How to Adopt a Havapoo in New York

The Havapoo — a mix between the Havanese and poodle — is a companion breed with an endearingly sweet temperament. Growing up to 18 inches tall at the shoulders, the Havapoo is a compact dog who is particularly well-suited to apartment living. They’re also gentle, adaptable, and a proud lap dog through and through.

With so many lovable traits, it’s no surprise you’re considering adopting a Havapoo, and New York can offer the perfect home for them with its virtually endless pet-friendly amenities, parks, and walkable routes to explore. For instance, NYC even has dog parks with dedicated small breed areas where a Havapoo can safely socialize and play, like Carl Schurz Park Dog Runs.

Adopting a new forever companion is a big journey, but one that’s sure to be rewarding and provide treasurable memories. To help prepare you, we’ll discuss everything you need to know below, from how the adoption process works to the Havapoo’s care needs and unique characteristics.

What Are Havapoos Like?

The Havapoo is a mixed breed, meaning they often inherit a combination of traits from their parents. While every mix will be unique in their own way, most Havapoos are affectionate, even-tempered, and adaptable. They also usually take on the poodle’s distinctive, curled coat type and the Havanese’s adorable, almond-shaped eyes and plumed tail.

Havapoos form strong bonds with their families and are often nicknamed velcro dogs. While this means they’re sure to be by your side when you need support the most, they can be particularly prone to separation anxiety.

This is especially the case when adopting a Havapoo in New York, as many will have unfortunately experienced a distressing separation before arriving at the shelter or rescue. For this reason, you should only consider adopting a Havapoo if you can keep them company throughout the day.

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What Is a Havapoo’s Temperament? The Havapoo is usually a gentle, playful, and energetic pup. They’re eager to please their owner — a quality that can make them easy to train — and they thrive when given plenty of attention and praise. While they can be vigilant around strangers, they warm up quickly, and their sociable, fun-loving side will soon shine through.

How Active Are Havapoos? The Havapoo is a small yet fairly active dog. While their exact exercise needs will depend on their genetics, health, and age, most Havapoos need between 30 to 60 minutes of engaging exercise each day to feel content. They particularly enjoy exercise activities that allow them to bond closely with their families, such as frisbee and agility. As well as regular physical exercise, the Havapoo also needs at least 30 minutes of daily mental stimulation to keep their brain active. You can readily provide this through interactive puzzle toys, trick training, and games like hide and seek. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are Havapoos?

The Havapoo is generally a compact, small dog, making them well-suited to apartment living in cities like NYC. However, their exact size will depend on whether they’re crossed with a miniature, toy, or standard poodle.

Havapoos crossed with toy or miniature poodles typically stand 15 inches at the withers and weigh up to 50 pounds. In contrast, Havapoos mixed with smaller poodle size variations typically only reach up to 12 inches tall and weigh 10 to 20 pounds.

What Are a Havapoo’s Grooming Needs?

The Havapoo can either inherit the poodle’s dense, curly, and coarse coat or the Havanese’s silky, wavy coat. Both of these coats shed very infrequently — making the Havapoo a potentially good companion for those with fur sensitivities — but they are prone to matting and require a lot of upkeep.

If you’re considering adopting the Havapoo in New York, be prepared to get handy with grooming tools like a slicker brush. Regardless of the coat type they inherit, you will need to give them a thorough brush each day to keep their fur free of debris, tangles, and matting, with an occasional wash every four to eight weeks.

As the Havapoo’s fur is so prone to matting, it’s also important to take them to a groomer in New York for a professional trim every month. A professional groomer can help with other grooming tasks, too, such as ear cleaning and nail trimming.

What Are Common Havapoo Health Issues?

The Havapoo is a hardy mix, but they are susceptible to the same conditions that their parents are predisposed to. This includes health issues such as patella luxation, eye disorders, hip dysplasia, skin conditions (like allergies), and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

Fortunately, many of these conditions can be managed or, in some instances, even prevented, with regular vet checkups. Ensuring you adjust your Havapoo’s diet for their age, health, and nutritional needs will also give them the best possible chance of leading a happy and healthy life.

Havapoos mixed with standard poodles are also particularly prone to a condition known as bloat or “Gastric-Dilatation-Volvulus” (GDV). This condition occurs when a dog’s stomach fills up with excess gas or liquid, then twists on itself and becomes blocked. Bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent veterinary care.

As a Havapoo owner, it’s vital you watch out for the signs of bloat, especially after their meal times. Symptoms include restlessness, excessive salivation, a swollen abdomen, and breathing difficulties.

