Havapoo & Havachon Guide: Size, Traits & Registration

A Havapoo is a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle, and a Havachon is a cross between a Havanese and a Bichon Frise. Both are small, affectionate companion dogs that usually weigh about 8 to 20 pounds as adults. Designer Kennel Club registers both crosses, and Foundation registration costs $65 with no existing papers required.

What Is a Havapoo?

A Havapoo, sometimes called a Poovanese, is a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle. The Poodle parent is usually a toy or miniature Poodle, which keeps the dog small. Havapoos are known for a soft wavy or curly coat, an expressive face and a social, people-focused personality. People search for them as havapoo puppies, havapoo dogs and, for the adult size, havapoo full grown.

What Is a Havachon?

A Havachon is a cross between a Havanese and a Bichon Frise. Both parents are small companion breeds with soft coats, so Havachons are usually compact, fluffy and affectionate. The Havachon is less common than the Havapoo, so you will find fewer breeders and fewer photos online. That is one more reason to ask questions and meet the parents before you buy.

Havapoo vs Havachon: Key Differences

Parents: a Havapoo is a Havanese and Poodle cross. A Havachon is a Havanese and Bichon Frise cross.

Typical adult weight: Havapoo about 8 to 20 pounds. Havachon about 8 to 16 pounds.

Typical height: Havapoo about 8 to 15 inches. Havachon about 9 to 12 inches.

Coat: Havapoo wavy to curly in many colors. Havachon soft and fluffy, often white, cream or apricot.

Temperament: both are affectionate, social and eager to be near their people.

These are typical ranges. Size and coat depend on the parents, and puppies in the same litter can differ. If you are comparing a Havapoo with a Cavapoo, a Maltipoo or a purebred Havanese, the parent breeds explain most of the difference. A Cavapoo has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent, a Maltipoo has a Maltese parent and a Havanese is the purebred parent of both of the crosses in this guide.

Havapoo Size: How Big Does a Havapoo Get?

A full grown Havapoo usually weighs about 8 to 20 pounds and stands about 8 to 15 inches tall. A toy Poodle parent tends to produce a smaller dog, and a miniature Poodle parent tends to produce a larger one. You will see the terms mini Havapoo and teacup Havapoo online. Teacup is a marketing term, not an official size, so ask the breeder for the adult weights of both parents instead of relying on a label.

A Havachon is usually a similar or slightly smaller dog, at about 8 to 16 pounds when full grown. As with any mix, the most useful size guide is the size of the parents.

Coat, Shedding and Grooming

Both crosses have long, soft coats that mat if they are ignored. Plan on brushing several times a week and a trim every 4 to 8 weeks. Many Havapoos and Havachons shed lightly, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic, so spend time with the dog before you commit if anyone in your home has allergies.

Popular havapoo grooming styles include the puppy cut, the teddy bear cut and a shorter summer trim. A short havapoo haircut is easy to keep up, while a longer coat needs more daily brushing.

Havapoo and Havachon Colors

Havapoo colors include cream, white, black, brown, apricot, sable and parti. Black Havapoos are a color many families look for. Havachons are often white, cream or apricot, with some carrying darker markings. Designer Kennel Club registers a Havapoo or a Havachon in any color or coat pattern.

Temperament and Training

Both crosses are affectionate, intelligent and eager to please. They tend to bond closely with their families, and some do not like being left alone for long stretches. Short, reward-based training sessions work well, and early socialization with new people, places and sounds helps a small dog grow into a confident adult. Barking can be an issue for small companion dogs, so teach a quiet cue early.

Havapoo and Havachon Health and Lifespan

Many Havapoos and Havachons live about 12 to 15 years with good care. Health concerns in the parent breeds include dental disease, kneecap problems, eye problems, ear infections and skin allergies. Daily tooth brushing, a healthy weight and regular vet visits are the most practical ways to protect a small dog. Ask your vet which screenings make sense, and ask the breeder what health screening the parents have had.

