Today we carry on our exploration of niche breeds, bringing to you the facts and information on the dogs you may have never even heard of before. So settle in and read on as we break down this uniquely Cockapoo Havanese mix.
Table of Contents
Parent History
Cockapoo
This cross originated in the 1960s making it one of the earlier designer breeds. Created through the mixing of a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, this dog is as loving as it is intelligent.
The first breed in the cross, the Cocker Spaniel, are direct descendants of one of the oldest known dog breeds. Spaniels themselves were originally trained as hunting dogs, specialized in land and water game to aid in the sport, however, the cocker in Cocker Spaniel comes from the proclivity towards using this breed to hunt Woodcock.
Poodles share a similar story. Originating from Germany originally, Poodles were also used as hunting dogs, specifically favored by waterfowlers. Why waterfowlers? It’s all in the hair. The thick mass of curls donned by Poodles is actually water-resistant, meaning these dogs could happily retrieve ammo or game with little to no fuss or long-term ramifications.
Havanese
Havanese on the other hand is a type of Bichon dog. These toy dogs were historically favored by the rich due to their portability and warmth – making them ideal companions when traveling or keeping warm.
It is this very companionship that earnt them the name they know today. Bichon dogs such as the Maltese were already a huge hit in Mediterranean countries, however, the Havanese was the breed of choice when Spanish colonists invaded Cuba.
Their presence in the Caribbean did not go unnoticed, and they rapidly grew to become the new nation’s favorite breed. As a result of their rising stardom, they came to be the national dog of Cuba, and this attraction began to spread across the US in the 1970s when they caught the eye of designer dog breeders.
How do you Cross a Havanese with a Cockapoo?
This cross can be achieved by natural means, with both Havanese and Cockapoos being fairly similar average sizes. This also means the cross can be achieved with either breed being female, as there are no increased health risks in whelping for the mother.
As these dogs are a quarter Poodle, they do class as a Doodle breed. Being a part of the Doodle classification has its own pros and cons which are beyond the scope of this article, but if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of all things Doodles then you should check out our ‘Epic Guide to Poodle Mixes’.
Of course, if your parents are non-Doodle, then the resulting cross will come under a different name – in this case, the mix is called a Havaco. A small and loyal toy dog, the Havaco is not much different from the Havanese Cockapoo mix and is a great companion all the same.
What’s in a Name?
There is little to no discussion about this mix online. Other than a few passing articles or puppy listings here and there, the Havanese Cockapoo mix remains incredibly elusive in the digital world.
As a result, there is no official name for the mix. While the Havanese Cockapoo mix does tick all the boxes, the name feels like more of a classification and lacks in character. For this reason, we suggest that the breed should instead be called the Havaco Doodle or even the Havacoodle!
Our reasoning is that the breed already bears an incredible resemblance to its non-Doodle Havaco cousin, and so this little addition follows the traditional Poodle cross naming tradition, while not being as much of a mouthful as the Havanese Cockapoo mix.
Advantages of the Cockapoo Havanese Mix
One of the biggest benefits of the Havaco Doodle is its sociability. A friend to all, this companion dog lives up to the title, being great around children, families, and other dogs. Both breeds are upbeat and curious by nature, making them the life and soul of any room they enter.
Along with their friendliness, they are incredibly accepting of changes. Some breeds are hard-headed in their ways, and any deviation from routine or surroundings may cause significant distress – but the Havaco Doodle is as smart and adaptable as they come.
If you find yourself worrying about any difficulties in training this dog, then rest assured that this cross is incredibly motivated. They crave stimulation and reward making them extremely attentive and considerate of what you tell them.
Disadvantages of the Havanese Cockapoo Cross
As mentioned previously, these little dogs have serious brains. They are tuned in and always thinking about their next move, but sometimes this can be a curse more than a blessing. With such a sharp breed, they need to be stimulated, or else they will get bored and upset. They are at their happiest when engaged in a task, so keep this in mind if you don’t have too much time to spare for entertaining your dog.
Another issue is their noise. Havaco Doodles have a big set of lungs, and they will take every opportunity to show you. You can expect a healthy dose of barking and howling with these little dogs, and while it is possible to train this behavior out, you could very well end up with an incredibly vocal dog.
Why is the Cockapoo Havanese Mix Being Bred?
This cross is being bred because companion dogs are all the rage. Now more than ever dog owners are looking for a friend that will stick by their side in day-to-day situations, and these two breeds make for a loyal and playful pup that loves to keep you entertained.
Other Info for the Havanese Cockapoo Mix:
Height & Weight
You can expect your Havaco Doodle to measure about 9-14 inches fully grown. Both breeds are toys and so it’s a certainty that this cross will follow suit physically. Being this little means that they are incredibly portable and can be picked up in a pinch.
This cross will weigh in at 10-15 lbs – a small weight to match their small height. This compact stature is one of their defining features and is a huge pull for residents of smaller abodes looking for a furry friend.
Coat
These dogs will have a silky double coat thanks to the Havanese parentage. Some attributes will undoubtedly vary between dogs, but you can expect a medium to long coat and a straight to wavy type coat.
The breed comes in almost every color. Whether black, white, brown, cream, anything in-between, or even a mix of a few – these dogs have a range of potential colors so results will vary. One good way of estimating the look of your dog is by taking a look at the parents.
While specific physical attributes are a guessing game at best, you may be able to find some answers based on the coat of the mum and dad. These are the closest things to your pup, so it makes sense that your dog will bear a striking resemblance to one or both when fully grown.
Maintenance
A long coat needs a lot of maintenance. This is not only grooming, but also brushing. While the coat may be deceptively straight, no dog is immune from the plight of knots and tangles, and especially with a breed that has such an adventurous spirit, you can expect a lot of mess.
Health
While both breeds are typically healthy and robust, you do have a few issues to be mindful of. Mainly this mix will have sensitive eyes, and Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, so sight and flexibility should both be regularly checked upon to ensure your furry friend is in good shape.
Temperament
This breed is loyal and smart, funny, and active. You can expect a vocal dog that loves to be the life of the party. They love children, and other dogs and their adaptability makes them a great addition to a big family, or a pack that is prone to regular changes of scenery.
Exercise and Food
These are a moderately active bunch. While not the most energetic of dogs, they still appreciate getting out and about rather than staying on the sofa all day. For this reason, a 30 minute to hour-long walk a day (depending on your dog’s stamina) should suffice for satiating that urge to get out and explore.
Havanese are known for their proclivity for becoming overweight, and so depending on size, 1 – 1 ¾ cups of food should suffice. It is also good to watch the number of treats you are giving your Havaco Doodle for the same reason, as a healthy dog is a happy dog!
Conclusion
In summary, the Havaco Doodle is a fun and friendly dog that is sure to bring you endless laughs and settle right into your family no matter the size.
Here at Know Your Doodles, we are committed to bringing you information on all Doodles no matter how niche, so whether you are looking to buy, or reading with the aim of becoming an expert on all things Poodle cross, we recommend you check out our article on the ‘Labradoodle Shih Tzu Mix’.