Havanese and Poodle Mix: The Havanpoo Breed Profile

What Is a Havanese and Poodle Mix?

The Havanese and Poodle mix — most commonly called the Havanpoo (also Havapoo, Havadoodle, or Poovanese) — is a designer cross between the Havanese and the Poodle, typically the Miniature or Toy variety. First intentionally bred in the United States during the early 2000s as part of the broader "doodle" wave, the Havanpoo was designed to combine the Havanese's velcro-dog affection with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat.

Because neither the American Kennel Club nor the United Kennel Club recognizes designer crosses as standardized breeds, the Havanpoo has no official breed standard. That means individual dogs can look, behave, and size up very differently — even within the same litter. If you're researching the Havanese and Poodle mix before committing, understanding that variability is the single most important thing you can do.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Havanese vs. Poodle

To predict what a Havanpoo might be like, you need to understand the two breeds behind it. Here's how the parent breeds stack up on the traits that matter most to owners.

Parent Breed Comparison: Havanese vs. Poodle (Miniature/Toy)

Trait	Havanese	Miniature/Toy Poodle
AKC Group	Toy	Non-Sporting (Mini) / Toy
Weight Range	7–13 lb (3.2–5.9 kg)	4–15 lb (1.8–6.8 kg)
Height	8.5–11.5 in (22–29 cm)	10–15 in (25–38 cm) Mini; under 10 in Toy
Lifespan	14–16 years	12–18 years (Toy); 12–15 years (Mini)
Coat Type	Long, silky, slightly wavy double coat	Dense, curly, single-layer coat
Shedding Level	Low to moderate	Minimal
Energy Level	Moderate; playful bursts	High for size; needs mental work
Trainability	Eager but can be stubborn	Exceptionally high; ranks #2 in canine intelligence
Barking Tendency	Moderate to high (alert barker)	Moderate to high
Separation Anxiety Risk	High (true companion breed)	Moderate to high

The Havanese, Cuba's national dog, traces back to the Blanquito de la Habana — a small companion dog favored by Cuban aristocracy in the 18th century. They nearly went extinct after the Cuban Revolution; the modern breed descends from just 11 dogs brought to the U.S. The Poodle, despite its French association, originated as a German water retriever and was later refined in France into the three sizes we know today. Both parent breeds are AKC-recognized with established health testing protocols.

How Big Will a Havanese and Poodle Mix Get?

Because breeders typically use Miniature or Toy Poodles (not Standard), the Havanpoo is a small dog. But "small" still covers a meaningful range.

Havanpoo Size Range by Generation and Poodle Parent Size

Category	Weight	Height at Shoulder
Toy Poodle cross (smallest)	7–12 lb (3.2–5.4 kg)	8–11 in (20–28 cm)
Miniature Poodle cross (most common)	10–18 lb (4.5–8.2 kg)	10–15 in (25–38 cm)
Outlier (large Mini parent or F1)	Up to 20 lb (9.1 kg)	Up to 16 in (41 cm)

Practical tip: Ask the breeder for the exact weight and height of both parent dogs. A puppy's adult weight typically falls within 20% of the average of the two parents. If one parent is a 15 lb Miniature Poodle and the other is a 9 lb Havanese, expect puppies in the 10–14 lb range. If the breeder can't or won't share parent sizes, walk away.

Coat Types, Shedding, and the Hypoallergenic Question

This is the trait with the widest variation in Havanese and Poodle mixes, and the one most surrounded by misleading marketing.

Three Possible Coat Outcomes

• Poodle-dominant (curly): Tight curls, single-layer, minimal shedding. Most common in F1B-to-Poodle generations. Requires professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
• Havanese-dominant (wavy/silky): Softer waves, longer guard hairs, may have a light undercoat. Sheds slightly more. Needs brushing 4–5 times per week to prevent mats.
• Blended (wavy-fleece): The most common F1 outcome — loose waves with some curl at the ends. Moderate shedding. Grooming every 8–10 weeks professionally, plus brushing 3–4 times weekly at home.

Temperament: What to Expect (and What Can Go Wrong)

The best-case Havanpoo is a bright, affectionate, moderately energetic companion who bonds deeply with their family, gets along with children and other pets, and picks up training quickly thanks to Poodle intelligence. That's the version breeders advertise. Here's the fuller picture.

