The History of the Havapoo Breed
 
Understanding the history of the Havapoo requires delving into both its origins and the lineage of its parent breeds. The Havapoo emerged during the 1980s’ surging trend of Poodle mixes, a practice driven by the desire to harness the Poodle’s intelligence, affectionate nature, and hypoallergenic coats. It’s widely believed that the Havapoo mix first appeared in the United States.
Parent Breeds: Poodle and Havanese
The Poodle:
Regarded as one of the oldest dog breeds, the Poodle has roots stretching back to Germany, although it’s commonly associated with France, where it evolved into the breed we recognize today. The expansion of the Poodle into its smaller variants, the Miniature and Toy Poodles, occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Havanese:
This breed boasts over three centuries of history, originating from Havana, Cuba. The Havanese is Cuba‘s only native dog breed, initially bred to be a companion dog for the nobility. It is a member of the Bichon family, sharing lineage with breeds like the Bichon Frise and Maltese. It descends from the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana, which itself was a descendent of the Bichon Tenerife. Historical breeding likely involved crossing the Blanquito with Poodles and perhaps other Bichons to yield the Havanese of today.
The Modern Havapoo
In modern times, the Havapoo stands as a testament to deliberate crossbreeding, inheriting traits from both the Poodle and the Havanese. This blending means Havapoos have Poodle ancestry on both sides if traced far enough back. The continuous demand for “designer dogs” like the Havapoo means they are not only popular purchase options but can also be found in shelters, awaiting adoption by a caring family. Choosing to adopt a Havapoo offers an opportunity to give these charming dogs a loving home.