The Havapoo — also charmingly known as the Poovanese or Havadoodle — is a designer hybrid that’s stealing hearts everywhere. A cross between a purebred Havanese and a purebred Miniature or Toy Poodle, this little gem brings together the best of both worlds: the cuddly, charismatic charm of the Havanese and the sharp, agile mind of the Mini Poodle. It’s no wonder the Havapoo has become such a beloved breed!
Small but mighty in personality, the Havapoo typically tips the scales at just 8 to 12 pounds and stands about 9 to 12 inches tall. Their sweet little faces are almost too cute to handle — think round heads, deep dark eyes full of mischief and love, a tiny black button nose, floppy ears that beg to be scratched, and a soft, puffy tail that seems to wag non-stop. With their thick, fluffy coats — which can range from gently wavy to delightfully curly and come in a rainbow of colors — Havapoos often look just like real-life teddy bears.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Type / Mix | Doodle Hybrid / Poodle crossed with a Havanese |
| Life Span | 10-14 yrs |
| Training | Responsive |
| Shedding | Minimum |
| Energy | Moderate Energy |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Calm, Gentle, Playful |
| Adult Weight | 8-20 lbs |
| Adult Height | 11–20 In |
- Havapoo puppies are a delightful mix of Havanese and Toy or Miniature Poodle, creating a charming and lovable companion.
- The Havapoo is also referred to by several other names, including Poovanese, Havadoodle, Havanese doodle, and Havanese Poodle Mix.
- The Havapoo features a hypoallergenic coat designed for minimal to no shedding. The Havanese Poodle mix stands out as an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies, making it one of the top small breeds to consider.
- A fully grown Havapoo can reach a weight of up to 12 pounds. Havapoo adults typically weigh around 8–9 pounds, while Toy, Teacup, or Mini varieties can weigh even less.
- The most sought-after Havapoo colors are black, white, and merle.
- Havapoo dogs enjoy longer, healthier lives thanks to the benefits of hybrid vigor.
- Affectionate, fun-loving, and friendly, Havadoodles quickly bond with everyone around them. They exhibit excellent behavior with children, dogs, cats, other pets, and even strangers.
The Havapoo, also known as the Havadoodle or Poovanese, perfectly captures the petite charm of its parent breeds, showcasing the small stature of both the Havanese and the Mini or Toy Poodle. Adults typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. A fully grown Havapoo typically stands between 9 and 12 inches tall.
The Havapoo boasts a small round head, stunning dark round expressive eyes, a tiny black button nose, charming floppy ears, and an adorable puffy tail, making it one of the most beautiful doodle breeds—and it’s clear to see why.
The Havapoo boasts a hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally, featuring lengths that range from medium to long and textures that can be wavy or curly. Experience the versatility of dog coats with options ranging from the short and curly elegance of Poodles to the long and silky allure of Havanese. Explore the ideal blend that seamlessly blends the finest qualities of both breeds. The luxurious, plush, and airy coat is available in a stunning array of colors and combinations. Popular colors encompass black, blue, silver, chocolate, white, fawn, gold, apricot, brown, gray, and cream.
The most popular Havapoo colors include:
Dark
Blue Merle
Merle
White
The Havapoo boasts a temperament that is both gentle and calm, reminiscent of its Poodle and Havanese lineage. Havapoos, also known as Havadoodles or Poovanese, possess charming and affectionate personalities. They are inherently nurturing and devoted, exuding warmth without a hint of aggression, making them incredibly snuggly companions.
Children and Havapoos create a delightful pairing. They share a deep enthusiasm for games and are just as thrilled about having a best friend. Many people hold the view that children raised alongside dogs develop greater responsibility and empathy—just one more reason to consider bringing a dog into your home. They excel at imparting the value of responsibility. They swiftly create deep connections with their humans, and these connections tend to be unbreakable.
The Havapoo boasts a remarkably composed temperament, remaining calm even in challenging situations. People celebrate these dogs for their remarkable patience, particularly when they are around the smallest children in the home. Havapoo puppies make an excellent choice for seniors, thanks to their loving dispositions and keen attentiveness. These designer puppies inherit the finest traits from their parent breeds, the Poodle and the Havanese, embodying all the essential qualities of an exceptional therapy dog. They exhibit openness, receptivity, and a keen awareness of their owners’ needs.
