The Havapoo is a social designer dog breed that loves people and attention. They are known for their loving and affectionate personalities and playful antics. Oftentimes, Havapoos retain a puppy-like demeanor all of their lives. Because they tend to be naturally open and friendly, they get along well with children and other pets. Playtime with younger children should be closely supervised as these are small dogs that can be easily injured by accidentals falls or rough play.

These traits make a Havapoo a good fit for single owners and any type of family. This also means they don’t make very good watchdogs as they are more interested in making friends and playing than anything else. They may alert you with a bark if there is a stranger at the door, but they do not tend to bark a lot unless they are trained into it.

The Havapoo is a highly trainable designer dog breed. In general, they are highly intelligent, attentive, and sensitive. They can sometimes have a little bit of a stubborn streak, so novice owners should not be afraid to seek out obedience training classes. Due to their small size, housebreaking can also sometimes be a challenge.

Due to their intelligence and attentive nature, Havapoos tend to pick up on things quickly as long as they are engaged. Because they are sensitive, it’s important to keep training positive. They will take harsh tones and corrections personally and it may send them into a pout while also making training less effective overall.

Because a Havapoo is mixed with a Poodle, the coat colors vary widely. The coat type is usually curly or wavy. Although their soft fur is usually low or non-shedding, you will still need to groom them regularly to maintain a healthy coat. Brushing them 2 to 3 times a week and bathing monthly or every two months is usually sufficient to remove tangles and prevent matting. Professional grooming is recommended at least twice a year.

The coat is not the only thing included in grooming. It’s also important to trim your dog’s nails monthly, check their ears regularly, and provide dental care. Nails that are too long can get caught in things and make it painful for your pup to move around. Trimming them monthly or more often as needed helps keep your dog’s paws healthy and movement comfortable.

Ears, especially those that flop over, can trap moisture, debris, and dirt, which can cause ear infections. By regularly checking your dog’s ears and carefully cleaning as needed, you can help prevent ear infections and irritations. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs; it’s also the most preventable. Proper dental care for dogs can include brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste regularly, a special diet, and dental chews.

Getting your puppy used to having their mouth, ears, and paws handled early on can help make grooming throughout their lives a much easier process. Plus, if you reward them early on and keep it a positive experience, grooming tasks can also become a quality bonding time for you and your pooch.

This dog breed has a moderate energy level. A few daily walks and some playtime are enough exercise for this pooch. Their energetic personality also means that they will enjoy some extra activity as well. A trip to the dog park, a short hike with you, or even dog sports, like agility, are all good activities that are a lot of fun for a Havapoo. Because of their small size, they can tire out easily and overexert themselves. So, if you see your Havapoo panting heavily and having some trouble keeping up, it’s time for a break, some water, and some cuddles.