Is the Cavapoo or the Havanese better for families with children?

Both the Cavapoo and the Havanese are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Cavapoo or the Havanese?

The Cavapoo and Havanese shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Cavapoo or the Havanese?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Cavapoo or Havanese bigger?

Cavapoo and Havanese are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Cavapoo or Havanese?

Havanese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Cavapoo is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Cavapoo or Havanese?

For apartment or apartment living, Cavapoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Cavapoo vs Havanese: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Cavapoo vs Havanese: full comparison

Trait	Cavapoo	Havanese
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	Very High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Very High	Very High
Typical lifespan	13 years	15 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Cavapoo is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Havanese is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Cavapoo needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Havanese needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Cavapoo needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds very little. The Havanese is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds very little. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Cavapoo takes to training fast and works willingly, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Havanese takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Cavapoo is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Havanese is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Cavapoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Cavapoo and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Cavapoo and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Cavapoo has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Cavapoo and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Cavapoo if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Havanese if you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Cavapoo or the Havanese better for families with children?: Both the Cavapoo and the Havanese are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Cavapoo or the Havanese?: The Cavapoo and Havanese shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Cavapoo or the Havanese?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Cavapoo or Havanese bigger?: Cavapoo and Havanese are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Cavapoo or Havanese?: Havanese tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Cavapoo is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Cavapoo or Havanese?: For apartment or apartment living, Cavapoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Cavapoo vs Havanese