Havanese Poodle Mix (Havapoo): Complete Breed Guide
Everything you need to know about the Havanese Poodle mix (Havapoo): size, coat types, temperament variability, health risks, grooming, and 2026 pricing.
The Havanese Poodle mix — most commonly called the Havapoo (and sometimes the Havadoodle or Poovanese) — pairs two small, intelligent, people-oriented breeds into a designer dog that has surged in popularity over the last decade. But because this is a crossbreed rather than a standardized breed, individual Havapoos can look, behave, and even shed quite differently from one litter to the next.
This guide breaks down exactly what prospective owners should expect — including the traits you can reasonably predict, the ones you can't, and the health screenings any responsible breeder should provide.
What Two Breeds Make Up the Havapoo?
Every Havapoo is a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle (almost always a Toy or Miniature Poodle, since the Havanese is itself a small breed). Understanding each parent breed is the best way to anticipate what a Havapoo puppy might be like.
| Trait | Havanese | Toy / Miniature Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Toy | Toy (Toy) / Non-Sporting (Miniature) |
| Weight Range | 7–13 lb (3.2–5.9 kg) | 4–6 lb Toy; 10–15 lb Miniature |
| Height | 8.5–11.5 in (22–29 cm) | ≤10 in Toy; 10–15 in Miniature |
| Coat | Long, silky, slightly wavy double coat | Dense, curly single coat |
| Shedding | Low | Very low |
| Energy Level | Moderate — playful but not hyper | High — athletic, needs mental work |
| Trainability | Good — responds to positive methods | Excellent — ranked #2 in canine intelligence (Stanley Coren) |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | 12–15 years (Toy); 14–16 years (Miniature) |
| Origin | Cuba — national dog, descended from Bichon-type dogs | Germany/France — originally water retrievers |
Both parent breeds are known for being alert, affectionate, and highly social. Neither is a yard dog — both thrive on close human companionship and tend to develop separation distress if left alone too long. The Havanese brings a softer, more easygoing streak; the Poodle contributes sharper problem-solving ability and higher drive.
Understanding Havapoo Generations: F1, F1B, F2, and Multigen
Generation matters more than most buyers realize. Here's what the labels mean:
- F1: First-generation cross — one purebred Havanese parent + one purebred Poodle parent. Maximum genetic diversity, but most variation in coat type and appearance among puppies in the same litter.
- F1B: An F1 Havapoo bred back to one of the parent breeds (usually the Poodle). Produces puppies that are ~75% Poodle / ~25% Havanese. Often chosen for more reliably curly, low-shedding coats.
- F2: Two F1 Havapoos bred together. This generation has the widest trait variability — puppies in the same litter can look dramatically different. Some breeders avoid F2 crosses for this reason.
- Multigen (F3+): Havapoos bred to Havapoos for multiple generations. Over time, traits become more predictable, but the gene pool narrows. Reputable multigen breeders outcross periodically to maintain genetic health.
If a breeder cannot tell you which generation a litter is, that's a red flag. Generation directly affects coat predictability, shedding level, and size — the three things most Havapoo buyers care about most.
How Big Will a Havanese Poodle Mix Get?
Because both parent breeds are small, Havapoos are firmly in the small-dog category. However, the exact size depends on whether the Poodle parent is a Toy or a Miniature, and which generation the puppy belongs to.
| Size Category | Weight | Height at Shoulder | Typical Parentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (Toy Poodle parent) | 7–12 lb (3.2–5.4 kg) | 8–11 in (20–28 cm) | F1 Havanese × Toy Poodle |
| Medium (Miniature Poodle parent) | 10–18 lb (4.5–8.2 kg) | 10–15 in (25–38 cm) | F1 Havanese × Miniature Poodle |
| F1B (back to Mini Poodle) | 12–20 lb (5.4–9.1 kg) | 11–15 in (28–38 cm) | 75% Mini Poodle genetics |
Most Havapoos land in the 8–15 lb (3.6–6.8 kg) range at maturity. Males tend to be slightly heavier, but the difference is minor in a breed this small. Puppies typically reach close to their adult weight by 9–12 months, though they may continue to fill out through 18 months.
