Havaco
The Havaco is a cross between the Havanese and the Cocker Spaniel. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Havaco. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm, standing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder with an ideal height of 9 to 10.5 inches. These compact companions typically weigh between 7 and 13 pounds, with their body length slightly exceeding their height at the withers, creating a rectangular silhouette that is characteristic of the breed. The breed possesses a distinctive structure featuring a short upper arm with moderate shoulder layback and a straight topline that rises slightly from the withers to the croup. This unique construction produces their characteristic springy gait, a lively and energetic movement that reflects their playful personality and distinguishes them from other toy breeds. The hallmark of the Havanese is their long, abundant coat that is silky to the touch and remarkably light in texture despite its profuse appearance. The coat stands off the body slightly but flows beautifully with movement, ranging from straight to wavy with wavy being preferred for conformation showing. Unlike many other longhaired breeds, the Havanese coat does not mat easily and has no undercoat or bi-annual shed, making them a popular choice for those seeking a lower-shedding companion. All colors and marking patterns are acceptable in the breed, including white, black, cream, gold, silver, blue, champagne, chocolate, and various combinations including tricolor and parti-color patterns. The coat may also be corded in mature dogs, forming distinctive tassel-like sections. The head is well-proportioned to the body with a slightly rounded skull and a moderate stop. Drop ears are set high and covered with long, silky hair that frames the face beautifully. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes convey an alert and intelligent expression that captures the breed's curious nature. The plumed tail is carried arched forward over the back, adding to their elegant appearance and serving as a hallmark of proper breed type. Head furnishings are long and untrimmed, often falling forward over the eyes or secured in two small braids using plain elastic bands. The coat may reach six to eight inches in length on mature dogs and feels like raw silk floss, providing excellent insulation from both heat and cold while maintaining its beautiful flowing appearance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Havanese are exceptionally good with children and other pets, displaying patience and gentleness in their interactions that makes them ideal family companions. They enjoy socializing with both dogs and cats, approaching other animals with friendly curiosity that makes them well-suited for multi-pet households. Their playful nature persists well into adulthood, and they maintain a puppy-like enthusiasm and energy throughout their relatively long lives of 12 to 16 years. The breed does not require a large yard and adapts remarkably well to apartment living, though they benefit from regular walks and interactive play sessions to satisfy their moderate exercise needs and keep them mentally stimulated.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Heart issues, particularly mitral valve disease where the valve between the left atrium and ventricle degenerates over time, affect approximately 11% of the breed and require regular cardiac monitoring as dogs age. Chondrodysplasia and chondrodystrophy are genetic conditions affecting bone and cartilage development that responsible breeders now test for through DNA screening. Sebaceous adenitis, an inflammatory skin condition that affects the sebaceous glands and can cause hair loss and scaling, has been documented in the breed. Additional concerns include canine multifocal retinopathy and von Willebrand disease, an inherited bleeding disorder. Reputable breeders conduct comprehensive health testing including BAER hearing tests, cardiac evaluations, patella examinations, and hip assessments to minimize the risk of hereditary conditions in their breeding programs.
Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is a compact, athletic sporting dog standing between 13.5 and 15.5 inches at the shoulder, with males typically at the taller end of the range and females slightly smaller. These well-balanced dogs weigh between 20 and 30 pounds, carrying their weight on a sturdy, well-muscled frame built for endurance in the field. The breed possesses a distinctively rounded, graceful head featuring a pronounced stop, well-developed eyebrows, and a broad, deep muzzle with square, even jaws. Their skull is rounded but not exaggerated, and the overall expression is one of intelligence, alertness, and gentleness that reflects the breed's amiable temperament. The Cocker Spaniel's coat is one of their most distinguishing and beautiful features, consisting of silky, flat or slightly wavy hair that is medium length on the body with abundant feathering on the ears, chest, abdomen, and legs. Coat colors are divided into three varieties for show purposes: solid black, ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other Than Black) which encompasses buff, cream, red, brown, and silver shades, as well as parti-colors featuring two or more definite colors with white being a required color. The breed also displays various patterns including roans and tricolors with tan points. The luxurious coat requires regular grooming including daily brushing and professional trimming every six to eight weeks to prevent matting and maintain its lustrous, flowing appearance. The Cocker's long, pendulous ears are set low, no higher than the lower part of the eye, and are covered with abundant silky feathering that frames the face beautifully and is considered essential to breed type. Their large, round eyes are dark brown in most colors and convey an intelligent, soft, and appealing expression. The neck is long and muscular, rising from the shoulders to support a proud, elegant head carriage. The topline slopes slightly downward from the withers to the set of the tail, and the tail is typically docked and carried on or slightly above the line of the back, wagging enthusiastically in characteristic Cocker fashion. The overall impression is of a dog built for both endurance and agility, capable of considerable speed and a full day's work in the field while maintaining an elegant and refined appearance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament These sensitive and affectionate dogs are known to be excellent with children of all ages, displaying patience, gentleness, and a playful spirit in their interactions that makes them wonderful family companions. They generally get along harmoniously with other dogs and can coexist peacefully with cats and other pets when properly introduced and socialized from a young age. However, their strong attachment to their families and desire for companionship means they may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, potentially leading to unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking or destructive chewing. Early socialization and consistent positive training help channel their natural enthusiasm and ensure they develop into well-mannered, confident adults who are a joy to live with.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Dental disease affects a significant portion of Cocker Spaniels, with periodontal problems impacting approximately 21% of the breed annually and requiring regular professional cleanings and home dental care to prevent tooth loss and systemic complications. Skin allergies and various forms of dermatitis are common, with lip fold dermatitis, sometimes called cocker mouth, being particularly prevalent due to the breed's facial structure and causing chronic odor and infection if not properly managed. Heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease which causes progressive heart valve degeneration, and various cancers are leading causes of death in older Cockers. Responsible breeders conduct comprehensive health screenings including hip and elbow evaluations, annual eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists, and cardiac assessments to reduce the incidence of hereditary conditions in their breeding programs.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Havaco may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Havanese and Cocker Spaniel to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.