The Havapoo and Cavapoo are equally friendly and adorable poodle mixes people love. Since they are both types of Poodle hybrid they have qualities to look for in that breed. They may have similarities, but there are differences that make each breed stand out on its own.
Breed Differences
Breed
The main difference in these 2 dogs is their breeding. A Havapoo is a cross between a Havanese and a miniature Poodle. This adds to their intelligence and sociability. A Cavapoo is bred with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a toy Poodle. The spaniel part of their breeding seems to contribute to their even dispositions.
Next: The Cavapoo vs. Maltipoo
Size
Both breeds are small dogs though a Cavapoo can reach between 9 and 25 lbs. in weight. They are the bigger and heavier of the 2 breeds ranging between 8 and 14 inches tall. Havapoos in comparison are a little smaller with weights between 7 and 13 lbs. and heights between 8 and 12 inches.
Next: The Cavapoo vs. Cavachon
Temperament
People enjoy the lively and agreeable temperament of these dogs. They will naturally decrease in energy level as they age. Because they are small dogs they are adaptable to large or small homes. Parents like these breeds for their friendliness towards children. The Cavapoo tends to be a loving and sweet dog that gets along well with children and other pets.
You’ll see that there’s a variation in their energy level depending on if they take after the laid-back Cavalier or lively Poodle. The Havapoo is an intelligent and high spirited dog, due to the fact that the Poodle and Havanese breeds both have these traits. They tend to be affectionate, friendly, and playful dogs who almost always enjoy having human company.
Appearance
The Havapoo and Cavapoo do look similar, but their distinct lineage shows through in physical characteristics. Havapoos tend to have silky, possibly curly and somewhat longer hair than Cavapoos. It even can be floor length and a curly or wavy texture, depending on which of their parents they most resemble. Cavapoos’ coats may be slightly curly or long and wavy. Both breeds have distinctive poodle-like hair. Their coats can be brown, tan, black, tri-colored, golden, and red.
Longevity
Since both breeds are hybridized they have had genetic defects bred out for the most part. This doesn’t mean they are totally free from inherent health concerns or developing diseases, it means that they typically enjoy long lives where their purebred ancestors are predisposed to certain health conditions. In general, a healthy Cavapoo can live between 10 and 16 years. This is a fairly long lifespan for dogs. Havapoos enjoy long lives between 12 and 14 years old. Factors like diet, exercise, etc. can have an impact on longevity.
Training
It’s important to note that the Cavalier can be easily distracted. You should take care to work in an area that has few distractions. Spaniels do have a strong instinct to chase, so they are likely to want to chase creatures that are smaller.
Next: Cavapoos vs. Cockapoos (our comparison)
Breed Similarities
These mixed Poodle breeds do have their similarities. All in all, it does depend on which parent your pet takes after the most when it comes to their appearance, size, training, temperament, and more.
Breed
The breeding of these two are fairly similar since of course they will share the Poodle genetics. Both the Cavapoo and Havapoo originate from the United States. The Cavapoo and Havapoo are almost the same height as each other, as well as the same weight. They tend to have a similar size in their litters. These breeds require a moderate level of maintenance.
Size
You’ll see more of a variety in sizes if there’s a wider possible range of sizes. However, you can more easily predict sizes of Cavapoos and Havapoos that have Miniature Poodle parents, since Miniature Poodles are closer in weight to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Havanese breeds. You may look at one of these breeds and mistake them for the other, due to the fact that their sizes are so similar. Be sure to find out the exact breeding of the parents before you get your puppy, so that you know what you can expect when they grow to be full size.
Temperament
When you compare the overall temperament between the Cavapoo and the Havapoo, you’ll find that these two Doodle breeds are quite similar. They like to chase toys and play, but they also make excellent companion dogs who are gentle and like to cuddle after a long day. Of course, you must remember that each dog will be unique and have a variation in their personality. This is why breeders typically will conduct personality testing so that they can match a puppy with the best possible family.
