Havapoo – Is Havanese Poodle Mix The Right Dog For You?

• Origin: Cuba – Germany
• Size: Small
• Dog Breed Group: Hybrid
• Purebred: No
• Lifespan: 10-14 Years
• Height: 8 – 15 Inches (20 Cm – 38 Cm)
• Weight: 7 – 20 Pounds (3 Kg – 9 Kg)
• Coat Appearance: Soft Double Coat
• Coat Colors: Brown, Grey, Tan, White
• Temperament: Affectionate, Charming,  Extrovert, Eager, Endearing, Easygoing And Entertaining, Friendly, Faithful,  Lively,   Pleasant, Responsive,  Spirited
• Good With Children: Yes
• Intelligence Level: High
• Good With Pets: Yes
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Grooming: Average
• Shedding: Minimal
• Barking: Barks When Necessary
• Suitable For Apartments: Yes
• Need For Exercise: Average
• Easy To Train: Easy
• Good For First Time Owners: Yes
• Health Issues: Hip And Elbow Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation,   Progressive Retinal Atrophy,   Legg Perthes Disease, Hypothyroidism
• Litter Size: 3 Puppies On Average
• Average Price: $800 To $1,800 Usd

Havapoo is a crossbreed that was probably created sometime within the last 10-15 years in the United States. Crossbreed dogs continue to be a very popular trend and this particular mix has become quite popular very recently.

Havapoo Coat Color

• Brown
• Grey
• Tan
• White
• Black

Havapoo Appearance

This Havanese poodle mix typically inherits the Havanese face and build. The stature is more like a Poodle, while its temperament depends on genetics.

Facial Region

As with any designer dogs, it’s impossible to predict which parent the puppies will come out looking like. But, with respect to their facial features, most inherit the Havanese features.

Slightly rounded head, shortish muzzles with a moderate stop and covered in lengthy hair, giving them a sort of mature, whiskered look. Large almond-shaped eyes with a fond expression that’s emphasized by their black rims.   Pointed ears and they drop down slightly above a dog’s eyes.

Body

The neck of the Havanese is moderate with laidback shoulders and balances with the overall length of the dog. Firm and level topline that rises slightly over their loins.

Well-sprung rib cage with rather strong hindquarters.  Well, a feathered tail is set high with lots of silky hair. They tend to carry them over their back which adds to their delightful looks and appeal.

Size

• Height – 8 – 15 inches (20 cm – 38 cm)
• Weight – 7 – 20 pounds (3 kg – 9 kg)

Havapoo Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Havanese poodle Mix is 10- 14 years making it the perfect crossbreed for those who want a dog with a fair life expectancy.

Every individual dog has its own, unique personality that can be significantly molded by basic training. There are some traits that are common between the Havanese and poodle breeds which you can find expressed in a cross of these two breeds

They do not make good watchdogs because of their friendly nature.

These dogs are friendly, energetic, extrovert, easygoing and entertaining. They are very loving and will enjoy spending all of their time with their family.

Their intelligence and lively temperament that has made many owners successfully train the dogs.

They are also very much comfortable with other dogs, cats, and small animals. They will be more than happy to spend time with other breeds.

When properly socialized as puppies, they will be self-assured and eager to explore the world. They must be exposed to lots of different situations and noises when they are young will help open the horizons for this funky little dude.

 Adaptability

• Apartment Living – Yes
• Good For First-Time Owners – Yes
• Sensitivity Level – High
• Loneliness – Averagely Suited To Be Alone
• Cold Weather – Good
• Hot Weather – Good

Caring your Havapoo involves predominantly its dietary requirements and grooming needs. You should also know about his training and exercise needs to keep him fit and comfortable.

• Food: A small dog breed, its size depends on the parents. So, high-quality dog food is suitable for this breed as it will meet its nutritional requirements.
• Grooming: If you are a new puppy owner, you must know that your dog’s grooming requirements are high. So, you have to brush its coat at least thrice a week. Clipping its hair is also fine.
• Training: Havapoos are easy to train because of their high intelligence nature. Brain games are suitable for this breed. Reward-based training and positive reinforcement methods will also work well for this breed.
• Exercise: This breed’s exercise requirements are high. They need regular exercises for their mental health. You need to take it to a walk daily for at least an hour. Ensure that you always keep it on a leash.

Havanese Poodle Mix Grooming And Shedding

• Coat Density – Thick
• Length – Medium
• Texture – Long, Silky Or Tight Curly
• Brushing Frequency – Daily
• Trimming/Stripping – No
• Hypoallergenic – Yes
• Shedding – Minimal

The Poodle is a tight corded or curly coated breed. The Havanese has soft, silky wavy locks. Well, as with all crossbreeds and designer dogs, it varies, considerably.

Some of them have dense, curly coats like their poodle parents. Some have long and wavy coats, taking on more of Havanese coats.  However, there’s little shedding with either coat.

The Havapoo coat color may be dark brown, grey, tan, white or black. It also features a multi-colored coat, such as shades of poodle grey mixed in with the main coat color or white with touches of brown and gold.

Regular brushing makes home upkeep easier for these spunky dudes unless you keep their coat clipped short.

