Havapoo vs Havanese: An In-Depth Comparison for Dog Lovers

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m often asked for my take on which breed prospective owners should choose. Two small companion breeds that frequently come up in these conversations are the Havapoo and the Havanese. While they have much in common, there are also some notable differences that are important to consider.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my professional experience and insights on the history, appearance, temperament, grooming needs, trainability, exercise requirements, health concerns, and ideal living situations for the Havapoo and Havanese. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the right furry friend for your lifestyle and family. Let‘s dive in!

Breed Histories and Origins

The Havapoo is a relatively new hybrid dog breed, first developed in the United States in the 1980s by crossing a Havanese with a Miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle. They were bred to combine the outgoing, friendly nature of the Havanese with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. As designer dogs, Havapoos are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they have become increasingly popular companions.

The Havanese, on the other hand, has a rich history dating back to Cuba, where they were bred as companions for aristocratic families beginning in the 1500s. These "little white dogs of Havana" are the national dog of Cuba and were popular as performing dogs before nearly going extinct after the Cuban Revolution.

Fortunately, a handful of Havanese dogs made their way to the United States in the 1970s with expatriates. Through careful breeding, their numbers slowly grew. The Havanese joined the AKC‘s Toy Group in 1996 and has steadily risen in popularity. Out of 204 AKC-recognized breeds, the Havanese ranked:

• 25th most popular in 2020
• 24th in 2019
• 31st in 2010
• 86th in 2000

Size and Appearance

One key difference between the Havapoo and Havanese is size and appearance, as Havapoos‘ looks can vary based on their Poodle genes. Here‘s a quick snapshot of their stats:

Havapoo

• Height: 8-15 inches
• Weight: 7-30 pounds
• Coat: Usually curly, low-shedding; many colors

Havanese

• Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-13 pounds
• Coat: Long, silky, straight or wavy; many colors

Because they‘re a mix of two breeds, Havapoos even within the same litter may look quite different in terms of size, coat type, and color. Purebred Havanese have a more predictable, standardized appearance: a small but sturdy build, long, glamorous coat, expressive almond eyes, and tail arched over the back.

Temperament and Personality

If a friendly, happy-go-lucky companion is what you‘re after, you really can‘t go wrong with either a Havapoo or Havanese. They are both bred to be affectionate, sociable, and attentive to their owners. As veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein puts it, "These are superb companions dogs. They‘re very affectionate…[and] quiet and cheerful in the home."

Havanese and Havapoos are both great with kids, other dogs, and even cats. They may bark to alert you of visitors but are generally more inclined to welcome strangers than scare them off. Early socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted, confident dog of either breed.

These smart, curious, playful dogs keep a puppy-like wonder well into adulthood and are always up for a game or adventure. Poodles are ranked the second most intelligent dog breed, so Havapoos may be especially quick learners. Havanese are no slouches though—they excel at learning tricks.

One shared trait to be aware of is the tendency for both breeds to develop separation anxiety. Tammy Harney, a certified dog trainer in Florida, says "Havanese by their nature are very attached to their owners and really do not like being left alone. A Havanese can easily develop separation anxiety if not gently trained to be independent from a very young age."

The same goes for Havapoos. If you work long hours or travel often, these sensitive companion breeds may not be the ideal choice, as they thrive with plenty of attention and togetherness.

Grooming Needs and Shedding

Both the Havapoo and Havanese have coats that require extensive grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Jennifer Kvamme, a certified pet groomer, recommends the following:

• Havapoos: Brush at least 3-4 times per week, more often if keeping coat long. Visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks for a trim. Regular ear cleaning and tooth brushing.
• Havanese: Daily brushing and combing to the skin, more frequently than Havapoos. Baths every 1-2 weeks. Consider a "puppy cut" for easier maintenance.

While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, both breeds are low-shedders and may be a good choice for mild allergy sufferers. Dr. Klein notes that "if you are allergic to dander or have trouble with hair, both breeds have hair coats which are considered good for some allergy sufferers. Regular grooming can substantially reduce allergens as well."