Appearance
When you look at the two breeds, you may have some trouble finding differences in their appearances. They are similar in size, especially for those that have a Miniature Poodle as a parent. Cavapoos do tend to be a little taller and heavier, with longer legs with a more rounded face and longer ears. Some of their colors can be the same, such as black, cream, and white. They also both can be multi-colored or have a sable pattern.
Longevity
Doodles can experience a variety of health concerns, even though they typically are often healthier than their purebred parents. They both can have joint problems like elbow and hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. They also can have a higher risk of eye diseases such as ear infections, thyroid diseases, digestive issues, allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts.
Cavapoos and Havapoos have a fairly long life expectancy of between 12 and 16 years. The smaller dogs tend to live for longer than their larger counterparts. This means that both of these breeds make for excellent companions, especially if you take one home when it’s only a puppy.
Training
Since poodles are intelligent and are motivated by food rewards, with the same being true of the Havanese and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, both of these mixed breeds do well with training exercises. It’s important to use force free training methods along with positive reinforcement that includes treats as this is a more fun, fast, and effective way in which to teach these dogs.
The Poodle has a fondness when it comes to fetching and carrying items around in their mouths. For this reason, your Cavapoo or Havapoo may end up inheriting this instinct and they may like to doncut more complex retrieval tasks.
Either dog may suffer from separation anxiety. You’ll need to use patience and teach your dog how to be alone gradually. Smaller dogs may have an issue with potty training since they have tiny bladders. This means that it’s especially important that you conduct crate training so that you prevent accidents as you transition your pet to do their business outdoors.
Cost
These designer breeds are on the expensive side. You can expect to have to pay $2,000 to $4,000 for a Cavapoo or Havapoo puppy. This is because they are considered to be designer breeds. This high price also is determined by factors like your location, demand in that area, the breeders standards, health testing protocols, experience and their reputation. Breeders may charge more for certain sizes, generations, and coat types.
It’s crucial that you use your due diligence and research breeders in the area before you make a decision about who you’ll go through for your Cavapoo or Havapoo. Don’t just opt for going through a breeder who charges you less as you never know if it is a puppy mill or a breeder who is working in an unethical manner.
Next: Cavapoos vs. Goldendoodles (our comparison)
Owning a Cavapoo or Havapoo
The care and treatment needs for your pet will be similar for the Cavapoo and Havapoo. They both are intelligent and active dogs who will require a great deal of stimulation. You would do well to work on training with your puppy or young dog right from the get-go. They’re sure to be happy playing fetch or with other toys that they can chase or push around on their own. Just be aware of any issues that can indicate physical health conditions so that you can bring it up with your veterinarian.
You will need to make sure that you have money set aside for regular grooming, routine veterinary check-ups, dog beds, toys, food and water bowls, and potentially for a doggy day care or someone to watch your dog in your home on occasion.
It can be expensive to bring your pet to a professional for grooming services on a regular basis. You might opt to do it yourself at home, especially if you have a dog who does need a lot of grooming. You will have the initial costs of buying quality grooming tools, but it is more than worthwhile in the long run if you are confident with this process.
Cavapoos and Havapoos make for great companions for the entire family since they get along with children, adults, and the other pets in your house. You will need to introduce and socialize your puppy to a variety of animals and people starting when they’re young. They are outgoing and bond with people easily, as well as love to be at the center of attention. If your young children don’t learn the appropriate way in which to play with these dogs, they can accidentally become hurt. You should supervise interactions between your pet and young kids so that you avoid any of these incidents.
A Final Word
You’ll be blessed to have either of these mixed dog breeds in your life. These loving, intelligent, friendly, and cuddly dogs are easy to train and have a longer lifespan due to their size. It’s worthwhile to visit a reputable breeder who specializes in these dog breeds. This way, they will be able to assess personalities to make recommendations of the perfect dog for your home. Contact a local breeder of Cavapoos and Havapoos today if you’re ready to get started with this process.