Regular bathing can also help with excessive shedding and remove any tangles or long hairs to avoid infections.  As with any pet dog, you’ll also need to clean her teeth and ears frequently. Trimming her nails as well as regular health checkups are other grooming requirements.

Havapoo Names

Now that you have a gorgeous Havapoo puppy, you need to find a perfect name for your cutie. We have listed a few names for your male and female Havapoo puppies. Your female Havapoo may have a reserved and stubborn personality like her Havanese parent. Try to choose the right name considering the traits and temperament of your puppy.

• Trainability – Easy
• Intelligence – High
• Memory – High
• Mouthiness – Low
• Prey Drive – Low
• Wanderlust Potential – Low

Is Havapoo Hard to train?

Havapoo is very easy to train because of its intelligence from her parentage. Sometimes there can be a streak of stubbornness in them. But you just need to be consistent and make sure you are always clear as the pack leader.

Remember to develop a close bond with your dog. Your dog watches you eagerly and reads your body language and your voice.

1. Start socializing and training your dog from puppyhood. If you are a first-time dog owner, consider enrolling them in obedience classes. There is no “perfect method” for all dogs, but whatever method you choose, make sure it accounts for the fact that this is a highly trainable breed, with an urge for little stubbornness. In the right hands, Havapoos are shrewd learners and they thoroughly enjoy the one-to-one connection they have with their trainers or owners.
2. Given its active nature, the Havapoos needs daily activity and play sessions. If you have a backyard or garden, take advantage of any opportunity to be outdoors, in addition to the needed at least one long walk a day. If denied the chance to burn off her energy or get enough mental stimulation, you may have to face the misconducts occur at home.
3. Train your dog to stay alone periodically. Start with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the time to 20, 30 and so on. Come back every time, and give a small treat, so your dog would connect staying alone or your leaving the house with ‘something good to happen’.
4. Whilst being energetic, they do bear in mind their lapdog heritage. Train your dog to prevent from becoming too possessive about you, give it a couple of pats, let it sit close to you or give her treats.
5. By nature, they are not aggressive; however, start the obedience training right from puppyhood to fend off possibilities of your pooch showing frequent aggression in the future.

Thumb rules for Building a Relationship with Your Havapoo:

• Formulate and promote a level of mutual trust and respect
• Increase two-way communication to recognize each other’s needs.
• Spend a lot of quality time together; Take her out often and experience outdoor games.
• Never reprimand her if she fails at something. It’s not her fault, though.
• Follow the rule of the 4 P’s to optimize the outcomes. – preparation, practice, patience, praise
• Just ensure there’s sufficient room on the couch at the end of the day for them to cuddle on you!

Havapoos are, of course, energetic. But their individual metabolism and level of activity will impact their diet. It determines what type of food they need to consume. They really love food and isn’t reluctant to beg for more.

Havapoos eat dog food prepared for small or medium breeds. They eat two or three meals/day which depends on the health requirements and age. You will need to consider their activity level to determine how many calories your Dog needs, particularly if you are doing any work or training.

• Your puppy needs around ½- 1 cups of dry dog food each day. Divide this in half and feed her in the morning and in the evening.
• As it gets bigger, you’ll need to increase the amount you feed but watch your dog’s weight as they have a big appetite and tends to overeat.
• A grown-up Havapoo needs between 1-2 cups of dry food each day split between two servings.

Calorie considerations

A typical, healthy Havapoo should be fed about 40 calories worth of food per pound of body weight. She will require 2g of fat per kg of body weight and 3g of protein per kg of body weight.

– Havapoo puppy (four to 12 months) who doesn’t exercise a lot, weighing an average of 10lbs, needs around 500 calories per day, split between two or three meals.

-An active, adult Havapoo in the 20lbs range should get around 800 calories per day.

-Older, lazier Havapoos need 400 calories per day.

Major concerns

Hip dysplasia – Hip dysplasia is a progressive, degenerative disease of the hip joint that affects one or both of the hips and the leading cause of lameness in the rear legs of dogs.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy – An inherited disease of the retina that includes several different genetic diseases that lead to the degeneration of the retina and results in total blindness.

Allergies – Food Allergies, Airborne pollens, household cleaning product allergies, Perfumes and synthetic dyes/chemicals, cigarette smoke, dander, grass, weed and tree pollens, mold spores, dust, feathers, and fleas.

Patella Luxation – common in small sized dogs this is when the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal location from the trochlear groove resulting in lameness and abnormal gait.

Legg Perthes Disease – This is a disorder of hip joint conformation due to necrosis of the Femoral Head on the hind leg often seen in the miniature and toy breeds.

Minor concerns

Cataracts – The most common cause of cataracts in dogs is congenital can occur in one or both of a dog’s eyes.

Hypothyroidism – This is the most commonly diagnosed hormone disorders in the dog and it is an inherited disorder of thyroid gland, and usually in middle-aged dogs.

Price 

You should expect to pay between $800 to $1,800 USD for your Havanese & Poodle Mix puppy depending on the breeder.

Havapoo Breeders

Breeders, animal shelters and rescue groups

Search for a good breeder on national kennel or breed clubs. You can also try with breed rescue groups. Check with Havanese and poodle rescue groups in your state. Let them know what you are looking for an eligible cross available for adoption.