Known for their small, sturdy stature, the Havanese—the national dog of Cuba—is adored as much for their loving, charming, and often funny personality as they are for their striking coat. Over time, this dog has become a favorite for cross-breeding, paving the way for an entirely new category of adorable mixed breed dogs. And one of the most popular?
The Havapoo.
A Havapoo is—you guessed it—a mix of a Havanese and a poodle. And because both of these breeds are so beloved by dog owners around the world, the Havapoo has quickly become one of the most popular breeds in the dog world.
But when it comes to grooming, how high-maintenance are these pups? Let’s take a deeper look at all things Havapoo grooming, from bathing to brushing to the best haircuts for your pet.
Havapoo grooming basics
When it comes to grooming your Havapoo, the most important thing to keep in mind is their coat.
Mixed breeds can be tricky. Because they’re bred from two different types of dogs (in this case, the Havanese and the poodle), they can inherit a variety of traits from either parent—and that includes their coat.
Havanese dogs have a long, lightweight coat that’s smooth, silky, and—there’s just no better word for it—luxurious. In terms of texture, some dogs have a wavier look and feel to their hair while others have a straighter coat—but wavy or straight, this dog’s hair grows fast and long. Poodles, on the other hand, typically have a much denser, curlier coat.
The Havapoo can have a coat that resembles a poodle, a Havanese, or some mix of the two. The good news? Both of these breeds are low shedding and hypoallergenic—so the Havapoo is as well. However, there are definitely some grooming basics to keep in mind to ensure your pet looks and feels their best.
It’s important to brush your dog on a regular basis to prevent tangling and matting. How often depends on their coat and hairstyle. If your dog has a longer coat (or it takes after its Havanese parent and rocks a silky, lightweight coat), you’re going to want to brush them daily to keep mats and tangles at bay. If you keep their coat clipped shorter, brushing them a few times a week should be plenty.
In addition to regular brushing, bathe your Havapoo at least once a month, more if your dog gets extra muddy or dirty. Make sure any shampoo, conditioner, and cleansing products you use are specifically formulated for dogs and that you rinse your pet completely; leaving excess product can cause skin irritation and unnecessary itching.
When you’re finished with bath time, spend plenty of time drying off your dog—preferably with a dog-safe dryer. Because Havapoos typically have a lot of hair to deal with, their coat can take a long time to air dry, leaving you dog cold and uncomfortable.
A few other things to keep in mind? Havapoos are prone to tear-staining around the eyes, especially if their coat is a lighter color. Make sure to gently clean the area daily to prevent any stains. You should also plan to clip your dog’s nails regularly—if you can hear your dog’s nails on the floor when they walk, it’s time to trim them. And last but not least, a Havapoo’s coat grows fairly quickly—so they’ll need regular haircuts to keep their coat in tip-top shape.
But which haircuts are the best for this breed?
Top Havapoo haircuts
Not sure how to style your pup? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular, must-try haircuts for this breed.
Havapoo haircut #1: Puppy cut
The puppy cut is the go-to hairstyle for a wide variety of breeds, including the Havapoo. And for good reason! This haircut, which keeps the coat a short, even length across the entire face and body (typically between one and two inches), is not only versatile, but it’s extremely easy to take care of. A shorter coat means less mats and tangling, which means an easier overall grooming experience for you. Just keep in mind that, in order to maintain the shorter length necessary for this style, you’ll need to schedule regular hair trims.
Havapoo haircut #2: Teddy bear cut
The teddy bear cut (modeled here by an adorable Havanese) is similar to the puppy cut with one major exception. Instead of keeping the hair short all around, the teddy bear cut leaves a little extra length around the face and ears. That extra length makes your dog look extra adorable and cuddly, similar to a teddy bear.
Havapoo haircut #3: Full-length
If your dog’s coat more closely resembles a Havanese, allowing their coat to grow full-length (which can go all the way down to the floor!) is another popular haircut option. Just make sure to schedule regular trims to keep the growth even and to brush them every day to prevent matting.