Havapoo

Grooming

Havapoo grooming is effortless and takes very little time. Given that they are a dog breed that sheds very little to none, their coat grooming requirements are low. Havapoo grooming should consist of brushing the coat, clipping nails, bathing, brushing teeth, and cleaning ears.  

Brushing your Havapoo’s coat should be done at least once a week for a few minutes, preferably with a bristle brush that is designed for their coat type. If time allows, two times a week would be ideal for brushing your little dog. We recommend that you begin grooming your Havapoo puppy as soon as it arrives home, at 8-10 weeks old. This will help your puppy get used to being handled and will set the tone for easier grooming at home when your Havapoo reaches adulthood. Bathing your dog monthly will work best, although it is beneficial to bathe them if they get particularly dirty sooner than that. When bathing your dog, make sure to always use canine-friendly shampoo that is right for your dog. Human shampoo is not dog-friendly and should not be used. 

Clipping your dog's nails is necessary only if or when they start making clicking noises on the floor. Brushing your dog’s teeth is an essential step that cannot be missed when it comes to Havapoo grooming. Havapoos, like all dog breeds, can be prone to dental issues and periodontal disease. It is highly beneficial to brush their teeth daily with dog toothpaste and a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs. You can begin brushing your Havapoo’s teeth using your finger with a little bit of toothpaste. This will allow your dog to become comfortable with the process. 

More tips on brushing your dog’s teeth. 

Another step in grooming your dog at home is to check for ear infections, debris, and bad odor, and to clean the outer part of the ears regularly. You can use dog wet wipes or a damp cloth to clean your dog’s ear.

Your dog's grooming should be easy to manage at home, even for non-experienced puppy owners. We recommend that you get your Havapoo puppy accustomed to the tools that you plan on using for grooming as soon as he/she arrives home. 

For more insights on grooming, check out our blog How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog Guide.

Exercise Needs

The Havapoos are moderately active dogs. They are energetic and playful, and they love outdoor games. A Havapoo will generally prefer a game of chase or fetch as opposed to lazing around. When it comes to their exercise needs, they will require up to one hour of daily walks combined with some active playtime indoors. Havapoos are generally very enthusiastic dogs, which means they can sometimes get easily bored indoors. A mentally stimulating canine puzzle game and some interactive toys will help in exercising their minds and keeping them entertained and happy.  

For more insights on training dogs effectively, check out our blog Easiest Dogs to Train - Top 5 Pups for Effortless Training.

More useful tips on raising a new puppy.

Health

Small hybrid dogs like the Havapoo enjoy very good health. As a first-generation cross of a purebred Havanese and a purebred Poodle, the Havapoo puppy benefits from improved health thanks to hybrid vigor. Although not completely immune from developing health issues, the only concerns that are known to arise in Havapoos. These include cataracts during senior years, allergies, and skin infections.

Lifespan

The Havapoo lifespan is known to be between 12 and 15 years. While living over 15 years is not uncommon for this breed, it is something that requires a little effort on the dog owner’s part. To ensure your dog lives a long, healthy life, it is recommended to visit the veterinarian for bi-monthly check-ups and provide your dog with good care.

Exercise your dog as recommended and make sure to always purchase high-quality dog food that will provide your Havapoo with a healthy diet. For more on dog diets, see our blog on Can Dogs Eat Bananas Guide.

Training

Havapoos are highly intelligent dogs. They like learning new things and are generally very obedient. They are attentive, fast learners, and they have people pleasing personalities. Training a Havapoo should always be an easy and fun activity. Their eagerness to impress will show in well performed tricks and perfectly executed commands. To ensure you get the best response out of you puppy while training, use reward-based motivation and lots of positive reinforcement - Havapoo puppies love to be cheered and praised.  

Havapoos are sociable dogs, but they still need socialization training to ensure they grow into well-behaved adult dogs. They enjoy meeting new people and are known to make fast friends with other dogs. To socialize your Havapoo puppy, it is best to begin introducing people gradually in a low-distraction environment where your puppy is comfortable. Allow your puppy time to start liking interactions before you move on to outdoor activities and outdoor socialization training. Introducing your puppies to other pets in dog parks is also a terrific way to ensure they will mature into well-rounded friendly dogs.  

Havapoos are not overly dependent dogs. They can keep busy with interactive canine toys when they are alone for a couple of hours. Leaving them alone for extended periods of time can cause them to develop separation anxiety, which is best avoided with proper training during puppyhood. Leaving them alone for short periods of time throughout the day will help them become more independent as adult dogs. 

For more on early training, see our blog Early Training: Key Cavapoo Puppy Behaviors.

Learn more about training from our Puppy Training Guide.