With a playful spirit and a friendly demeanor, Havapoos thrive during playtime with children. These charming companions are attention seekers at heart, always eager to entertain and bring joy to those around them. Only their infectious good mood matches their impressive trick portfolio. These puppies radiate joy wherever they go. This breed possesses a remarkable level of intelligence. These puppies are exceptionally smart dogs that thrive on mental challenges and enjoy mastering new tricks. These pets are easy to groom and train, making them perfect companions for first-time pet owners who may lack experience with a young puppy.
The Havapoo’s cheerful nature is undoubtedly one of the breed’s most delightful characteristics. These dogs exude charm and thrive on cuddles, relishing the spotlight, and, above all, cherishing their time with their human family.
Grooming
You can groom your Havapoo easily and with minimal time investment. This dog breed boasts minimal shedding, resulting in low grooming needs for their coat. Grooming your Havapoo involves several essential steps: brushing the coat, clipping the nails, bathing, brushing the teeth, and cleaning the ears.
To keep your Havapoo’s coat looking its best, make sure to brush it for a few minutes at least once a week. A bristle brush specifically designed for their coat type will work wonders. Brushing your little dog twice a week would be perfect if time permits. Start grooming your Havapoo puppy right when it comes home, ideally at 8-10 weeks old. This will acclimate your puppy to handling and pave the way for smoother grooming sessions at home as your Havapoo matures. For optimal results, bathe your dog every month. However, don’t hesitate to wash them sooner if they happen to get especially dirty. Always choose a dog-friendly shampoo that suits your furry friend when it’s bath time. It is not advisable to use human shampoo on dogs due to its lack of formulation for their needs.
Trimming your dog’s nails becomes essential when you hear those telltale clicking sounds on the floor. Never overlook the crucial part of Havapoo grooming – brushing your dog’s teeth. Havapoos, similar to other dog breeds, may face dental challenges and the risk of periodontal disease. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily with specially formulated dog toothpaste and a toothbrush designed just for them is incredibly advantageous. Start by brushing your Havapoo’s teeth with your finger and a small amount of toothpaste. This will help your dog ease into the process with confidence.
Regularly inspecting for ear infections, debris, and unpleasant odors, as well as cleaning the outer part of the ears, is an essential part of at-home dog grooming. Clean your dog’s ear effortlessly with dog wet wipes or a damp cloth.
Even if you’re a first-time puppy owner, grooming your dog at home can be effortless. It’s essential to introduce your Havapoo puppy to the grooming tools you intend to use right from the moment they arrive home.
Exercise Needs
The Havapoos exhibit a balanced level of activity. Full of energy and playfulness, they thrive in outdoor games. A Havapoo typically enjoys an energetic game of chase or fetch rather than lounging about. For their exercise requirements, they will need up to one hour of daily walks paired with some energetic playtime indoors. Havapoos are typically lively and spirited dogs, which can lead to them becoming bored indoors quite easily. Engaging interactive toys and a captivating canine puzzle game will not only exercise their minds but also ensure they stay entertained and joyful.
Health
Small hybrid dogs, such as the Havapoo, typically experience excellent health. The Havapoo puppy, a delightful first-generation blend of a purebred Havanese and a purebred Poodle, enjoys enhanced health due to the advantages of hybrid vigor. Although Havapoos may not completely eliminate health concerns, the known issues that can arise are relatively limited. Cataracts in later years, allergies, and skin infections are among the concerns to consider.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a Havapoo typically ranges from 12 to 15 years. A dedicated dog owner can help this breed live over 15 years. For your dog to enjoy a long and healthy life, regular bimonthly check-ups with the veterinarian are essential, along with providing excellent care.
Ensure your dog gets the recommended exercise and consistently choose premium dog food to keep your Havapoo thriving with a nutritious diet. Discover more about dog diets by checking out our blog on the Can Dogs Eat Bananas Guide.
Coaching
Havapoos are exceptionally smart dogs. They have a passion for acquiring new knowledge and tend to be quite compliant. They possess keen attentiveness, demonstrate rapid learning abilities, and exude charming, people-oriented personalities. Training a Havapoo is an enjoyable and straightforward experience. Their enthusiasm to captivate will be evident in flawlessly executed tricks and impeccably performed commands. For optimal training results with your puppy, focus on reward-based motivation and abundant positive reinforcement—Havapoo puppies thrive on encouragement and praise.
