Havapoo
A small, sweet-natured cross of the cheerful Havanese and the clever Poodle. Affectionate, adaptable and usually low-shedding, making a popular apartment companion, though the coat needs regular grooming.
Havapoo scorecard
Overview
The Havapoo, also called the Poovanese or Havadoodle, is a small designer crossbreed produced by mating a Havanese with a Poodle (usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle). The cross aims to combine the affectionate, cheerful nature of the Havanese with the intelligence and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle. Most Havapoos are small, soft-coated companion dogs with wavy or curly coats in a wide range of colours.
The Havapoo is not a recognised breed. The Kennel Club and FCI do not register it, there is no breed standard and no central registry, so type is not guaranteed. Both parents are small companion-oriented dogs, which gives the cross a fairly consistent role as a lap-and-family dog, but individuals still vary in coat, size and temperament. Prospective owners should research both parent breeds and expect an affectionate individual rather than a uniform 'breed'.
Good to know — a Havapoo is flat-friendly and great for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Havapoo is a modern designer cross with no history of its own, part of the wider popularity of Poodle crosses that followed the Labradoodle of the late 1980s. Deliberate Havanese × Poodle litters have become more common since the 2000s, marketed as small, low-shedding companion dogs well suited to family and apartment life.
The parents provide the heritage. The Havanese is the national companion dog of Cuba, a member of the Bichon family bred over centuries purely as an affectionate, sociable lap dog, and is known for being cheerful, people-loving and trainable. The Poodle, in Toy and Miniature form, descends from the German water-retrieving gundog and is one of the most intelligent breeds. Crossing two friendly, clever companion dogs tends to produce a sweet-natured, biddable little dog that thrives on human company — though the cross has no standardised lineage of its own.
Temperament & family fit
Havapoos are typically affectionate, gentle and sociable, often making excellent companion dogs that bond closely with their families. Both parent breeds are people-focused and friendly: the Havanese is famously cheerful and devoted, and the Poodle adds intelligence and a willingness to please. Most Havapoos are good with children, get on well with other pets and enjoy being involved in everything their household does.
The flip side of this devotion is a strong attachment to people and a dislike of being left alone. Both parent breeds are prone to separation-related anxiety, so a Havapoo left for long periods may bark, become distressed or develop unwanted behaviours. Temperament varies between individuals, but in general this is a sensitive, companionable dog that needs plenty of company. Early socialisation helps build confidence and prevents timidity.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
Havapoos are intelligent and generally easy to train, taking biddability from both parents. Positive, reward-based methods suit these sensitive little dogs best, and short, fun sessions keep them engaged. They often excel at tricks and respond well to gentle, consistent guidance, making them a good choice for first-time owners willing to put in early effort.
House-training can take patience, as is common with small breeds, so a consistent routine helps. Because they bond so closely and dislike being alone, early, gradual training to cope with short periods of separation is valuable to prevent anxiety later. Socialisation with people, dogs and everyday experiences in puppyhood helps ensure a confident, well-adjusted adult rather than a nervous or clingy one.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Havapoo typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Havapoo's soft, wavy-to-curly coat is prone to matting and needs regular care, usually brushing several times a week and professional grooming every six to eight weeks. 'Low-shedding' and 'hypoallergenic' are marketing terms rather than guarantees, and no dog is truly hypoallergenic. The hair around the eyes and ears should be kept clean and tidy, and ears checked regularly, as small dogs with hairy ear canals can be prone to infections. Tear staining can also occur and benefits from gentle daily cleaning.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete diet appropriate to a small dog's age and activity level, following the manufacturer's guidelines and adjusting to keep the dog lean. Small dogs gain weight easily, so portions and treats should be controlled, and small-breed kibble suits small mouths. Dental disease is common in small breeds, so feeding to support dental health and establishing a tooth-care routine is worthwhile. Splitting the daily ration into two meals suits most small dogs and helps maintain steady energy.
Havapoo health & costs
Before bringing a Havapoo home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£200–300 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£12–28 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a crossbreed, the Havapoo can inherit the health problems of both parent breeds, and crossbreeding reduces but does not remove inherited disease risk. Responsible breeders should health-test the parents, and prospective owners should ask to see the results.
