Cocker Spaniel Havanese Mix the Havaco Dog
These days, there is a lot of innovation in all aspects of our life, including in regard to our pets. Breeders have started to cross-breed many more breeds of dog to create designer dogs, or hybrids, with the most desirable traits from each of the parents.
An example of this is the cocker spaniel Havanese mix, which is, of course, a mix between a purebred cocker and a purebred Havanese dog.
Read on to learn more about cocker x Havanese mixes, including their history and some of the characteristics that define the breed!
What Is a Cocker Spaniel Havanese Mix Called?
A Cocker Spaniel Havanese mix is a dog with one parent that’s a Cocker Spaniel and the other that’s a Havanese. Because it comes from two different breeds, it’s not considered a purebred—it’s a hybrid.
It doesn’t matter which parent is the Cocker and which is the Havanese. As long as one of each is present, the dog fits this mix. This type of dog is often called a “Havaco,” a name that combines parts of both parent breed names, which is common for mixed-breed dogs.
Havaco Breed History
The Havaco does not have a long history, as it is a hybrid breed, but its parent– the Havanese and cocker spaniel– do have a more involved history! The Havanese, for instance, is a Cuban dog.
It was bred from the Blanquito and the Bichon family– such as the poodle– in order to get to the breed of dog that we know as the Havanese today. Its ancestors were first brought to Cuba by the Spanish settlers, and then the crossbreeding of these dogs into the Havanese began. The Havanese later travelled to America after the Cuban Revolution, which helped the breed gain traction outside of Cuba.
Cockers, on the other hand, hail from Spain originally. They were bred to be hunters, specifically hunting the woodcock– hence the name cocker.
There are many different breeds of spaniel that were bred for different hunting needs, and then there is the English cocker spaniel, which was bred for show. Once the dog was brought to the states, it not only continued hunting but became popular in the show ring. The American Kennel Club recognized the cocker as a part of the sporting group all the way back in 1878.
Havaco Breed Appearance
When it comes to a hybrid breed, it is important to understand that they may differ in appearance, based on what traits are passed down by each of the two parents. Below, we will go over some of the possibilities and traits that you may see in your spaniel Havanese mix pet.
Size
The Havaco has one parent– the Havanese– that is a toy breed. Cocker do not get to be very large, either!
Their offspring, the Havaco, therefore do not get very large either when fully grown.
The male Havaco grows to be about 12 to 15 inches tall and can generally weigh between 15 to 20 pounds.
The female Havaco is a bit smaller than the male when fully grown. The female is, on average, between 11 to 14 inches tall and 14 to 19 pounds in weight.
Coat
A cocker Havanese mix has a longer body that is more closely resembling its cocker parent. When it comes to its coat, the Havaco has medium to long fur– both parent have long hair that can get easily matted or tangled. If taken care of, though, it can look very elegant! For texture, the Havaco usually has a fairly straight coat, or one that has a slight wave to it like that of its parent breeds. The coat of a Havaco is also very dense, much more so than that of many other breeds of dog.
Coloring
Just as the Havanese and the cocker do, the Havaco can come in many different color variations. They can be one color, two colors, or even tri colored. Some of the colors that you may see a Havaco in are blue– which is more of a blue gray–, cream, white, black, and sable. As mentioned before, combinations of these colors in the coat of a Havaco are also possible. The face of a Havaco is close to that of a Havanese and has the almond shaped, brown eyes that are common in the breed. Havacos will also have a cute little black nose!
Havaco Breed Personality
The Havaco is a unique hybrid whose personality is shaped by both parent breeds—the lively Cocker Spaniel and the affectionate Havanese. Understanding what traits the parent breeds enjoy will help you appreciate the mix of characteristics in this loving companion.
Known for being an especially friendly dog, the Havaco is highly attuned to human emotions and thrives on close bonds with their family. Their charming personality makes them a naturally dog-friendly addition to households with other pets. They are gentle, intelligent, and eager to please, which makes them easy to train—especially when training is approached with patience and kindness.
As an excellent companion, the Havaco’s sensitive nature means they respond best to calm environments. Loud noises or chaotic surroundings can make them jumpy or fearful, especially around young children. That said, their playful nature and energy level can make them a great match for homes with older kids or quiet families.
This hybrid may inherit a double coat, which means frequent grooming is important to manage loose hair and maintain their appearance. While generally healthy, Havacos can be prone to health issues such as anxiety and sensitivity, so a gentle, structured lifestyle is ideal.
With roots tied to the water spaniel, this breed has an active side and enjoys play and light outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a loving companion and an excellent companion rolled into one, the Havaco is a fantastic choice.