Practical tip: Ask the breeder for the exact weights of both parents. A good rule of thumb for F1 crosses: the puppy's adult weight usually falls between the two parents' weights, plus or minus about 15%.
Coat Types, Shedding, and the "Hypoallergenic" Question
This is where Havapoo variability is most visible — and where buyers are most often misled.
Three Possible Coat Types
- Curly (Poodle-dominant): Tight curls, dense single coat. Lowest shedding. Most common in F1B litters back-crossed to a Poodle.
- Wavy (blended): Loose waves to soft ringlets. Moderate-to-low shedding. Most common in F1 litters. Often the "teddy bear" look buyers want.
- Straight-to-slightly-wavy (Havanese-dominant): Longer, silkier hair with a possible undercoat. Highest shedding of the three, though still low compared to most breeds. More common in F2 litters where Havanese coat genes pair up.
Is the Havapoo Hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. The term is a marketing label, not a veterinary or scientific one. What some Havapoos can be is low-shedding, which means less dander-laden hair circulating in the environment. This helps some (not all) allergy sufferers.
Curly-coated F1B Havapoos are the most likely to be tolerable for people with mild dog allergies. But allergic reactions are triggered by proteins in saliva and skin cells (dander), not hair itself — so even a non-shedding dog produces allergens. If allergies are a concern, spend time with the specific puppy or adult dog before committing. The AKC notes that individual dogs vary even within the same breed or cross.
Shedding Reality Check
Even low-shedding Havapoos are not zero-maintenance. Hair that doesn't shed out gets trapped in the coat, leading to matting if not brushed regularly. A wavy or curly Havapoo that isn't brushed every 1–2 days will develop painful mats close to the skin within a week or two — especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.
Temperament: What to Expect (and What Can Vary)
Havapoos inherit traits from two highly social, people-oriented breeds, which gives you a reasonably predictable baseline — but individual personality is shaped by genetics, early socialization, and environment.
Typical Temperament Profile
- Affectionate and velcro-ish: Most Havapoos want to be in the same room as their people, if not on their lap. This is a breed mix that bonds deeply.
- Alert but not aggressive: Expect barking at the doorbell and at passersby. Both parent breeds are watchful. Neither is a guard dog.
- Playful and trainable: Poodle intelligence combined with Havanese charm makes Havapoos quick learners. They excel at tricks, agility (at the small-dog level), and nose work.
- Sensitive: Harsh training methods shut this mix down fast. Positive reinforcement — treats, praise, play — is the only approach that works reliably. Force-free, reward-based methods recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior are essential.
Challenging Scenarios
- Separation anxiety: Both parent breeds are prone to distress when left alone. Havapoos left in crates for 8+ hours daily are at high risk for anxiety-driven barking, destructive chewing, and house-soiling. This mix suits households where someone is home often or where the dog can accompany its owner.
- Excessive barking: Without early training, some Havapoos become nuisance barkers. The behavior is manageable but requires consistent work from puppyhood.
- Timidity with strangers: Havanese genetics can lean toward shyness. Puppies need structured socialization (positive exposures to novel people, surfaces, sounds) between 8–16 weeks to prevent fearfulness.
- Small-dog syndrome: Tiny dogs that are carried everywhere and never asked to walk, wait, or settle can develop pushy, reactive, or resource-guarding behaviors. Treat your Havapoo like a real dog, not an accessory.
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
One of the most persistent myths in the designer-dog world is that crossbreeding automatically eliminates health problems through "hybrid vigor." Here's the reality: hybrid vigor (heterosis) can reduce the risk of recessive genetic diseases that are common in one parent breed — but only if those diseases are caused by different mutations in each parent. It does not protect against conditions that both parent breeds share.
