Havapoo
| Havapoo | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Origin | United States | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Breed status | Not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||||||
The Havapoo (also known as Poovanese, Havadoodle, or Havanese-Poodle mix) is a small designer dog produced by crossing a Havanese with a Poodle (usually Toy or Miniature Poodle).[1][2] Developed in the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it is one of many intentional Poodle hybrids bred primarily as affectionate, low-shedding companion dogs.[3]
The Havapoo is not recognized as a standardized breed by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), or Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).[4]
History
Havapoos emerged in the United States during the 1990s and 2000s alongside other popular Poodle hybrids such as the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. Breeders sought to combine the cheerful, people-oriented temperament of the Havanese with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle.[5][6]
Characteristics
Havapoos typically stand 8–15 in (20–38 cm) at the shoulder and weigh 7–20 lb (3.2–9.1 kg), though some individuals reach up to 30 lb.[7]
Coat types range from curly (Poodle-like) to wavy or silky (Havanese-like). Common colors include black, white, cream, chocolate, red, apricot, sable, silver, parti-color, phantom, and brindle.[8] While often marketed as hypoallergenic, no dog is completely hypoallergenic; Havapoos generally shed very little and produce lower levels of the allergen Can f 1.[9]
Generations
- F1: 50% Havanese × 50% Poodle
- F1B: F1 Havapoo backcrossed to a Poodle (most consistently curly and low-shedding)
- Multigenerational: Havapoo × Havapoo
Temperament
Havapoos are generally affectionate, playful, sociable, and intelligent. They tend to get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized and are known for adaptability to apartment living.[10]
Health
Potential inherited conditions include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, heart issues, Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, and dental problems. Responsible breeders perform health testing on parent dogs through organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).[11]
Average lifespan is 12–16 years.
Care
Regular grooming (brushing several times weekly and professional grooming every 4–8 weeks) is required. Early socialization and positive-reinforcement training are recommended.
References
- ^ "Havapoo Dog Breed Information and Pictures". PetMD. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ "Havapoo". DogTime. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ "Havapoo: Havanese Poodle Mix". Daily Paws. 2024-07-18. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ "Complete List of Dog Breeds Recognized by the AKC". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ "The Rise of Designer Dog Breeds". The Spruce Pets. 2023-11-02. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ "Havapoo Dog Breed Information". Dogster. 2025-05-27. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ "Havapoo Size and Appearance".
- ^ "Havapoo Colors and Coat Types".
- ^ "Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: Lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic". Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 130 (4): 904–909.e7. October 2012. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2012.05.013. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ "Havapoo Temperament and Personality". WagWalking. Retrieved 2025-12-12.
- ^ "OFA Recommended Tests for Havanese and Poodle".