Havapoo Puppies and Havachon Puppies: What to Know Before You Buy

If you are shopping for havapoo puppies for sale or havachon puppies for sale, ask to meet both parents or see photos and records for each. Ask about the adult weight of the parents, health screening, how the puppies are raised and whether the litter is registered. A breeder who registers the litter with DKC can give you a registration number, which you use for $45 Puppy registration. Rescues and shelters also place Havapoo and Havachon type dogs, and those dogs can use Foundation registration.

Can You Register a Havapoo or Havachon?

Yes. Breed clubs register purebreds of their own breeds, and a cross between two breeds does not fit those registries as a breed of its own. Designer Kennel Club is a registry built for designer dog crosses. A Havapoo or Havachon bred on purpose from two registered parent breeds is a purebred designer dog, and DKC registers it in every color and pattern.

If you adopted your dog or never received papers, you can still register. Foundation registration does not require existing papers. It creates an official DKC record for your dog under the name and details you provide. It does not prove parentage, and no registry guarantees DNA.

How to Register Your Havapoo or Havachon (Owners)

Foundation registration is the route for most owners, including adopted and rescue dogs.

1. Open the Foundation registration page.

2. Enter your dog's name, color, birth date and your contact details.

3. Pay the $65 Foundation registration fee.

4. Receive your registration certificate as a PDF by email within 2–3 business days.

If you bought a puppy from a breeder who registered the litter with DKC, use Puppy registration instead. It costs $45 and requires the breeder's DKC registration number.

Registering a Havapoo or Havachon Litter (Breeders)

Breeders register in three steps. First, register the sire and the dam. Each parent is a $65 Foundation registration, and both must be DKC registered before the litter can be registered. Second, register the litter for $100. Third, give each puppy buyer the DKC registration number so they can register their puppy for $45.

For example, registering both parents and one litter is $65 + $65 + $100 = $230. If the breeder also registers four puppies, that adds 4 x $45 = $180, for a total of $410. See our guide to dog breeder registration for the full process. A clear DKC record for every puppy you place helps buyers feel confident.

What Registration Does and Does Not Do

A DKC certificate creates an official record of your dog's name and details. It can be useful when a vet, trainer, groomer or breeder asks for documentation. It does not guarantee a dog's DNA, because no registry does, and it does not replace local rules.

Some landlords ask for proof of your dog's breed or registration, so check with yours. A registration certificate does not change a property's pet policy or local law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Havapoo?

A Havapoo, sometimes called a Poovanese, is a cross between a Havanese and a Poodle, usually a toy or miniature Poodle. Havapoos are small, affectionate companion dogs with soft wavy or curly coats.

What is a Havachon?

A Havachon is a cross between a Havanese and a Bichon Frise. Both parents are small companion breeds with soft coats, so Havachons are usually compact, fluffy and affectionate.

What is the difference between a Havapoo and a Havachon?

The difference is the second parent. A Havapoo has a Poodle parent and a Havachon has a Bichon Frise parent. Havapoos usually come in more sizes and coat colors, while Havachons are often white, cream or apricot and slightly more compact.

How big do Havapoos and Havachons get, and how long do they live?

A full grown Havapoo usually weighs about 8 to 20 pounds and a Havachon about 8 to 16 pounds, depending on the parents. Many live about 12 to 15 years with good care.

Do Havapoos and Havachons shed?

Many shed lightly, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Both crosses have long, soft coats that need brushing several times a week and a trim every 4 to 8 weeks.

Can I register a Havapoo or Havachon, and how much does it cost?

Yes. Designer Kennel Club registers Havapoos and Havachons in every color and coat pattern. Foundation registration is $65 per dog and does not require existing papers. Breeders pay $100 for a litter, and each puppy registration is $45.

How long does registration take?

Your registration certificate arrives as a PDF by email within 2–3 business days.

Does registration prove my dog's breed or parentage?

No registry guarantees DNA. A DKC certificate creates an official record for your dog. A DNA test is the way to confirm which breeds are in your dog.

Register Your Havapoo or Havachon Today

Whether you own a Havapoo or a Havachon, you can register your dog online. Owners can start Foundation registration for $65. Breeders can register parents and litters and give every puppy buyer a registration number. Your certificate arrives as a PDF by email within 2–3 business days.