How Long Do Havapoos Live? Vet Reviewed Lifespan, Data & Care

The Havapoo (also known as a Poovanese) is a designer dog produced by crossing a Havanese with a Poodle. Owners or enthusiasts might wonder exactly how long the dog can be expected to live. Typically, Havapoos live around 10–14 years, but many factors can affect their longevity, which we’ll look at in this article. If you’d like to know more about the adorable dogs, keep reading.

What’s the Average Lifespan of a Havapoo?

The average lifespan of the Havapoo is 10–14 years, which suggests that they’re a relatively healthy breed. Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger ones. Many factors are involved in how long a dog might live; a four-year discrepancy can feel like quite a large one, which might make you wonder why some Havapoos live longer than others. So, let’s take a closer look at what will affect your Havapoo’s lifespan.

Why Do Some Havapoos Live Longer Than Others?

Several factors will affect the lifespan of your Havapoo; some things you can control, and others you can’t. Genetics are incredibly important, but then so are their lifestyle and the environment they live in.

1. Genetics and Health Conditions

You’ll find that some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions than others; while this does not necessarily mean they will get everything on the list, their chances of getting one or more are slightly higher than another breed.

The good news is that mixed breeds tend to be healthier than purebred dogs because many prominent maladies are “bred out".¹ However, it’s still a good idea to be informed about what a Havapoo can inherit from both its parents,² the Poodle and Havanese:³

• Addison’s disease
• DeafnessEpilepsy
• Eye issues
• Hip dysplasia
• Patella luxation
• Thyroid issues

Additionally, it’s also important to use preventative flea and tick prevention treatments and keep up with your scheduled veterinarian visits. The earlier something can be treated, the better the outcome will be. Other problems to be aware of are:

Allergies

Havapoos are prone to allergies thanks to their Havanese side and can develop allergies to dust, food, and pollen. Common signs of allergies to look for are redness, itching, and inflammation. Many allergies can be controlled with medication or by making environmental changes.

Their allergies, combined with their floppy ears and beautiful coat, make them prone to ear infections. It can be tricky to keep the dog’s ears dry and clean, so owners must ensure they clean their dog’s ears at least twice a week. You can use this opportunity to watch for signs of infections, which will present with swelling, redness, or discharge. You will also have to keep an out for parasites, such as fleas or ticks since they can cause ear infections

Dental Problems

Dental disease is prevalent in dogs, with over 80% of dogs over three years old having some form of active dental disease.⁴ Pet parents should ideally brush their dog’s teeth twice a day or at least three times a week. Be sure to buy toothpaste for a dog, as human toothpaste isn’t designed to be swallowed and isn’t suitable for dogs. You’ll also need a canine toothbrush. Dental disease can shorten your dog’s life if left untreated.

2. Nutrition

You should invest in high-quality food for a balanced, nutritious diet regardless of the dog’s breed. When you compare high-quality dog food, it might seem similar to budget food, but there will be a very big difference in the source of ingredients. Low-quality products are often loaded with fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives.

It’s also important to choose a diet suitable for your dog’s life stage; what a puppy needs from their food differs greatly from what an adult requires. Formulas for puppies are typically higher in calories and fat.

Additionally, it’s unhealthy to underfeed or overfeed your dog, so follow the food’s serving instructions closely and try not to give your dog too many treats.

3. Exercise

Regular exercise is vital for your Havapoo, for both their physical and mental health. It can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve cardiovascular function, and prevent obesity and boredom. Havapoos are moderately active and don’t need more than an hour of exercise a day.

However, if your Havapoo is on the larger side, it could mean that their Poodle parents might have been closer to the Standard Poodle, meaning they will require more exercise. Of course, reputable breeders won't usually breed a Havanese with a Standard Poodle, as they differ so much in size. However, you could still have a dog that is on the larger side.

If you fail to meet your Havapoo’s exercise needs, you might notice some undesirable behaviors develop thanks to boredom,⁵ like digging in the yard or destroying your furniture.

4. Living Environment

Adding a dog to your family can be expensive, but it’s up to you as an owner to create a safe, clean, comfortable space for your dog that fits all their needs. If your Havapoo’s living environment isn’t fit for purpose, it can negatively affect their health and, in turn, their lifespan. Keeping your home and yard clean and free of hazardous plants and chemicals will ensure your Havapoo can run around safely.

5. Lifestyle

Dogs require consistency and routine in their lives; if they never know when they will be fed or walked, it can cause them anxiety and stress, which isn’t good for their mental or physical health. You will need to create a walking and feeding schedule and ensure you aren’t leaving your Havapoo alone for extended periods. This can cause them separation anxiety, leading to undesirable behavior and behavioral issues and ultimately shortening their lifespans.

The 4 Life Stages of a Havapoo

Puppy

The puppy stage for the Havapoo lasts until they’re about 1 year old. If your Havapoo’s parents are on the small side, it might reach its adult weight as young as 6 months, while larger Havapoos will level out around 8 months. They will also reach sexual maturity during this first year.

Young Adult

The young adult stage is generally 1 to 5 five years old. While your Havapoo reaches its adult weight in 6 to 8 months, it takes around a year for it to mature fully. During this stage, your Havapoo will be mischievous and energetic.

Mature Adult

Your Havapoo will become a mature adult in 5 to 10 years; they’ll have less energy and won't be as playful as before. They’ll still enjoy your company and going for walks, although you might notice minor health problems crop up during this time.

Senior

Your Havapoo will be a senior when they’re 10 years or older. You’ll notice they will be slower, and some gray fur will develop around their noses. It’s important to keep exercise part of their routine, as their metabolism will slow and they could gain weight more easily. They might develop more health issues during this time, so keep up to date with your scheduled vet visits.

How to Tell Your Havapoo’s Age

If your Havapoo is from a breeder, they will have documentation informing you of their age. If you adopt your dog, there are still ways to estimate their age. Your vet can look at their teeth (if they are milk teeth and how damaged they are) to determine their age. Another way is to look out for signs of graying or cloudy eyes, which happens as they age.

Conclusion

The Havapoo is a loyal, intelligent, happy little dog that has a long lifespan. There are ways you can ensure your dog lives not only a long life but also a safe, happy one, which in turn increases their lifespan. While your dog's genetics are important, so are nutrition, physical activity, quality of life, and whether or not you keep up with their regular veterinarian checkups.

By being informed before you bring a dog into your life, you can make good decisions for your Havapoo to ensure your pet is happy and lives a long life with you and your family.

Featured Image Credit: Tryon Pics, Shutterstock