Havapoo
Breed Stats
Adopting a Havapoo: An Overview
A havapoo is an adorable mix of the havanese, a bichon-type dog, and a poodle. These tiny balls of fluff have quickly gained popularity thanks to their affectionate nature, intelligence, and friendliness, originating from both sides of their ancestry. Their hypoallergenic coats make them perfect pets for owners prone to allergies.
So, how do you adopt a havapoo? Well, for that, you’ll have to understand where to find them, how much they might cost, and whether this specific breed will fit your current lifestyle. These pups aren’t as readily available in shelters as some other breeds because of their fame and designer status. However, this doesn’t mean that purchasing from a breeder is your only option.

Rescues and rehoming platforms occasionally do have havapoos available, especially if you keep an eye out for breed-specific rescues. Those that focus on small companion breeds will likely have what you’re looking for. These places might charge an adoption fee of around $100-$400, whereas breeders can charge up to $2500.
Just make sure any breeder or rescue you go through follows ethical practices and puts the dogs’ well-being first. Visit the facility and ask about the health clearances of the pup’s parents, along with other concerns you might have relating to the dog’s medical records, behavior, and temperament.
Avoid agencies that are unwilling to answer questions and provide relevant information about the canine.
Lastly, you should prepare yourself for a waiting period, as havapoos are often in high demand. This means you may need to join a waiting list before the right pup comes along. Make sure to submit your adoption applications early and regularly check the listings on the agency’s website to increase your chances of welcoming your pup home sooner. It can also help if you establish a relationship with the agency, so that they can give you a heads-up whenever a suitable havapoo becomes available.
For Even More Information on Havapoos
View Breed InfoHavapoos For Adoption
How to Care for an Adopted Havapoo?
Havapoos are people-oriented dogs that get their anxious streak from the havanese part of their lineage. This means that their loving nature can often come across as overly clingy, as they’ll want to be close to their humans at all times. Such traits make transitioning to new environments a little challenging for them.
You should begin training your havapoo as early as possible. These pups are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement, like reward-based training. Start with basic obedience and leash manners before building up to more complex tricks and commands.
We also recommend starting socialization with diverse pets, environments, and people at an early stage to prevent behavioral issues down the line.


Grooming is another important aspect of caring for your adopted havapoo. This breed has a wavy or curly coat that requires brushing 2-3 times per week at least. You should also get them professionally groomed every other month to deal with matted fur and preserve their coat health.
Cleaning their ears and frequently trimming their nails is also important to prevent infections and maintain proper hygiene.
Havapoos require a balanced diet that is specific for small to medium-sized breeds. You can consult your vet to determine the right calorie intake based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
At the same time, make sure to give them at least 30-60 minutes of exercise each day. Daily walks with indoor play are usually sufficient, but combining some mentally stimulating games can help prevent boredom for these canines on a day-to-day basis as well.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Havapoo As Your First Dog?
Different dogs have varying temperaments, behavior patterns, and health issues. This means that not every canine is suitable for first-time dog owners, as some might require extensive care and supervision.
Havapoos are generally suitable as a first dog. They are small, manageable in size, and have relatively even temperaments. This works well for apartment or indoor living, as long as they get an appropriate amount of social interaction and activity. They’re not overly demanding and require only a few basics to be content in their life.
Havapoos can also be trained easily, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. You usually won’t come across many behavioral issues. However, if your training style is inconsistent, you might end up testing their boundaries without even realizing it.
Chaotic training can lead to confusion, stubbornness, or minor misbehavior in your pup as they try to work out what’s expected of them. As long as you have a steady, positive approach, you’ll be fine.
Another thing first-time dog parents need to prepare for is the emotionally sensitive nature of these furballs. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. This can cause barking, whining, or destructive behaviors like chewing and scratching.
While managing these small canines is easy, you should still be committed to caring for them daily, providing them the right nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. Keep these tips in mind, and your havapoo will quickly become a beloved member of the family.

Adopt the Right Havapoo for You
Adopting the right havapoo for you is a process of careful planning, research, consideration, and patience. Since these designer dogs are a bit rarer compared to other breeds, say a labrador or a German shepherd, it may take time to find the right pup for you to adopt.
Some havapoos are more energetic and playful, while others might prefer to lie back and relax. Take the time to consider your daily routine, level of activity, and living situation so that you’re well-prepared for whenever a reputable rehoming service or adoption agency has the perfect opportunity.
With the proper home setup, supplies, and understanding of your havapoo’s needs, you’ll be ready to welcome your new fluffy companion into your home.