Havapoos are friendly companions, yet they require socialization training to develop into well-mannered adult dogs. They love connecting with new companions and quickly forge friendships with fellow dogs. Start socializing your Havapoo puppy by gradually introducing them to people in a calm, low-distraction setting where they feel at ease. Allow your puppy to enjoy interactions at their own pace before transitioning to outdoor activities and socialization training. Introducing your puppies to other pets at dog parks is a fantastic way to help them grow into well-rounded, friendly dogs.
Havapoos exhibit a healthy level of independence. Interactive canine toys can keep them engaged and entertained during those solo hours. Prolonged solitude can lead to separation anxiety, a condition best prevented through effective training in the early stages of a puppy’s life. Allowing them some alone time during the day will foster their independence as they grow into adult dogs.
In the 1990s, when designer hybrid breeds were beginning to appear and experiencing tremendous popularity, breeders in the United States intended to present a new hybrid breed, the Havapoo, to the world. The Havapoo, a new dog breed, aims to combine the best traits of two popular and fantastic dogs in a perfectly balanced blend. The goal of the breeders was to produce a dog with a hypoallergenic coat by pairing a Havanese with either a miniature or a Toy Poodle terrier. The remarkable intelligence of the Poodle breed and the charismatic and sunny personality of the Havanese breed were also desirable traits for breeders to look for.
Also contributing to the Havapoo’s status as one of the most sought-after doodle dogs is the breed’s reputation for being exceptionally healthy. As the first generation of a crossbreed, these puppies inherit the hybrid vigor. This ensures their longevity, shielding them from the health issues that occasionally plague the Havanese and Poodle breeds. The crossbreeding of doodle breeds and hybrid breeds results in the development of hybrid vigor, which is a health enhancement that is beneficial to both breeds.
We may have a better understanding of the designer doodle breed by looking at the history of the Havanese breed and the Poodle breed. Although the actual origins of the Havapoo breed are unknown, we can look at the history of the Havanese breed.
For centuries, royal families and nobility have cherished the Havanese, often referred to as the “Havana Silk Dog,” as a companion pet, renowned for its luxurious lifestyle. The Havanese have earned the affection of the Cuban people and the title of “National Dog of Cuba” due to their bright personalities, intellect, and adorable appearance. From Cuba, the Havanese soon moved throughout Europe and the United States, and they were extremely popular in the same short amount of time across both continents. The Havanese breed has had a growth in popularity throughout the course of history. Around the world, enthusiasts like Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Ernest Hemingway adore this breed. As of right now, the Havanese breed is the parent of more than twenty different crossbreed variations. Some Havanese combinations are extremely popular, including the Havashu and Havachon puppies.
One of the oldest and most versatile dog breeds is the Poodle, a canine aristocracy. Artists have depicted the beautiful Poodle in paintings, literature, and poetry as far back as the 13th century in France, Italy, Spain, and England. There are a wide variety of industries around the world that have utilized the Poodle as a working dog. Some of these industries include the circus, the military, and the sports arena. Wealthy families have raised the Poodle in luxury over several centuries. Wealthy families have carefully raised the Poodle, endowing it with a confident appearance and a gentle attitude.
The poodle, which is considered to be a dog for royalty, has been in high demand as a companion pet at royal courts throughout history. The King’s Court in France particularly cherished the Poodle during the 18th century. People currently rank the poodle as the second most intellectual dog breed in the world and consider it the most cherished companion animal. The poodle serves as the parent breed for over forty different breeds of doodles. There are several different types of Poodle mixes, but the Havapoo, Mini Goldendoodle, Cavapoo, Maltipoo, and Mini Bernedoodle are the most common ones.
What breeds are mixed to create a Havapoo, and what does ‘Teacup’ mean in this context? A Havapoo is a hybrid dog, a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle (usually Miniature or Toy). ‘Teacup’ is an unofficial marketing term implying the puppy has been bred to be significantly smaller than the typical Toy Poodle or Havanese size, often under 5-6 pounds as an adult. This is not a recognized size category.
Are Teacup Havapoos considered hypoallergenic because of the Poodle parent? While Poodles contribute a low-shedding coat, and Havanese also shed minimally, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Teacup Havapoos will likely be low-shedding, but individual reactions vary. Their coat still requires significant grooming, regardless of size.
How small do Teacup Havapoos actually get? Breeders marketing ‘teacups’ often aim for adult weights under 5 or 6 pounds, much smaller than a typical Havapoo (which can range from 8-20+ pounds depending on the Poodle parent size). Be wary of guarantees, as final size can vary, and prioritizing extreme smallness is risky.
