Cockapoo vs Havanese

Choosing between Cockapoo and Havanese? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Cockapoo vs Havanese: full comparison

TraitCockapooHavanese
SizeSmallSmall
Energy levelMediumMedium
TrainabilityHighHigh
FriendlinessVery HighVery High
Good with childrenVery HighVery High
Grooming needsHighVery High
SheddingLowLow
BarkingMediumMedium
ProtectivenessLowLow
AdaptabilityVery HighVery High
Typical lifespan14 years15 years
HypoallergenicYesYes

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…

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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Frequently 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.

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