Havapoo

Havapoo

The Havapoo is a charming designer crossbreed between the intelligent Poodle and the sociable Havanese. Known for their affectionate personality, these compact companions are prized for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats and adaptable nature, making them ideal for apartment living. They are eager to please, gentle with children, and respond well to positive training. However, prospective owners should commit to regular grooming to prevent coat matting and review key health and costs before bringing one home.

Breed Group

Hybrid Dogs

Country of Origin

United States

Breed Size

Small

AKC Recognition

No

FCI Recognition

No

Family dog

Excellent

4 / 10

Good with kids

Excellent

4 / 10

First-time owner

Exceptional

4 / 10

Apartment dog

Very Good

7 / 10

Yard need

Very Low

8 / 10

Can be left alone

Not Recommended

1 / 10

What Do Owners Want to Know?

Are Havapoo good family dogs?

The Havapoo is an excellent family dog due to its affectionate, sociable nature and gentle temperament with children. Their high intelligence and eager-to-please attitude make them easy to train, while their hypoallergenic coats are a significant benefit for households with allergy sufferers. However, they require frequent interaction and are best suited for families that can provide constant companionship to prevent separation anxiety.

Family dog: 4 / 10

Are Havapoo good with kids?

Havapoos are generally excellent with children, known for their patient, nurturing, and playful nature. Their small size and gentle temperament make them approachable and less intimidating for younger kids, while their intelligence allows them to learn how to interact safely. However, because they have fragile bodies, supervision is essential to ensure that children handle them carefully and avoid accidental roughhousing.

Good with kids: 4 / 10

Are Havapoo good for first-time owners?

Havapoos are highly recommended for first-time owners due to their exceptional intelligence and eager-to-please nature, which makes them one of the easiest breeds to train. Their friendly and affectionate temperament allows novices to build a strong bond quickly, and they adapt well to various living situations. While they require consistent mental stimulation and regular grooming to prevent matting, their manageable energy levels and high sociability make them a perfect choice for those new to dog ownership.

First-time owner: 4 / 10

Are Havapoo good apartment dogs?

Havapoos are Very Goods due to their small size, low exercise needs, and adaptable nature. They thrive in compact spaces and are content with short walks and indoor play. Their affectionate, hypoallergenic personality makes them perfect companions for apartment dwellers seeking a charming, low-energy pet for smaller homes.

Apartment dog: 7 / 10

Do Havapoo need a yard?

A yard is not strictly required for a Havapoo, as they are small, adaptable dogs that thrive in apartment settings. While they enjoy having a secure space to play, their moderate exercise needs can be easily met through daily walks and indoor play sessions.

Yard need: 8 / 10

Can Havapoo be left alone?

Havapoos are deeply social companions that thrive on human interaction and are not recommended to be left alone for long periods. Due to their heritage from both the Poodle and Havanese, they are prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to excessive barking and destructive behaviors. They are best suited for households where someone is present for most of the day.

Can be left alone: 1 / 10

Are Havapoo good with cats?

Havapoos generally coexist well with cats and other household pets, particularly when raised together from a young age. Their gentle and sociable temperament allows them to form harmonious bonds with feline companions.

Good with cats: 5 / 10

Are Havapoo aggressive?

Havapoos are not naturally aggressive; they are typically friendly, outgoing, and people-pleasing companions. Early socialization helps ensure they remain well-tempered.

Aggression tendency: 6 / 10

Are Havapoo high-energy dogs?

Havapoos have low to moderate energy levels and are known for their playful, spirited nature. They require regular physical and mental stimulation but are equally happy to relax and cuddle with their owners. A mix of daily walks and indoor play is usually sufficient to keep these active yet adaptable companions healthy.

Energy level: 3 / 10

How much exercise does a Havapoo need?

Havapoos require approximately 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. A mix of daily walks and indoor play is usually sufficient to keep these active yet adaptable companions healthy.

Exercise need: 3 / 10

Can Havapoo live in hot weather?

Havapoos generally tolerate warm weather well, but owners should provide constant access to shade and fresh water during high temperatures to ensure their comfort.

Hot weather tolerance: 5 / 10

Can Havapoo live in cold weather?

Havapoos handle cold weather relatively well thanks to their thick, insulating double coats, which help trap body heat. While many enjoy playing in the snow, they are small dogs and can struggle to regulate their temperature in extreme conditions or if their coats are clipped short. Owners should use sweaters or insulated coats when temperatures drop below freezing, especially in wet or windy weather, and use booties to protect their paws from ice and road salt.

Cold weather tolerance: 3 / 10

Are Havapoo banned in apartments or rentals?

Havapoos are rarely subject to breed-specific bans as they are not typically classified as aggressive or dangerous. Their small size makes them well-suited for apartment living.

Rental restriction risk: 7 / 10

Vet Insights

Havapoos are charming and affectionate, but as a veterinarian, I emphasize monitoring for conditions inherited from their Poodle and Havanese parents. They are particularly prone to patellar luxation and dental disease, making daily tooth brushing and weight management essential. I also prioritize regular screenings for cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and hip dysplasia. Due to their floppy ears, routine cleaning is necessary to prevent chronic infections. To ensure a healthy life, I recommend selecting puppies from health-tested lines and maintaining a consistent schedule of preventative care and professional grooming to prevent painful skin matting.

Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
VeterinarianResearcherDog breed specialist
Verified