If you’ve recently discovered the Havoodle, you’re probably wondering exactly what this adorable little dog is—and why so many families are falling in love with the breed.
With their teddy bear looks, affectionate personalities, and low-shedding coats, Havoodles are quickly becoming one of Australia’s most sought-after companion dogs. But there’s much more to this beautiful cross than just their good looks.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Havoodle.
What is a Havoodle?
A Havoodle is a cross between a purebred Havanese and a purebred Poodle. The goal of this pairing is to combine the wonderful qualities of both breeds into one delightful companion dog.
From the Havanese, Havoodles inherit their affectionate, people-loving nature and cheerful personality. From the Poodle, they gain exceptional intelligence, trainability, and a coat that is typically low to non-shedding. The result is a small dog that loves being with its family, enjoys learning new things, and is equally happy joining you on adventures or curling up beside you on the couch.
What Does a Havoodle Look Like?
One of the reasons Havoodles are so popular is their irresistible appearance. Most have soft, expressive eyes, a compact build, floppy ears, and a gorgeous teddy bear face that seems to stay puppy-like well into adulthood. Their coats can range from soft waves to loose curls, depending on the genetics they inherit from their parents. Colours vary widely and may include:
- Cream
- Apricot
- Red
- Chocolate
- Black
- Parti-colour (white with coloured patches)
- Sable
- Black and tan
- Chocolate and tan
How Big Do Havoodles Get?
Adult size depends largely on the size of the Poodle parent –
Most Toy Havoodles grow to around:
- Height: 25–33 cm
- Weight: 4–7 kg
Miniature Havoodles are generally:
- Height: 33–40 cm
- Weight: 7–10 kg
Because they’re small without being fragile, Havoodles suit many different lifestyles—from apartment living to acreage.
What is the Havoodle’s Temperament Like?
This is where the Havoodle truly shines. They are bred first and foremost to be companion dogs, and they take that role very seriously.
Most Havoodles are:
- Affectionate
- Gentle
- Intelligent
- Playful
- Friendly
- Loyal
- Eager to please
- People-focused
They thrive on spending time with their families and generally enjoy being involved in everyday life, whether that’s school drop-offs, café visits, walks around the neighbourhood, or simply relaxing at home. With early socialisation and positive training, they often grow into confident, adaptable adults.
Are Havoodles Good with Children?
Yes.
A well-bred, well-socialised Havoodle can make a wonderful family companion. Their gentle, patient nature often makes them an excellent match for respectful children who have been taught how to interact kindly with dogs. As with all breeds, young children should always be supervised around puppies, and interactions should be positive and calm for both child and dog.
Do Havoodles Shed?
One of the biggest attractions of the Havoodle is its coat.
Most Havoodles inherit a coat that sheds very little, making them a popular choice for families wanting less dog hair around the home. However, it’s important to remember that no dog is completely non-shedding or truly hypoallergenic. People with allergies usually react to proteins found in a dog’s saliva and skin (dander), not simply the hair itself. Coat genetics also play a role, so responsible breeders carefully select parent dogs to produce coats with the best chance of remaining low shedding.
Are Havoodles Easy to Train?
Absolutely. The intelligence of the Poodle combined with the Havanese’s eagerness to please means most Havoodles learn quickly. Using positive reinforcement, consistency, and plenty of encouragement, many owners find their Havoodle picks up:
- Toilet training
- Basic obedience
- Recall
- Lead walking
- Tricks
- Good household manners
Their love of human interaction makes training an enjoyable experience for both dog and owner.
Do Havoodles Need Much Exercise?
Not a huge amount, but they do enjoy daily activity. A typical adult Havoodle is usually happy with a daily walk, interactive play, puzzle toys, time exploring new environments. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for this clever little breed.
Are Havoodles Healthy?
When bred responsibly, Havoodles are generally healthy little dogs. Good breeders don’t simply pair two nice-looking dogs together. They carefully select breeding dogs based on health testing, temperament, structure, and compatibility. Health screening may include DNA testing for inherited conditions relevant to both breeds, as well as additional health assessments where appropriate.
Choosing a responsible breeder gives your puppy the very best start in life.
Is a Havoodle Right for You?
A Havoodle may be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a dog that is:
- Loving and affectionate
- Small enough for most homes
- Intelligent and easy to train
- Low to non-shedding
- Great with families
- Happy to be involved in everyday life
They do best with families who want their dog to be part of the household rather than left alone for long periods. Because they form strong bonds with their people, Havoodles truly thrive when they’re included in family life.
Final Thoughts
The Havoodle combines two wonderful breeds to create a dog that is intelligent, affectionate, playful, and incredibly devoted to its family. While their adorable teddy bear appearance often captures people’s attention first, it’s their beautiful temperament that keeps families falling in love long after the puppy stage has passed.
If you’re searching for a small dog with a big heart, a Havoodle could be exactly the companion you’ve been looking for.