The Havapoo combines the Havanese — the only dog breed native to Cuba, descended from small bichon-type companions brought by Spanish settlers in the 1500s — with the Poodle's exceptional intelligence and virtually shed-free coat. In America, the Havanese has been among the fastest-growing AKC breeds since full recognition in 1996, driven primarily by its reputation as one of the most warmly social small companions available. The Poodle's coat contribution creates a Havapoo that provides the Havanese's exceptional companionship in a package that is both low-allergy and adaptable to city apartment life across the country.
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Havapoo
Lifespan12 - 16
Average Price$800 - $1,800
Weight5 - 124 - 10
Height28 - 3825 - 35
PedigreeNo
Health tests availableOFA patella evaluation (both parents), DNA test for PRA (prcd-PRA) — Poodle parent, CAER eye examination (both parents), OFA cardiac evaluation — Havanese line, Thyroid function assessment — Havanese parent
NicknamesHavadoodle, Poovanese
Pros
Near-zero shedding from the Poodle parent — consistently rated among American allergy sufferers' most successful small companion choices
The Havanese is Cuba's only native breed and one of the most warmly social dogs in the AKC — the Havapoo inherits this approachability in full
Long life expectancy (12-16 years) from two long-lived parent breeds
Havanese Club of America and Poodle Club of America both maintain CHIC health programs that responsible breeders reference
Cons
Cannot be left alone for extended periods — both parent breeds bond deeply and the combination amplifies separation anxiety
Coat requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks and consistent home brushing to prevent matting
The Havanese parent's thyroid disease predisposition requires monitoring
American market has wide quality variation — health documentation research is essential
The Havanese arrived in America through a combination of pre-Revolutionary Cuban immigration and post-Revolution Cuban emigrant families who brought their dogs when they fled. The breed nearly disappeared but was preserved by these US immigrant populations and developed into the modern AKC-recognized Havanese through dedicated American breeding efforts. The Havapoo cross emerged in the US designer dog market in the 2000s as the Havanese's popularity grew and American buyers sought a Poodle-cross option with the Havanese's distinctive social quality.
The Havapoo is a small dog: males typically stand 11-15 inches and weigh 10-25 pounds; females proportionally smaller. Coat type reflects the balance of parent influence — wavy to lightly curled, soft, and in the low-shedding range that characterizes both parent breeds. The Havanese's broad color palette (chocolate, black, silver, cream, gold, parti, and sable) combines with the Poodle's range to produce Havapoos in nearly any color. The overall impression should be of a small, well-proportioned, lively companion dog with an open, warm expression.
The Havapoo's temperament draws from both parent breeds' most appealing qualities: the Havanese's extraordinary sociability and emotional intelligence alongside the Poodle's quick mind and responsiveness. American Havapoo owners consistently describe a dog that is genuinely warm with almost everyone it meets, adaptable to the varied social environments of American city life, and deeply bonded to its people. The primary temperament challenge is the separation anxiety that both parent breeds are prone to — a combination that the Havapoo amplifies rather than moderates.
The Havapoo's combination of Poodle intelligence and Havanese desire to engage with its people produces a dog that learns willingly and retains reliably. AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, therapy dog work through organizations like Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and trick dog titles are natural targets. The separation anxiety management — gradual alone-time conditioning from puppyhood — is the most practically important training investment for American Havapoo owners.
The Havapoo's gentle, warm temperament makes it reliably safe with children who interact respectfully. The small size requires supervision with toddlers — not for temperament reasons but to prevent accidental injury to the dog from rough handling. Havapoos raised alongside children form particularly strong bonds with them; many American families describe their Havapoo as their children's best friend.
The Poodle Club of America recommends OFA patella, CAER eye, and PRA DNA testing for Poodle parent lines; the Havanese Club of America recommends OFA patella, CAER eye, cardiac evaluation, and thyroid testing for Havanese parent lines. The Havanese parent's cardiac and thyroid history is the most breed-specific health documentation to request beyond the standard testing panel. Ear infections from the pendant ears and moisture exposure are the most common practical health challenge. Lifespan 12-16 years from health-tested parents.
The Havapoo thrives on close human companionship and is not well suited to extended time alone — separation anxiety is documented in the breed. They adapt excellently to apartment living given consistent daily exercise. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is an ongoing maintenance commitment. Regular ear cleaning is important due to the floppy, fur-lined ear structure. Dental hygiene is a priority for small breeds generally. Because the Havapoo is not AKC-registered, request health testing documentation for the Havanese parent (OFA hips/knees, CERF eyes) and Poodle parent (OFA, PRA DNA test) from any breeder.
Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Home brushing three to four times weekly with slicker brush and metal comb. Ear cleaning weekly. Monthly nail trims; regular dental care. The coat mats faster than its appearance suggests — consistent home maintenance prevents the matting that requires professional remediation.
The Havapoo is a moderately active breed well suited to apartment and smaller home living. One to two short walks per day totaling 30 to 45 minutes, combined with indoor play sessions, typically meets the breed's daily needs. Despite the modest exercise requirements, the Poodle heritage brings intelligence that demands regular mental stimulation — training games, puzzle feeders, and interactive toys are important daily enrichments. The Havapoo enjoys agility and obedience at a recreational level. Avoid overexertion in very hot or very cold weather given the small body size.
Havapoo puppies are at risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and should be fed three to four small meals per day until six months of age. Adults do well on two to three measured meals daily. Caloric needs are approximately 40 calories per pound of body weight per day, adjusted for actual size and activity level. Choose a high-quality small-breed formula with a named protein as the first ingredient. Use a stainless steel or ceramic bowl rather than plastic. Fresh water should always be available. The Havapoo's coat benefits from a diet with adequate omega-3 fatty acids.
Havapoo puppies from breeders who health-test both parent dogs typically cost $800 to $1,800 in the United States, though high-demand breeders with show-quality parent lines may charge up to $4,500. As an unregistered hybrid, quality is highly variable — buyer verification is essential. Monthly ownership costs include small-breed food ($35–55), pet insurance ($25–45 per month), professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($60–90 per session), and routine veterinary care. The Havanese Club of America and Poodle Club of America both maintain responsible breeder lists for the parent breeds.
Request OFA patella, CAER eye, cardiac evaluation, PRA DNA (Poodle parent), and thyroid documentation for the Havanese parent. Visit the breeder and evaluate the socialization environment — the Havapoo's separation anxiety risk is meaningfully reduced by puppies raised in busy, socially-rich environments with human contact from week 3 onward. Ask specifically how the breeder manages alone-time conditioning for puppies before they go to new homes.