What specific health risks are elevated in Teacup Havapoos due to their extreme small size? In addition to potential inherited issues from Havanese (like patellar luxation, heart murmurs, eye conditions) and Poodles (like PRA, Addison’s, epilepsy), ‘teacups’ face drastically increased risks of hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, fragile bones, liver shunts, collapsing trachea, heart defects, and severe dental problems.
Does the ‘teacup’ size affect the typical friendly Havapoo temperament? While Havapoos are known for being affectionate, playful, and intelligent, the extreme physical fragility of a ‘teacup’ can lead to increased fearfulness, anxiety, or nervousness. They may be less resilient and confident than their standard-sized counterparts.
What are the grooming requirements for a Teacup Havapoo’s coat? Their coat, typically wavy or curly, requires daily brushing to prevent matting, just like a standard Havapoo. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is also necessary. Handling during grooming must be exceptionally gentle due to their tiny, fragile bodies.
How much exercise does a Teacup Havapoo need? Very little. Short, gentle indoor play sessions and possibly very brief, supervised outings in a safe, controlled area are sufficient. Avoid strenuous activity, rough play, or situations where they could be easily injured.
Is a Teacup Havapoo a good choice for families with young children? Generally, no. Their extreme fragility makes them highly susceptible to serious injury or death from accidental drops, falls, or being stepped on by children. They are better suited for quiet, adult-only homes or families with very calm, gentle older teenagers.
What is the estimated lifespan of a Teacup Havapoo compared to a standard Havapoo? Due to the significant health complications associated with unethical miniaturization, Teacup Havapoos often have considerably shorter lifespans than standard Havapoos (which typically live 12-15 years).
Why are Teacup Havapoos often so expensive? The high price (often $3,000-$7,000+) is driven by deceptive marketing (“rare,” “designer”) and the difficulty/risk involved in producing such tiny dogs (often involving C-sections, high puppy mortality). The cost does *not* reflect health or ethical breeding.
Are Teacup Havapoos prone to separation anxiety? Yes, both Havanese and Poodles are companion breeds that bond closely with their families. Havapoos, including teacup versions, can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Their potential fragility might even heighten this anxiety.
Do Teacup Havapoos have significant dental problems? Yes, fitting the necessary teeth into an unnaturally small jaw frequently leads to severe overcrowding, retained baby teeth, malocclusion, and a very high risk of periodontal disease starting at a young age. Diligent dental care is essential.
Why is it hard to find a truly *responsible* breeder advertising ‘Teacup Havapoos’? Responsible breeders prioritize health, temperament, and genetic diversity. They avoid deliberately breeding dogs to unhealthy, extreme sizes outside the normal range for the parent breeds. The ‘teacup’ label is a major red flag for unethical practices.
How should a Teacup Havapoo be handled to ensure its safety? Always use two hands with gentle but firm support under the chest and rear. Never allow jumping from furniture or heights. Be constantly aware of their location to prevent accidents. Teach visitors how to interact carefully.
Are Teacup Havapoos easy to train? They inherit intelligence from both parent breeds and can be eager to please. However, their tiny size can make house training more challenging (small bladder, hard-to-spot accidents), and their fragility limits certain activities. Use positive reinforcement and extreme patience.
Do Teacup Havapoos require special feeding precautions? Absolutely. They are extremely prone to life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Frequent (every few hours for young puppies), small meals of high-quality food are critical. Owners must be educated on recognizing and treating hypoglycemia immediately.
Can Teacup Havapoos live harmoniously with other pets? Extreme caution is necessary. While Havapoos can be social, a teacup’s fragility means even playful interactions with larger dogs or cats could be fatal. Any cohabitation requires constant supervision and very calm, gentle companion animals.
What is a healthier alternative if I desire a small Havapoo? Seek a reputable breeder who health tests the Havanese and Toy Poodle parents and produces puppies expected to mature within the healthy, standard size range for a Toy Havapoo (e.g., 7-12 pounds). Focus on health and temperament, not extreme smallness.
Do Teacup Havapoos bark excessively? They can be alert barkers, inheriting traits from both parent breeds. Early training and ensuring their needs are met can help manage barking, but some level of vocalization should be expected.
Is the Havapoo mix recognized by the AKC or other major kennel clubs? What about the ‘teacup’ size? No, as a hybrid cross, the Havapoo is not recognized by major all-breed registries like the AKC. Furthermore, ‘Teacup’ is not a recognized size variation for any breed, purebred or hybrid.