From the Havanese side, concerns include patellar luxation, hereditary eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, hip problems including Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, chondrodysplasia and deafness. From the Toy/Miniature Poodle side, concerns include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, epilepsy and dental disease. Relevant DNA and eye tests and patella checks of the parents help reduce risk, and small-breed dental care is important throughout life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps common in small breeds, causing intermittent lameness and sometimes requiring surgery.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts — inherited eye conditions leading to vision loss; DNA and eye screening of parents is advised.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease — a hip condition of small breeds where the femoral head degenerates, causing pain and lameness in young dogs.
- Dental disease — small breeds are prone to overcrowded teeth and periodontal disease; regular tooth care helps prevent problems.
- Deafness — congenital hearing loss is recognised in the Havanese and can be inherited by crosses; reputable breeders may test litters.
- Separation-related anxiety — both parent breeds bond intensely and may become distressed if left alone for long periods.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Havapoo; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Havapoo puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Havapoo
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Affectionate, gentle and apartment-friendly
- Clever and usually low-shedding
Things to consider
- Soft coat needs regular grooming
- Can be prone to separation-related barking
Compare the Havapoo
See how the Havapoo measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Same breed group
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Cavapoo
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Cavapoochon
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Similar temperament
Coton de Tulear
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Havanese
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Poochon
A cheerful, affectionate Bichon–Poodle cross (also called Bichpoo) that suits families and flats. Soft curly coat is low-shedding but needs regular grooming. Coat and size vary depending on which parent they take after.
Maltipoo
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Similar size, different type
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Havapoo?
The Havapoo, also called the Poovanese or Havadoodle, is a small designer crossbreed produced by mating a Havanese with a Poodle (usually a Toy or Miniature). It aims to combine the affectionate, cheerful nature of the Havanese with the intelligence and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle, producing a small companion dog with a wavy or curly coat in many colours.
How big does a full-grown Havapoo get?
The Havapoo is a small crossbreed, typically standing around 20–38 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 3–9 kg fully grown. Size depends on whether a Toy or Miniature Poodle was used and which parent the dog favours, and as there is no breed standard, individuals vary somewhat.
How is a Havapoo different from a Cavapoo?
Both are small Poodle crosses, but the other parent differs: a Havapoo crosses a Havanese with a Poodle, while a Cavapoo crosses a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle. This gives each a different mix of looks, temperament and health predispositions inherited from the non-Poodle side, though both are affectionate, companion-oriented small dogs.
What is a Havapoo's temperament like?
Havapoos are typically affectionate, gentle and sociable, often making excellent companion dogs that bond closely with their families. Both parents are people-focused and friendly, so most are good with children, get on well with other pets and enjoy being involved in everything. The flip side is a strong attachment to people and a dislike of being left alone.
Are Havapoos easy to train?
Generally yes. They are intelligent and usually easy to train, taking biddability from both parents, and often excel at tricks. Positive, reward-based methods and short, fun sessions suit these sensitive little dogs, making them a good choice for first-time owners willing to put in early effort. House-training can take patience, so a consistent routine helps.
How much exercise and grooming does a Havapoo need?
Exercise needs are modest — typically a couple of short-to-moderate daily walks plus indoor play and games — so they can be happy in a flat with enough interaction. Their soft, wavy-to-curly coat is prone to matting, needing brushing several times a week and professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Ears and the hair around the eyes should be kept clean.
What health problems can Havapoos have?
As a crossbreed, the Havapoo can inherit issues from both parents. Havanese concerns include patellar luxation, hereditary eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, chondrodysplasia and deafness; Toy/Miniature Poodle concerns include patellar luxation, eye conditions, epilepsy and dental disease. Ask to see the parents' health-test results, and prioritise small-breed dental care.
Can Havapoos be left alone?
Not for long. Both parent breeds are prone to separation-related anxiety, so a Havapoo left for long periods may bark, become distressed or develop unwanted behaviours. Their main requirement is company. Early, gradual training to cope with short separations helps prevent anxiety later, but this breed is not suited to households where it would regularly be alone for long stretches.
Are Havapoos good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Havapoos tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Havapoo need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Havapoo needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Havapoos shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Havapoos easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Great for first-time owners. Havapoos are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Havapoos bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Havapoos good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Havapoos suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Havapoo can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Havanese breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- The Kennel Club — Poodle (Toy/Miniature) breed information and health schemes: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- The Kennel Club — health and dog care advice, including crossbreed guidance: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/
- PDSA — dog breeds and care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs
- Blue Cross — dog breeds and care advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- RVC VetCompass — dog health research programme: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.