Finding the right family dog can be challenging, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. If a Havapoo is on top of your list, you may be wondering if it is the right dog for your family.
Are Havapoos great family dogs? A simple answer, yes they are. Havapoos are considered great companion dogs, and their constant need for human interaction makes them great for families.
In this article, you will find insights on what makes Havapoos great family dogs. You will also learn a few tips on living with a Havapoo and its essential needs as part of a family.
Are Havapoos Great Family Dogs?
Havapoos are great designer dogs for families, especially those with kids. Like their parents, Havapoos are intelligent, quick to train, and affectionate, contributing to a healthy, lasting family relationship.
Havapoo puppies are pretty active and portray a playful character. This makes it perfect for families with kids and those living in small apartments or houses.
What Makes Havapoos Great Family Dogs
Several things contribute to the suitability of Havapoos in families. Besides being cute and cuddly, these furry friends are loveable and easy to take care of. Below is a detailed description of each feature that makes Havapoos great for families.
Appearance
Like other hybrid dogs, Havapoos vary in appearance from one to the other. A Havapoo puppy picks unique features from its parents; the Poodle and the Havanese. That said, puppies from the same parents may not look alike.
Some will lean more towards the Poodle appearance and others towards the Havanese appearance. Others will present similar features from both parents. Despite all these variances, your Havapoo will turn out to be fluffy, cuddly, and loveable.
Havapoos have small rectangular bodies with short legs and fluffy tails. They are cuddly dogs and love to stay on your lap, making them ideal for families. Most Havapoos are relatively small, but the size depends on the parents’ sizes.
The small body frame makes Havapoos great for families living in small apartments. On this note, they do not need lots of space to bounce and play. And, the fact that they do not increase in size after one year of age makes them a perfect small dog for apartment living.
Temperament
Generally, Havapoos are friendly, active, and lively. The temperament matches that of their parents, the Poodle and the Havanese. Puppies, in particular, are extremely playful and enjoy unlimited human interaction making them ideal for families with young kids.
As a cuddly dog, a Havapoo will sit on your lap as much as possible. You will also enjoy unlimited affection from your fluffy ball as it seeks attention to play and interact. Although some may turn out laidback, they do not mind hugs and cuddles.
Havapoos are known as companion dogs and work well where they get attention and interaction. If you have kids or have a large family, your Havapoo will appreciate all the attention available.
The best part of having a Havapoo is how well it relates to everyone, including strangers. Like other dogs, it will bark as soon as it sees a stranger, but its sweet demeanor will overpower the protective nature. Within no time, it will be friendly and comfortable around new people.
Care
One of the factors you need to consider when looking for the ideal dog for your family is its general care. Havapoos are easy to care of and settle in quickly, thanks to their friendly nature.
As far as care goes, Havapoos require these:
- Feeding
- Grooming
- Exercising
Since Havapoos are small, they do not need much food; a cup of dry dog food is enough. You can give it half a cup in the morning and the other half in the evening. But, you have to make sure the dog food is packed with proteins and minerals to cater to its high energy requirements.
When it comes to grooming your fluffy friend, you need to brush its coat at least once a day to prevent tangles and knots. The fur of a Havapoo is curly, but it does not trap dirt easily. Therefore, your Havapoo may not need regular baths; once or twice a month should do.
Like other active dogs, your Havapoo will require regular exercise to expend energy. A Havapoo requires at least an hour of activity each day. This could be indoor playtime, a walk in the park, or running after toys in the backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Havapoo If I Have Other Dogs?
The sweet, friendly nature of Havapoos extends to other dogs as much as it does to humans. Your Havapoo may tease other dogs at first, but this is purely trying to be friendly and playful. But, like other dogs, take the time to introduce your Havapoo to the other members of the family.
Are Havapoos Challenging to Care For?
Havapoos are easy to care for and do not require extensive care. As long as your Havapoo has food, exercises regularly, and gets some time to cuddle, it should be a challenge to keep. It blends well with family setups, and its interactive nature makes it suitable for most families.
Are There Downsides to Owning a Havapoo
The only downside to having a Havapoo is the clingy, attention-seeking nature it portrays. It loves attention, and while this is not a bad thing, it may be challenging if you are not always at home. As companion dogs, Havapoos cannot be left alone for an extended time.
The Bottom Line
Havapoos are some of the best dogs for families, thanks to their friendly, intelligent, playful, and dynamic characteristics. These small cuddly fluff balls are ideal in family settings with children and other pets, thanks to their interactive nature.
This article is a great resource to understand Havapoos and how well one will blend with your family if you are considering one. Ultimately, your Havapoo will be a great addition to your family.