Exercise and Training

Though small in size, Havanese and Havapoos have plenty of energy and need daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. Certified dog trainer Jess Rollins recommends the following routines:

Havapoo

• 45-60 minutes per day, split between walks and playtime
• Games of fetch, puzzle toys, learning new tricks
• Dog sports like agility, rally can be a great outlet
• Generally slightly higher exercise needs than Havanese

Havanese

• 30-45 minutes per day, split between walks and play
• Loves games and toys, learning tricks
• Enjoys walks, hikes, beach trips with owners
• Slightly lower needs than Havapoos on average

Both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable with reward-based methods. Havanese can occasionally be stubborn, while Havapoos may pick up new commands more readily thanks to the Poodle smarts.

Early socialization and positive training are a must. Puppy classes are a great way to build confidence and manners. Dr. Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs, says, "Both breeds respond best to training methods that stress positive reinforcement, play and treats. Repetitive drills are a bore for these quick minds."

Lifespan and Health

Havapoos and Havanese both have relatively long lifespans as small dogs, provided they receive good care:

• Havapoo: 10-15 years
• Havanese: 13-16 years

Some potential health concerns seen in these breeds include:

Health Issue	Havapoo	Havanese
Luxating patella	5-10%	6-13%
Hip dysplasia	5-10%	1-2%
Eye issues (e.g. cataracts)	<5%	6-8%
Hereditary deafness	<5%	11-30%
Heart murmurs	<5%	<5%
Liver shunts	<5%	<5%

Estimated prevalence. Sources: Kennel Club UK; Legg et al. 1998; Gelatt et al. 2013.

Mixed-breed Havapoos may benefit from "hybrid vigor", potentially inheriting fewer genetic disorders than purebreds. But skeptics say there‘s limited evidence that mixed-breed dogs are universally healthier.

The best way to stack the odds of a healthy pup is to buy from responsible breeders who health test.
Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker suggests these questions for any breeder:

• What specific health tests and certifications have your breeding dogs received?
• What health issues crop up in this breed or your lines?
• What is your guarantee if a puppy develops a genetic disorder?
• How do you socialize puppies before they go home?

Who Are Havapoos and Havaneses Best Suited For?

Havapoos and Havaneses can make wonderful companions for:

• Apartment dwellers (both adapt well to homes with limited space)
• Active singles or families
• First-time dog owners
• Those looking for a devoted lapdog
• Owners who want a highly portable, friendly travel companion
• Mild allergy sufferers (with regular grooming)

They may not be ideal for:

• People who work long hours away from home
• Frequent travelers who can‘t bring their dog along
• Very busy households that can‘t commit to extensive grooming
• Those wanting a fully hypoallergenic dog (no such thing!)
• Completely sedentary owners not willing to exercise a dog daily

Havapoo vs Havanese: A Dog Lover‘s Perspective

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I will say that both the Havapoo and Havanese have stolen my heart. It‘s hard to resist their happy-go-lucky, endlessly cheerful personalities and teddy bear looks. I‘ve seen both thrive as cherished family pets, adventure buddies, even therapy dogs brightening people‘s days.

That said, they are a big commitment in terms of companionship and grooming. These are dogs that want to be with you all the time, whether that‘s snuggling on the sofa or trotting along at your heels. And they need more brushing and upkeep than the average dog to keep those gorgeous coats tangle-free.

My advice is this: Whether you have your heart set on a Havapoo or Havanese, do your homework. Talk to owners, reputable breeders, rescues. Meet the dogs in person. Ask yourself honestly if you have the time, energy, and budget to devote to their emotional and physical needs for the next 10-16 years.

Caring for one of these charismatic little charmers is an investment, but for the right owners, the payoff in unconditional love and laughter is immense. I can‘t tell you how often I see Havapoo and Havanese owners who say "This dog is the best thing that ever happened to me." From one dog lover to another, I understand the feeling.