Breed comparison: Havapoo vs Cavapoo
Havapoo vs Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: Which Small Poodle Mix Fits Your Home?
Havapoo vs Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: all three are small, low-shedding Poodle crosses, and the difference comes from the other parent. A Havapoo is half Havanese: sturdy, social and playful. A Cavapoo is half Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: a little larger, gentle and sporty. A Maltipoo is half Maltese: the smallest and most delicate of the three.
Havapoo vs Cavapoo vs Maltipoo at a glance
None of these mixes has an official breed standard, so the most reliable numbers are the American Kennel Club figures for each parent breed. As a result, a puppy usually lands between its two parents.
| Havapoo | Cavapoo | Maltipoo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross | Havanese and Poodle | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle | Maltese and Poodle |
| Non-Poodle parent: weight | 7 to 13 lb | 13 to 18 lb | Under 7 lb |
| Non-Poodle parent: height | 8.5 to 11.5 in | 12 to 13 in | 7 to 9 in |
| Non-Poodle parent: life expectancy | 14 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Relative size of the mix | Small | Small, usually the largest of the three | Usually the smallest |
Meanwhile, the Poodle parent is normally a Miniature (10 to 15 lb, 10 to 15 in) or a Toy (4 to 6 lb, no more than 10 in). In addition, the AKC gives both a life expectancy of 10 to 18 years. A Toy Poodle sire gives smaller puppies than a Miniature, whichever mix you choose, so always ask for the weight of both parents.
For example, the Havapoo puppies on our available puppies page are currently listed with expected adult weights of 8 to 12 lb.
Havapoo vs Cavapoo temperament: what the other parent adds
The Poodle half brings intelligence and a coat that sheds little. However, the other half shapes the personality.
- Havanese (Havapoo). The AKC describes the Havanese as a cheerful, sociable companion, and it is the sturdiest of these three small breeds for its size. As a result, Havapoos tend to be outgoing, clownish and keen to be wherever the family is.
- Cavalier (Cavapoo). The AKC describes the Cavalier as combining a toy breed’s gentleness with a sporting spaniel’s athleticism. Similarly, Cavapoos tend to be soft-natured and affectionate, although they show a bit more interest in a long walk.
- Maltese (Maltipoo). The AKC describes the Maltese as a playful, charming and adaptable toy dog. Maltipoos are the lap dogs of the group. Because of their small frame, they need careful handling.
However, temperament in a mix is never guaranteed. Therefore, meeting the parents tells you more than any breed description. We raise Havapoos, and Cavapoos in some seasons. We do not raise Maltipoos, so that column rests on AKC breed data, not our own experience.
Which fits your home
| If you have | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Young children | Havapoo or Cavapoo | Both come from sturdier parent breeds than the Maltese. Still, any small puppy needs supervised, gentle handling. |
| An apartment | Any of the three | All are small, so they adapt well with daily walks and play. |
| A wish for the smallest dog | Maltipoo, or a Havapoo from a Toy Poodle sire | That is because the Maltese is the smallest parent breed here. |
| An active household | Cavapoo or Havapoo | Both the spaniel and Havanese sides enjoy activity, so these mixes keep up. |
| Someone home most of the day | Any of the three | All three are companion breeds, so they prefer company to long hours alone. |
Coat and grooming
First, all three have hair that keeps growing and sheds little, which means regular brushing and a professional groom every several weeks. However, coats range from loose waves to tight curls, even within one litter. In other words, the curlier the coat, the less it sheds but the faster it mats.
Above all, low shedding does not mean allergy-free. Read Are Havapoos hypoallergenic? for what the research says.
Health: what to ask about each
A mixed-breed puppy can inherit health problems from either side, so the parents of any of these crosses should be screened for what runs in both breeds. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) publishes the screenings each breed’s national club recommends through its CHIC program, and you can look up each parent breed there.
- All three: small breeds share knee (patella) and eye concerns, so ask about exams for both.
- Cavapoo: heart disease is the best-known concern in Cavaliers. Therefore, ask what cardiac screening the Cavalier parent has had.
- Every mix: ask which DNA tests both parents have had. Then ask to see the reports.
For example, our parent dogs have an Embark DNA health panel. See how we health test, and read how to check any breeder’s health claims.
Havapoo vs Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: the short version
Pick a Havapoo for a sturdy, sociable small dog. A Cavapoo suits you if you want a slightly larger, gentle dog and are prepared to ask hard questions about heart health. Finally, choose a Maltipoo if the smallest size matters most and your home is calm. In every case, however, the individual parents matter more than the label.
Read our full Havapoo guide or see our Havapoo puppies.
Related guides
- What Is a Havapoo?
- Havapoo Temperament: What They Are Really Like to Live With
- Havapoo Lifespan and Health Problems: What to Expect
- Havapoo Grooming: Brushing, Haircuts and a Simple Schedule
- How Big Do Havapoos Get? Full-Grown Size and Weight
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, Havanese (height, weight, life expectancy)
- American Kennel Club, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- American Kennel Club, Maltese
- American Kennel Club, Poodle (Miniature) and Poodle (Toy)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, CHIC Program and Cardiac Disease
Breed figures were checked against the AKC breed pages on October 6, 2026.
Meet a Havapoo in person
The best way to choose is to meet the puppies and their parents. Visits are by appointment in Eagle Mountain, Utah.