Havapoo vs. Cavapoo: How Are They Different?

Both the havapoo and the cavapoo are hybrid (mixed) breeds that come from the poodle. The havapoo is the combination of a Havanese and a poodle, while the cavapoo is the combination of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle. These mixed breeds are similar in size, though the havapoo is typically larger than a cavapoo. Because they are not purebred, however, there is no breed standard to determine a precise average for either dog. here are key differences between these two hybrid breeds, including tolerance to separation, coat type, health issues, and trainability.. Continue reading to discover more about what sets these two hybrid breeds apart.

Lineage

In a litter of mixed-breed puppies, the dam (mother) and sire (father) each contribute 50% of the genetic material. The combination of the two parents’ diverse genetic makeup results in the unique and sometimes surprising variety of appearances and temperaments within a single mixed-breed litter.

The havapoo is the offspring of a Havanese and a poodle. The Havanese is a small dog with a notably long double coat that has made it popular as a fashion accessory.

The Cavapoo is a mix of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the poodle.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the Havanese are two dramatically different dogs. While their hybrid offspring are more similar due to their shared poodle parent, many of these breed differences are evident in the cavapoo and the havapoo.

Tolerance to Separation

Small breeds are often more prone to separation anxiety because they have been historically bred as companion animals, leading to a strong attachment to their guardians.

Neither the havapoo nor the cavapoo likes to be alone. Both poodle hybrids love to be around their human families and are extremely affectionate. However, the cavapoo is more tolerant of being left alone than the Havapoo.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel isn’t an especially clingy pet. They’re affectionate but also okay being left alone, a characteristic most cavapoos have adopted. However, the Havanese is an anxious breed, a trait they’ve passed on to the havapoo.

Coat Types

A poodle’s hair is dense and curly, which traps loose hair, leading to very little shedding and making them a low-shedding breed. This is much of the appeal of cross-breeding poodles with other breeds.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel has a silky, medium-length coat with long feathering on the ears, chest, tail, and legs. The coat is prone to tangles and needs regular brushing. The cavapoo’s coat is varied due to its mixed heritage, ranging from straight and silky like a Cavalier King Charles spaniel to wavy or curly like a poodle. This variability also affects shedding, with curlier coats generally shedding less and being considered more hypoallergenic, while straighter coats may shed more.

The Havanese has a long, soft, wavy double coat that is light and silky to the touch and can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It is non-shedding and requires regular grooming. The havapoo’s coat is known for being soft, low-shedding, and low-dander, which makes it a popular choice for those with allergies. Its appearance varies greatly because it inherits traits from both the Havanese and poodle parent breeds, ranging from silky and wavy like the Havanese to curly like the poodle, or a combination of both. 

Health Issues

Small dogs are prone to developing certain health conditions. Eye and joint problems are especially prevalent. One thing these two hybrids have in common: allergies.

Both havapoos and cavapoos can be prone to allergies and skin sensitivities, depending on the traits inherited from their parent breeds. Like many small, mixed-breed dogs, havapoos and cavapoos can experience allergies and skin issues, including reactions to environmental allergens and certain foods.

Training

Both the cavapoo and the havapoo are moderately trainable. These are intelligent dogs with a desire to please, but cavapoos are prone to distraction. This may make them slightly more difficult to train than the havapoo, although the potential is still there.