Havaco Breed Maintenance
Depending upon what physical traits are inherited, the maintenance for the Havaco can differ. They do shed moderately and for this reason– as well as due to the long coat of the Havanese parent– a Havaco needs to be brushed and groomed very frequently.
They are also prone to ear infections, just like their cocker parent, so it will be important to clean their ears and pay attention to make sure they are not collecting dirt or debris. Bathing should be avoided unless you are bringing your Havaco to the groomer– instead, focus on the frequent brushing at home with your Havaco.
When it comes to the physical maintenance of your dog, you need to remember that the Havaco is a very energetic dog! It is important to get them enough exercise every day. Your Havaco can walk about 6 miles weekly, and needs to be exercised for about 45 minutes every day. This could include playing fetch, agility training, or going on walks.
Why the Havaco Dog is a Rare and Remarkable Companion
The Havaco is a hybrid between two beloved dog breeds—the Havanese and the Cocker Spaniel. Though not a purebred, this rare breed stands out for its blend of charm, intelligence, and loyalty, making it a sought-after companion dog.
One of the Havaco’s most admired character traits is its charming personality. These dogs are known for their warmth, adaptability, and strong bonds with families. Their playful nature makes them a joy to be around, especially for households with children or a family cat. They also do well around other pets and other animals, thanks to their gentle disposition.
Recognized by organizations such as the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Havaco is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy the best of both parent dog breeds. Breed enthusiasts often reference both the American Spaniel Club and the Havanese Club for information and support.
Physically, Havacos often inherit a beautiful double coat that may require regular grooming. They’re considered a delicate dog, so they thrive best in environments that are mindful of temperature changes, as they can be sensitive to hot and cold weather.
Health-wise, it’s wise to be aware of issues like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, both of which can be inherited from either Havanese parent or Cocker Spaniel lineage.
All in all, the Havaco is a well-rounded, affectionate, and joyful addition to any family—combining the best character traits of two outstanding breeds into one lovable companion.
Other Havanese Mixed Breeds
The Havanese is such a wonderful dog, and makes for a great paring when it comes to mixed because of its health, size and hypoallergenic genetics.
Here is a list of other Havanese Mixes and links to our articles on each one.
Havalab – Havanese and a Golden Retriever
Cheenese – Havanese and Chihuahua
Havadash – Havanese and a Dachshund Mix
Havashire – Havanese and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
Havamalt – Havanese and Maltese Mix
Havaco Frequently Asked Questions
What 2 dogs make a Havanese?
The Havanese is a breed that comes from the Blanquito, which is now an extinct breed. It was cross bred with dogs from the BIchon family, such as the Poodle, in order to create the Havanese.
Though the Havanese comes from two different breeds of dog, it is no longer bred from them, so it can be considered a purebred dog, rather than a hybrid.
What is the best mix for Havanese?
A Havanese can be mixed with many different breeds of dog to create new hybrids. As the Havanese is a very popular breed of dog these days, breeders have begun to breed it with other dogs in order to create popular new hybrids that mix the best traits of both parents.
However, the best mix or hybrid of a Havanese will depend upon the things that a person is looking for– the answer to this question can be different for everyone. Some popular hybrids include the Havajack, which is a mix between a Havanese and a Jack Russell terrier, and the Puganese, which is a mix between the Havanese and a pug.
What is the best breed to mix with a cocker spaniel?
As we mentioned above, the best mix of a breed of dog, or the best breed to mix with a breed of dog will always depend upon the individual traits that a person is looking for or values in a pet! When you are looking at cocker hybrids, though, there is a hybrid that does stand out head and shoulders above the rest. This is the cockapoo– a combination of a cocker and a poodle. This particular hybrid is easily the most popular cocker mix these days.
What are some great things about the Havaco Dog?
The Havaco, a mix between two beloved dog breeds—the Cocker Spaniel and the Havanese—is known for being a wonderful companion dog with an affectionate personality and adaptable temperament. One of the best things about the Havaco is its affectionate nature. These dogs thrive on human connection and make excellent family pets, especially in homes with children or other critters.
As a delicate dog, the Havaco is well-suited to indoor living and can adjust well to hot and cold weather, provided it gets the right care and grooming. Its friendly disposition also allows it to get along with other animals, making it a perfect choice for multi-pet households.
Recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Havaco stands out among hybrid dog breeds for its balance of playfulness and loyalty. Many enthusiasts appreciate its ties to the American Spaniel Club, which celebrates the heritage of one of its parent breeds.
Health-wise, it’s important for owners to be aware of potential issues like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, which are common in both parent breeds. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage these conditions.
Overall, the Havaco is a lovable, sociable, and charming companion dog that blends the best of both parent dog breeds. Its affectionate nature, ability to live with other pets, and moderate size make it a favorite among hybrid dog breeds.