Both Havanese and Poodles are predisposed to several overlapping health issues. A responsible Havapoo breeder will screen parent dogs for the following:
| Condition | Parent Breeds Affected | Screening Test | What to Ask the Breeder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) | Both — very common in small breeds | Orthopedic exam by veterinarian | Written vet clearance for both parents |
| Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) | Both — PRA-prcd gene | DNA test (Optigen or equivalent) | DNA results showing both parents are clear or carrier-bred to clear |
| Hip dysplasia | Both (more common in Miniature Poodles) | OFA or PennHIP evaluation | OFA/PennHIP scores for both parents |
| Mitral valve disease (MVD) | Havanese (common in aging dogs) | Cardiac exam, echocardiogram | Cardiac clearance, especially for Havanese parent |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease | Both — small-breed hip disorder | X-ray diagnosis | No history in parent dogs' lines |
| Cataracts | Both | CERF/OFA eye exam (annual) | Current eye clearance certificates |
| Addison's disease | Poodles (higher prevalence) | ACTH stimulation test (if symptomatic) | Family history disclosure |
Important: Ask for documented health clearances — not just "the vet said they're healthy." A general wellness exam does not catch genetic conditions like PRA or patellar luxation in early stages. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) maintains a public database where you can verify health test results by dog name or registration number.
Always consult your veterinarian about breed-appropriate health screening for your individual dog, especially as they age. Early detection of conditions like mitral valve disease or patellar luxation can significantly improve management outcomes.
Grooming and Daily Care
Havapoo grooming demands depend almost entirely on coat type, which traces back to generation and parentage.
Brushing
- Curly coats: Brush every 1–2 days with a slicker brush followed by a metal comb to check for mats at the skin level. Pay special attention to ear fringes, armpits, and the area where the collar or harness sits.
- Wavy coats: Brush every 2–3 days. Less prone to matting than curly coats but still requires regular attention.
- Straight/silky coats: Brush 2–3 times per week. Use a pin brush and comb through to the undercoat.
Professional Grooming
Plan for a professional groom every 6–8 weeks. Expect to pay $50–$90 per session depending on your region, the dog's size, and coat condition. A matted dog may incur additional de-matting fees ($15–$30) or require a full shave-down.
Other Care
- Ears: Floppy, hairy ears trap moisture. Clean weekly with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleanser. Pluck excess ear hair if your groomer or vet recommends it (practice varies).
- Teeth: Small breeds are notoriously prone to periodontal disease. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste is strongly recommended. Professional dental cleanings under anesthesia are typically needed every 1–3 years starting around age 3–5.
- Nails: Trim every 2–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they're too long.
- Tear staining: Common in both parent breeds, especially on light-colored coats. Wipe the eye area daily with a damp cloth. Commercial tear-stain removers can help, but consult your vet if staining is excessive — it can signal eye irritation or blocked tear ducts.
Exercise Needs
Havapoos need 30–45 minutes of daily activity, split between walks and play. A 20-minute leash walk plus 15–20 minutes of indoor fetch, puzzle toys, or training games will satisfy most individuals. Poodle-dominant dogs may want more; Havanese-dominant dogs may be content with less. Neither is a high-endurance breed — long runs or all-day hikes are not appropriate for a dog this small.
Cost: What You'll Actually Spend
Puppy Purchase Price
As of 2026, Havapoo puppies from responsible breeders typically cost:
- $1,500–$2,500 for F1 litters from health-tested parents
- $2,000–$3,500 for F1B or multigen litters from breeders who do full genetic panels, OFA clearances, and early neurological stimulation (ENS) / Puppy Culture socialization protocols
- $500–$1,200 for puppies from casual or backyard breeders (no health testing, no take-back guarantee — higher risk)
Rescue availability: Havapoo-specific rescues are rare, but small-breed and Poodle-mix rescues occasionally have Havapoos. Adoption fees typically range from $200–$600. Check Petfinder and breed-specific rescue networks like Poodle Rescue or local small-breed rescue groups.
