Havapoo vs Cavapoo: Main Differences (With Pictures)

Havapoos and Cavapoos are both hybrid dogs that are bred with a Poodle. Both dogs tend to be on the smaller side, and they are quite popular because of their fluffy, adorable appearance and friendly personalities.

They’re both generally good dogs for first-time dog owners and families with young children. However, they have some differences that make them more well-suited for different types of people. Therefore, it’s important to know how each dog differs from the other before you commit to bringing one home. If you are torn between bringing home a Havapoo or Cavapoo, keep reading this article to find out which one is best for you.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Havapoo Overview

Personality / Character

Havapoos are a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle. Most Havapoos will have either a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle parent. These dogs tend to be relatively small and don't end up weighing more than 30 pounds when they reach adulthood. Havapoos are excellent pets for novice dog owners because of their intelligence and eagerness to please. Both the Havanese and Poodle are intelligent and intuitive dogs, and they're often popular breeds in the show dog world.

Havapoos love human companionship. While they’re usually friendly towards strangers, they do tend to show strong loyalty to one or two people in their family. They don’t do well being alone for long hours, so they're not the best fit for people who have jobs or lifestyles that require them to be out of the house for long periods of time.

Exercise

Havapoo puppies are usually bundles of energy that require a lot of attention and playtime opportunities. Their energy does fizzle out by the time they reach adulthood, and they don't require too much exercise.

Havapoos can get by with indoor exercise because of their small size and can easily learn to play fetch or enjoy playing with treat dispenser toys to simulate their intelligent minds. However, due to their smart and curious nature, it’s recommended to take them out on brisk 30-minute daily walks. Going on walks allows them to explore new surroundings and prevent boredom.

Training

Havapoos are relatively easy dogs to train because of their intelligence and eagerness to please. They're very intuitive and sensitive to people’s tone of voice, so it's important to be gentle and encouraging with your training. Never yell at a Havapoo because they will be extremely affected by it, and their confidence level will lower drastically. Make sure to keep training sessions short and fun and use plenty of praise and rewards to keep your Havapoo interested and motivated.

In general, Havapoos can get along with living with other dogs and pets. Just make sure to start socializing right away. Early socialization can help Havapoo puppies adjust to new situations and learn to live harmoniously with other pets. Make sure to go at a slow and incremental pace that’s comfortable for your Havapoo. This sets your Havapoo puppy up for success and builds up their confidence rather than making them feel more anxious.

Health & Care

Havapoos are generally healthy dogs that can live relatively long lives. However, they can be susceptible to certain genetic conditions that they inherit from their purebred parents. Havapoos may develop hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye issues, and deafness as they age.

Since Havapoos are dogs with moderate energy levels, it’s important to be on top of their diet and exercise to prevent excessive weight gain. Make sure to incorporate exercise into their daily routine because many Havapoos won’t go out of their way to exercise on their own.

Suitable For:

Havapoos are excellent choices for first-time dog owners because they have trusting natures and are eager to please. They’re excellent family dogs and will thrive in homes where there's usually one person around to keep them company.

While Havapoos can get along with younger children, they’re usually recommended for families with older kids due to their small size. They can easily incur an injury from roughhousing or aggressive play interactions. Most Havapoos will also do well in homes with other pets as long as they’re socialized properly.

Cavapoo Overview

Personality / Character

Cavapoos are a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle. They are friendly and lively dogs that bring a lot of joy and laughter to the home. These outgoing dogs are bundles of energy that love being the center of attention. They usually enjoy the company of both humans and dogs, but they certainly prefer being around humans. Similar to Havapoos, Cavapoos are social dogs that don't do well being home alone. Being left alone for long hours can cause a lot of stress, and they’re susceptible to developing separation anxiety.

Cavapoos can be better playmates for young children because they tend to be slightly larger than Havapoos. Just keep in mind that Cavapoos tend to be more energetic than Havapoos, so it's important for both Cavapoos and children to learn how to have respectful interactions with each other. Some Cavapoos can also have a strong prey drive, so they may not be the best dog for homes that have other kinds of pets, like cats and rabbits.

Exercise

Most Cavapoos are going to have a lot more energy than Havapoos. While they can adjust to apartment living, they usually need to spend time outside to expend their energy. They love going on walks around the neighborhood and visiting dog parks. Larger Cavapoos will also enjoy going on hikes and accompanying you as you run errands.

Cavapoos are also very smart, and they enjoy mentally stimulating activities. These dogs will love playing with puzzles and treat dispenser toys. Some may also learn to enjoy participating in agility courses and events.

Training

Cavapoos are intelligent and eager to please, like the Havapoo, but they tend to lose focus and are easily distracted. They do best when they have short and fun training sessions. Similar to Havapoos, Cavapoos are very sensitive, so it's important to stay encouraging and positive during your training sessions. It’s better to take a break from training if you feel frustrated. Cavapoos are quick learners, so once they get a good grasp of the basics, you'll find that they learn commands and tricks very quickly and training becomes much easier over time.

Health & Care

Cavapoos are pretty healthy and usually have longer lifespans than large dog breeds. They’re susceptible to some genetic conditions that they inherit from either their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle parents. Some common health issues Cavapoos may start to experience as they age include heart disease, eye issues, patellar luxation, and Addison’s disease.

Suitable For:

Cavapoos will be excellent companions for people who have more active lifestyles. They enjoy exercise and love to play. They also require a lot of attention, so they'll be the perfect companions for people who work from home, spend a lot of time at home, or have jobs where their Cavapoo can accompany them.

Cavapoos tend to be a little more difficult to train than Havapoos, but they can still be a good fit for first-time dog owners. You just have to make sure that you’re training your Cavapoo in a manner that sets them up for success.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Both Cavapoos and Havapoos are great family dogs and good breeds for first-time dog owners. They both must be in homes where there’s usually someone around to be with them. Havapoos have the slight edge of being better apartment dogs because they tend to be smaller and have less energy. Cavapoos tend to be more enthusiastic about going on outdoor adventures and keeping up with people with more active lifestyles.

Overall, both dog breeds are warm, friendly, and enjoy spending time with their families. So, if you’re looking for a sweet companion that won’t leave your side, either dog will be an excellent choice for you.

Featured Image Credit: Left - Tara Lynn and Co, Shutterstock | Right - Mia Anderson, Unsplash