoos good with children and other pets?
They are generally friendly and playful, which can make them good companions for respectful children. Due to their small size they can be easily injured by rough handling, so supervision with young kids is important. With proper introductions they usually get along well with other dogs and even cats, especially if raised together.
Is a Havapoo a good choice for apartment living or first‑time dog owners?
Their small size, moderate exercise needs and adaptable nature usually suit apartment life well, provided they get daily walks and interaction. Many first‑time owners do well with this mix because of its trainability and eagerness to please, though consistent boundaries and early socialization are still important. Attention to barking habits and neighbor noise is essential in shared buildings.
How trainable is a Havapoo and what training challenges are common?
They are typically quick learners that respond well to positive reinforcement and short, engaging sessions. Their intelligence can bring some stubborn or easily distracted moments, especially as adolescents. House‑training may take patience with some individuals, so a regular schedule and crate training often help.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Havapoo with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