Best-Case Scenario

A well-socialized Havanpoo from health-tested parents is outgoing without being hyper, eager to learn tricks, and adaptable to apartment or house living. They tend to be less yappy than some small breeds and more biddable than the Havanese alone. Many excel at nose work, rally obedience, and therapy dog work.

Challenging Scenarios

• Separation anxiety: Both parent breeds are prone. A Havanpoo left alone 8+ hours daily is at high risk for destructive behavior, excessive barking, and house-soiling. This is not a dog for people who work long hours away from home without a dog walker or daycare plan.
• Alert barking: Inherited from both sides. Without training, a Havanpoo can become a nuisance barker at doorbells, passersby, and noises. Counter-conditioning and positive reinforcement "quiet" training from puppyhood is essential.
• Sensitivity to harsh handling: Both parent breeds are soft-tempered. Heavy-handed training methods — including prong collars, shock collars, or alpha rolls — will shut a Havanpoo down or create fear-based reactivity. Force-free, reward-based training is the only approach that works reliably with this mix.
• Small-dog syndrome: Because they're cute and small, owners often skip boundary training. The result is a dog that resource-guards, jumps on guests, or snaps when handled. Set rules from day one just as you would with a larger breed.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality

One of the most persistent myths in the designer dog world is that crossbreeding automatically produces healthier dogs through "hybrid vigor." The reality is more nuanced. Hybrid vigor (heterosis) can reduce the risk of recessive conditions that are common in one parent breed — but only if those conditions are truly recessive and the other parent doesn't carry the same genes. It does not protect against conditions that both parent breeds share.

Conditions Both Parent Breeds Can Pass On

Shared Health Risks in Havanese and Poodle Lines

Condition	Description	Prevalence	Recommended Screening
Patellar Luxation	Kneecap slips out of groove; causes skipping gait	Common in both breeds	Orthopedic exam by vet; OFA patella evaluation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Gradual retinal degeneration leading to blindness	Present in both breeds	DNA test (prcd-PRA); CERF eye exam
Mitral Valve Disease	Heart valve degeneration; leading cause of death in small breeds	Havanese: moderate; Poodle: moderate in Toy size	Annual cardiac auscultation; echocardiogram if murmur detected
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease	Hip joint degeneration in young small dogs	Both breeds susceptible	X-ray if lameness appears at 4–12 months
Dental Disease	Periodontal disease onset as early as 2–3 years	Very high in both breeds	Daily tooth brushing; professional cleaning every 1–2 years

Conditions More Common in One Parent

• From the Havanese side: Chondrodystrophy (short-limb dwarfism associated with intervertebral disc disease or IVDD), juvenile cataracts, liver shunts.
• From the Poodle side: Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), sebaceous adenitis (autoimmune skin condition), epilepsy, and in Miniature lines, von Willebrand disease (bleeding disorder).

Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care

Grooming by Coat Type

Grooming Schedule Based on Inherited Coat

Coat Type	Home Brushing	Professional Grooming	Bathing	Estimated Annual Cost
Curly (Poodle-dominant)	Every 1–2 days, slicker brush + metal comb	Every 6–8 weeks ($55–$85/session)	Every 3–4 weeks	$440–$765
Wavy-fleece (blended)	3–4 times per week	Every 8–10 weeks ($50–$75/session)	Every 4–6 weeks	$300–$525
Silky-wavy (Havanese-dominant)	4–5 times per week, pin brush	Every 10–12 weeks ($45–$70/session)	Every 4–6 weeks	$225–$420

Regardless of coat type, budget for daily eye wiping (both parent breeds are prone to tear staining), ear cleaning 1–2 times weekly (floppy, hairy ears trap moisture and invite yeast infections), and nail trims every 2–3 weeks.

Exercise Requirements

A Havanpoo needs 30–45 minutes of structured activity daily, split into two sessions. This can include:

• Two 15–20 minute leash walks at a pace that lets them sniff
• Indoor puzzle toys (Kong Classic size Small, Outward Hound Nina Ottosson puzzles rated level 2–3)
• Short fetch or flirt pole sessions (5–10 minutes; avoid high-impact jumping on hard surfaces to protect developing joints in puppies under 12 months)
• Training sessions of 5–10 minutes — Poodle-influenced dogs need mental work as much as physical exercise

This is not a breed mix that needs a yard. Apartment living is fine if daily walks and enrichment are provided. But it's also not a purely lap-dog lifestyle — an under-exercised Havanpoo will invent its own entertainment, usually by chewing shoes or barking at windows.