First-Year Cost Estimate
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy purchase | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Initial veterinary exam + vaccines (3 puppy visits) | $300–$600 |
| Spay/neuter | $300–$700 |
| Microchip | $25–$50 |
| Professional grooming (5–6 sessions) | $300–$540 |
| Food (high-quality small-breed kibble or fresh food) | $200–$500 |
| Supplies (crate, harness, leash, bed, toys, bowls) | $150–$350 |
| Pet insurance (annual premium) | $350–$700 |
| Training classes (puppy socialization + basic obedience) | $150–$400 |
| Total first year (excluding purchase) | $1,775–$3,840 |
Ongoing annual costs after the first year typically run $1,200–$2,500, driven mainly by grooming, food, preventive medications, and routine veterinary care.
Who Is the Havapoo Best Suited For?
Ideal households:
- Apartment or condo dwellers — Havapoos are small, relatively quiet (with training), and don't need a yard.
- Retirees or work-from-home owners — this mix struggles with long daily absences.
- Families with older, respectful children (age 8+) — small dogs can be injured by rough handling, and toddlers may accidentally drop or squeeze a 10-pound puppy.
- First-time dog owners — Havapoos are generally forgiving of beginner mistakes, eager to please, and manageable in size.
- Allergy-conscious households — particularly with F1B curly-coated individuals (with the caveat that no dog is guaranteed hypoallergenic).
Less ideal for:
- Households where the dog will be crated or left alone 8+ hours daily.
- Families with very young toddlers who may not understand gentle handling.
- Owners who want an outdoor adventure dog for long hikes or runs.
- Anyone unwilling to commit to regular grooming — this is a high-maintenance coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up a Havapoo?
A Havapoo is a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle — typically a Toy or Miniature Poodle, since the Havanese is a small breed. Standard Poodles are almost never used because the size difference would be unsafe for the Havanese parent.
How big will my Havapoo get?
Most Havapoos weigh 8–15 lb (3.6–6.8 kg) and stand 9–14 in (23–36 cm) at the shoulder. The exact size depends on whether the Poodle parent was a Toy or Miniature and which generation the puppy belongs to. Ask the breeder for parent weights to estimate your puppy's adult size.
What will the temperament be like?
Expect an affectionate, people-oriented, intelligent small dog that bonds closely with its family and tends to follow you from room to room. Most are playful and trainable but sensitive to harsh handling or yelling. Barking at strangers and separation anxiety are the two most common behavioral challenges. Early socialization and positive-reinforcement training are essential.
Is the Havapoo hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. However, Havapoos — especially F1B individuals with curly, Poodle-dominant coats — tend to be low-shedding, which reduces dander in the environment and may be tolerable for some people with mild allergies. Individual dogs vary, so spend time with the specific dog before committing.
What health issues might a Havapoo inherit?
Both parent breeds share predispositions to patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, cataracts, and dental disease. Havanese lines may carry risk for mitral valve disease; Poodle lines may carry risk for Addison's disease. Reputable breeders screen parent dogs through OFA, PennHIP, and DNA testing to reduce these risks.
How much does a Havapoo cost?
From a responsible breeder performing full health clearances, expect to pay $1,500–$3,500 in 2026. Adoption through rescue typically costs $200–$600. First-year expenses beyond the purchase price (vet care, grooming, supplies, insurance) add another $1,775–$3,840.
Are Havapoos good with children?
They can be excellent with gentle, respectful children aged 8 and up. Because of their small size, they are vulnerable to accidental injury from toddlers or young children who may pick them up improperly, drop them, or squeeze too hard. Always supervise interactions between any dog and young children.
Do Havapoos bark a lot?
Both parent breeds are alert and vocal, so barking at doorbells, passersby, and novel sounds is common. It's manageable with early training — teaching a "quiet" cue and rewarding calm behavior — but prospective owners in thin-walled apartments should be prepared to work on this from puppyhood.
Tom Renshaw
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
