Cockapoo vs Havanese: full comparison
| Trait | Cockapoo | 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 | Medium | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Low | Low |
| Adaptability | Very High | Very High |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | 15 years |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
Size and living space
The Cockapoo is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Havanese is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little 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 Cockapoo 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 Cockapoo needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds only lightly. The Havanese is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds only lightly. 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 Cockapoo takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Havanese takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Cockapoo is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Havanese is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Cockapoo and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Cockapoo and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Cockapoo and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
- For being left alone during the workday, Cockapoo and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Cockapoo and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Cockapoo if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.
Choose the Havanese if you want a longer-lived breed.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Cockapoo or the Havanese better for families with children?
- Both the Cockapoo and the Havanese are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Cockapoo or the Havanese?
- The Cockapoo and Havanese shed a similar amount (low).
- Which is easier to train, the Cockapoo or the Havanese?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Cockapoo or Havanese bigger?
- Cockapoo and Havanese are a similar size (Small).
- Which barks more, Cockapoo or Havanese?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Cockapoo or Havanese?
- For apartment or apartment living, Cockapoo and Havanese are an even match — either can work well.