Havapoo

Havapoo dog

Havanese-Poodle cross known for its affectionate nature and playful personality.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Small 7 - 20 lbs 8 - 15 inches 10 - 14 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United States



Own a Havapoo? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Havapoo? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.

The Havapoo is a modern cross between the Havanese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. There is no single documented founder or exact starting date for the cross, and similar Havanese-Poodle mixes likely existed before the Havapoo name became commonly used. Intentional breeding grew alongside the broader popularity of Poodle crosses during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The parent breeds contribute very different histories. The Havanese developed in Cuba from small bichon-type companion dogs and became closely associated with Cuban households, while the Poodle descends from European water-retrieving dogs known for intelligence and trainability. Havapoos are bred primarily as companions rather than for a traditional working role. Their appearance varies because they are not a standardized breed. Some inherit loose, silky waves while others develop tighter Poodle-like curls, and adult size depends partly on the Poodle parent. Both parent breeds are known for coats that can shed relatively little, but individual Havapoos vary and cannot be guaranteed to be hypoallergenic. Major traditional kennel clubs do not recognize the Havapoo as a distinct breed. Its history is instead part of the modern trend toward small Poodle crosses designed primarily for close companionship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Havapoo

The Havapoo is generally considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Individual reactions can vary.

The Havapoo tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Havapoo tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The Havapoo is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Havapoo generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The Havapoo is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Havapoo generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Havapoo generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Havapoo is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Havapoo generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.