How Much Does a Havanese and Poodle Mix Cost?

Pricing for Havanpoos varies significantly based on breeder reputation, generation, location, and whether health testing is performed.

Havanpoo Pricing Breakdown (2025–2026 U.S. Market)

Source	Price Range	What You Typically Get
Backyard breeder / online listing	$400–$900	No health testing, no take-back clause, unknown generation, often no vet check
Mid-tier breeder (some testing)	$1,000–$1,800	Basic vet check, partial parent health screening, some socialization
Reputable breeder (full testing)	$1,800–$3,200	OFA/DNA health testing on parents, early neurological stimulation (ENS), take-back contract, generation documented
Rescue / shelter	$150–$500	Spay/neuter included, vaccinations, microchip; adult dogs more common than puppies

First-Year Total Cost Estimate

Beyond the purchase price, budget for:

• Initial veterinary setup: $350–$600 (exam, DHPP/rabies vaccines on schedule, fecal test, heartworm prevention start)
• Spay/neuter: $300–$700 (varies by clinic and region)
• Supplies: $200–$400 (crate, harness, grooming tools, puzzle toys, bed)
• Grooming (first year): $300–$765 depending on coat type
• Food: $240–$420/year (small-breed formula; 1/2 to 3/4 cup daily depending on caloric density and dog weight)
• Pet insurance: $30–$55/month for accident/illness coverage on a small breed puppy

Total first-year realistic budget: $3,500–$7,000+ depending on purchase price and your region's veterinary costs.

Who Is the Havanpoo Best Suited For?

This mix is a strong fit for:

• Apartment dwellers who want a small, adaptable companion that doesn't need a yard
• Retirees and work-from-home owners who can provide the constant companionship this velcro-type dog craves
• Families with gentle children ages 6+ — Havanpoos are typically patient but their small size makes them fragile around toddlers who may drop or squeeze them
• First-time dog owners willing to invest in puppy socialization classes and positive reinforcement training
• Allergy-conscious households — with the caveat that no dog is guaranteed hypoallergenic and individual reactions vary

This mix is a poor fit for:

• Households where the dog will be left alone 8+ hours regularly
• Owners who want a low-maintenance grooming commitment
• Families with very young children who don't understand how to handle a small dog gently
• Anyone looking for a protection dog or an intensely athletic performance sport partner

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up the Havanpoo?

The Havanpoo is a cross between the Havanese (Cuba's national toy breed) and the Poodle (typically Miniature or Toy size). Both are AKC-recognized purebreds with documented breed histories.

How big will a Havanese and Poodle mix get?

Most Havanpoos weigh 10–18 lb (4.5–8.2 kg) and stand 10–15 inches (25–38 cm) at the shoulder. Toy Poodle crosses trend smaller (7–12 lb); Miniature Poodle crosses trend larger. Always verify parent sizes before purchasing.

What will the temperament be like?

Expect an affectionate, people-oriented, moderately playful companion. Intelligence tends to be high (Poodle influence), but sensitivity is also high — this mix responds best to patient, reward-based training. Separation anxiety risk is significant if left alone for long periods.

Is the Havanese and Poodle mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Havanpoos with Poodle-dominant curly coats shed minimally and may suit people with mild allergies. F1B generations backcrossed to a Poodle offer the best odds. Always spend extended time with a specific dog before committing if allergies are a concern.

What health issues might this mix inherit?

Shared risks include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), mitral valve disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and early-onset dental disease. Havanese-specific risks include IVDD and liver shunts; Poodle-specific risks include Addison's disease and sebaceous adenitis. Reputable breeders screen parents for these conditions.

How much does a Havanese and Poodle mix cost?

From a reputable breeder performing full health testing, expect to pay $1,800–$3,200. Backyard breeders may charge $400–$900 but typically skip health screening. Rescue adoptions range from $150–$500. First-year total ownership costs typically fall between $3,500 and $7,000+.

Can I find a Havanpoo in a rescue?

Yes, though it requires patience. Check breed-specific rescues for both Havanese and Poodles — mixed-breed dogs frequently end up in these programs. Sites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet allow you to search by mix type. Adult Havanpoos in rescue are often already house-trained and past the destructive puppy phase, which can be an advantage.