What Is a Havapoo’s Lifespan?

The Havapoo is a hardy dog who can lead a long life with proper care and support at every life stage. While it’s impossible to predict their exact lifespan, most Havapoos live for 10 to 18 years on average.

Are Havapoos Good With Other Animals or Kids?

The Havapoo is a patient, nurturing, and cheerful dog who seems to spread joy wherever they go. Unsurprisingly, these qualities make them a great companion for kids of all ages.

Their alert nature also means they’re highly attuned to their owner’s emotions. They can pick up when children are feeling down and be there to offer comfort, reassurance, and affection when they need it most.

However, be mindful that Havapoos are little dogs with fragile physiques. They should only be housed with children who can play with them gently.

Havapoos get along well with other dogs, but for similar reasons, they shouldn’t be housed with large, energetic breeds who may accidentally trample them during play.

When taking your Havapoo to one of the many dog parks on offer in New York, be sure to stick to those that have separate small breed areas. As we mentioned briefly earlier, Carl Schurz Park Dog Runs is a great option, though other suitable parks include Hillside Dog Park.

Are Havapoos Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

Havapoos are some of the most popular companions for first-time dog parents, and it’s no surprise why: They’re adaptable, affectionate, and easy to train. While their coats do require a fair bit of upkeep, they shed very minimally and won’t leave homes (and clothes) covered in fluff.

They can also adapt well to any home as long as they have company throughout the day, whether that’s a high-rise apartment in NYC or a suburban family home.

How Do You Adopt a Havapoo in New York?

Adopting a new canine family member in New York can feel daunting, especially if you’re a first-time pet owner. However, the process doesn’t have to be stressful. By familiarizing yourself with the steps below, you’ll feel prepared for the adoption journey:

• Reach out to local shelters, rescue organizations, or breed-specific organizations in New York to find Havapoos available for adoption. You can also browse online adoption platforms with convenient search filter tools, like Dog Academy’s Adopt a Dog, to speed up your search.

• Once you have found a Havapoo up for adoption, reach out to the rescue staff to learn more about their personality and needs. This will help you learn if they’re the right fit.

• If you would like to proceed, request an adoption application form from the rescue or shelter organization. The staff will use the information you provide to determine your compatibility with the pup, so make sure to answer as accurately as possible.

• If the shelter or rescue feels you may be a suitable match, they will arrange for you to meet them in person. This meeting will serve as an opportunity to meet the Havapoo and learn more about their care needs. The staff will also take the time to learn more about you and your family to further assess your suitability.

• At this stage, some rescue organizations may wish to conduct home checks to verify your living environment is safe for the Havapoo, or require you to provide character references.

• If both you and the shelter staff feel that the Havapoo is the perfect match, you will pay the adoption fee and fill out the adoption paperwork.

Once the paperwork is signed, the rescue will schedule a time for you to collect your Havapoo and take them home with you. This will typically be within a few days, though you may need to wait a few weeks, depending on the rescue’s policies and whether they have a mandatory waiting period in place.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Havapoo in New York?

The cost to adopt a Havapoo in New York can vary, though most rescue organizations and shelters keep their adoption fee under $500. Expect to pay more if the Havapoo is a puppy or you’re situated in a high cost of living area like NYC.

How Should I Train a Havapoo?

The Havapoo is an eager-to-please, intelligent dog who can master challenging tricks and commands almost effortlessly, provided the right training approach is used. To set your little Havapoo up for success, it’s important to stick to positive reward-based methods.

Positive training techniques encourage your pup to repeat desirable behaviors through the use of rewards like treats, praise, and toys. They also turn training into a fun bonding game, which can help build your Havapoo’s trust in you too.

An online dog training course, such as our Basic Obedience Training Program, can teach you more about positive training, including why it’s important and how to use these measures effectively. The course can be studied at your own pace and is suitable for both novices and experienced dog owners alike.

Find the Right Havapoo in New York for You

The Havapoo’s qualities can make them a perfect forever companion for families of all kinds, but especially for people seeking an affectionate, sweet-tempered, and playful pup.

However, no two Havapoos are alike. Finding the right Havapoo in New York starts with getting in touch with ethical shelters and rescue organizations.

Ask if they have any Havapoo mixes available for adoption, and if they do, take the time to learn about each rescue pup’s temperament, care needs, and history. This will help you narrow down your options and find a Havapoo who matches your home and your lifestyle.