Today, we will be focusing on the Havapoo. Specifically, all the pros and cons of owning a Havapoo. The chances are that if you have found this blog, you are considering getting a Doodle. You might be searching and weighing all the options before you. With so many Doodle breeds, it can be easy to get lost in the sea of cute faces.
Origins
Before talking about how the Havapoo behaves like a pet, we need to understand it’s heritage. The Havapoo, like all Doodles, is a mixed breed. They are half Poodle and half Havanese. Like most Doodles, the history of why the Havapoo was created is somewhat of a mystery. But what we do know is that they originated in the United States within the last 20 years. They make excellent companions and are a perfect mix of their purebred ancestors.
The Poodle originated between the German and French borders. They made excellent hunting dogs that adapted well and learned commands quickly. The Poodle has a lush waterproof coat that made them especially good at fishing and hunting ducks. Eventually, people started to realize that they had great potential as a companion dog, and started breeding toy and miniature sizes. These smaller sizes are what we use for breeding the Havapoo.
The Havanese is another purebred dog that originated in Cuba. They are the pride of the country and made excellent pets. The Havanese has a mild temper, is excellent with kids, and is also very loving. These dogs are destined to be your best friend.
Pros Of Owning A Havapoo
Taking a better look at the Havapoo’s origin helps us better understand all of their attractive characteristics. Next, we will dive into why these small Doodles will make a perfect pet for you.
Hypoallergenic
Since both the Poodle and the Havanese do not shed much, the Havapoo is a low shedding dog. In fact, most owners don’t notice any shedding at all unless they are grooming. Having a hypoallergenic dog can be great for several reasons. If you have medical conditions like asthma or seasonal allergies, these dogs are less likely to trigger you. They are also perfect for the owner that hates to get fur everywhere but still wants a loving companion.
But, be cautious when treading the hypoallergenic path. Most people believe that this means these dogs do not cause an allergic reaction. This is a common myth. People that are allergic to dogs are allergic to the dog’s dander, saliva, and even urine. All of which the Havapoo still has.
Temperament
All Havapoo owners agree on one thing- their temperament is perfect. Your Havapoo will be kind and gentle but have a playful spirit, and they love to be around their families and enjoy games. And your Havapoo will have a large heart, big enough for all family members. They are also intelligent and like to have a refreshing challenge every once in a while. Havapoos are the perfect combination of brains and companion.
Intelligence
As we mentioned above, the Havapoo is brilliant. They love to learn tricks and seem to understand on a human level what you want from them. You won’t have to worry about a long housebreaking process. These pups learn quickly and like to move on with their next lesson. They also love to have mental puzzles and games for when you are away. These puzzles will keep them thinking and hopefully curb any separation anxiety.
Energy Levels
These dogs might seem like a lap dog, but they are lighthearted and playful. The Havapoo is a moderately active pup and needs about an hour of exercise a day. They enjoy going for walks, playing with toys, or doing whatever outdoor activity you enjoy. They fair well in apartment living as long as they get adequate walks and time with their owners.
Size
The Havapoo is the perfect small Doodle. Since they only reach 7-30 pounds when full-grown, they can adapt well to many situations. Their small size makes them affordable, easier to travel and live longer. Now you might be thinking that this is a vast difference within the breed. But, their size depends on how big the Poodle parent is. If using a Mini Poodle for breeding, the Havapoo might be a little larger. Likewise, if using a Toy Poodle, it could be smaller. It is better to see the parents in person to get a better idea of your puppy’s adult size.
Little Barking
Neither the Havanese or the Poodle is known to be a yappy dog. Therefore the Havapoo is not a big barker either. Little barking can be good for you and your neighbors if you live in an apartment. It is also great for the neighborhood not to have a dog barking at everything outside. But, it also means that they are typically not a good guard dog. But, even if they did bark, the Havapoo hasn’t met a stranger.
Lifespan
We mentioned briefly that smaller dogs typically live longer, but how long does the Havapoo live? Havapoos have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. That is the average of most small dogs, and it’s excellent news for owners. But, it’s also not uncommon for small dogs to live longer with proper care. If you keep up with proper nutrition, good breeding, and vet visits, your dog could live well beyond 15.
Good With Kids
And finally, the Havapoo is excellent with kids. Not only are they very calm, gentle, and loving. But, they are also slow to anger. Havapoos usually put up with a lot from their tiny humans before getting upset. Their tolerant nature makes them great for families, but it is still essential to have proper training and socialization.
Cons Of Owning A Havapoo
Now we can move on to all the reasons why you shouldn’t get a Havapoo. These are little characteristics that some owners might not like or be able to adapt to. These are small inconveniences that, when put together, might make them a poor choice for you.
Grooming
Unfortunately, a hypoallergenic coat takes a lot of maintenance. The longer your dog’s coat is, the more time consuming it will be. But, regardless of length, it will need to be attended to every day. You will need to have brushes and combs to complete the task of brushing your dog daily. Using the comb to detangle and the brush to remove any shedding. If you do not have time to brush your dog daily, they could soon become matted. Then the only way to fix it is to shave them.
Also apart of this grooming is taking your dog to a professional groomer. You will need to schedule for hair cuts every 6-12 weeks depending on how long you keep their fur. These appointments begin around 12 weeks old and continue throughout their lifetime. If you can not afford these appointments or have time to brush your dog, then a Doodle is not for you.
Separation Anxiety
Your Havapoo thrives off affection and company. They develop separation anxiety quickly if you are gone for the majority of the day or have a busy schedule. If you work or travel a lot, the Havapoo may not be the right choice for you.
Health Concerns
As with any breed, there are medical conditions that you should be aware of before purchasing a puppy.
Havapoos are prone to:
- Obesity if not exercised properly
- Deafness
- Joint damage
- Thyroid disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease and defects
- Addison’s disease
- And bloat
Knowing these before getting a puppy can help you choose a reputable breeder. It will help guide you on how to evaluate their health records and parental DNA tests. But even a small chance of developing a disease is still a chance.
Common
Having a common dog seems like a great idea because you don’t have to travel far for a breeder. But, having so many breeders can raise a red flag. Not all Havapoo breeders are equal. In fact, a lot of these breeders are possible backyard breeders or puppy mills. These types of breeders are looking to make a lot of money fast off a trend. They do not breed to the same standards and often produce sick puppies. When choosing your breeder, always do your research first.
Cost
And lastly, we come to the cost of a Havapoo puppy. The typical Havapoo costs between $800-$1,800. This cost can vary depending on your location or what type of Havapoo you are getting. If you do not have a lot of breeders in your area, you can expect to pay more and have other fees. These prices should come with health screenings of puppies from a vet, shots, deworming, and DNA testing from the parents. This might seem high, but you get what you pay for in your dog’s future health.
In Conclusion
After reading all these cons, do you still think you are a good match for a Havapoo? If so, Congratulations! You’re on your way to becoming a Doodle owner and all of the joy that comes with it. If you might be rethinking the Havapoo, don’t feel bad. It’s better to find out now, and not after you bring a puppy home. You will find your perfect match soon. In the meantime, subscribe today for more articles on all things Doodle.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
