Intelligent, energetic, fun-loving.
The Jackapoo is a mixed breed dog crossing the purebred Jack Russell Terrier with a purebred Poodle – the Miniature or Toy Poodle being the most popular choice.
If you are looking for an intelligent, small to medium sized dog with a playful outlook on life, this could be the one for you! They can also be known as a Jackapoodle, a Jackadoodle or even a Poojack.
The Jackapoo
Due to being crossed with a Poodle, the Jackapoo can have a low shedding coat and will need minimal grooming – this is if your dog is more on the Poodle side.
With minimal shedding they are also hypoallergenic which is an important characteristic if anyone in your household has allergies. However do be aware a Jackapoo may shed more if it favors the Terrier side – check with the breeder when you are looking for your little buddy!
The Jackapoo is a very loving little chap, affectionate and loyal and would make a good addition as a family dog or a companion. They have quite a ‘high’ bark and are very alert to strangers so make good guard dogs in your home.
Being crossed with a Jack Russell Terrier, the Jackapoo has strong hunting instincts and therefore may not be a good choice if you have other small household pets in your home. They are generally good with other dogs and children, but of course as with any dog, they should not be left alone with a child.
We’ve got a list of the 63 best doodle mixes – be sure to check them out! The Jackapoo is listed as #34.
History of the Jackapoo
The exact date of the first Jack Russell Terrier/Poodle cross is unknown, however in ‘designer’ dog terms it is a relatively new mixed breed. The Jackapoo probably originated in the United States in the 1980’s or 1990’s.
Vital Statistics
Average Height: 10-15 ins.
Average Weight: 12-25 lbs.
Size can of course vary depending on the size of the poodle, generally Small
Average Lifespan: 12-15 Years
Colors
Most popular are:
Black, black with markings, white with tan, brown, brown and white, golden, chocolate, grey, blue
The Jackapoo is very individual in its coloring which is why they are fast becoming a popular mixed breed dog, along with their sweet nature and attractive looks of course!
They are not recognized by any of the large international organisations like The Kennel Club as they are a mixed breed. However many countries have set up local ‘Breed Clubs’ to try and ensure that Jackapoos are bred in a responsible manner to produce balanced and healthy dogs.
Ease of Training
The Jackapoo is highly intelligent and therefore easy to train, but training should be started young, in a firm and consistent manner. The Terrier in them means they may have a bit of a stubborn streak so firmness is essential. They are a very active dog with bundles of energy so do need lots of physical activity on a daily basis.
If they get bored and don’t have enough physical exercise and mental stimulation, the Jackapoo may develop behavior problems. So even though this is a small mixed breed, it may not be a suitable choice if you are an apartment dweller, unless you have the time to get outside to work off all that energy!
Being easy to train makes the Jackapoo a good choice for first time dog owners – the new addition to your family will be just eager to please you.
Having the Jack Russell Terrier characteristics, the Jackapoo will be off hunting when he gets the chance. Make sure your yard/garden is very secure!
Grooming
The coat of the Jackapoo may be either smooth and straight, or rough and curly.
If the coat is rougher, we recommend buying a FURminator to keep your dog in shape especially after a wild walk/run through the undergrowth! You can get a FURminator specially for small dogs.
FURminator deShedding Tool
We have found that the absolute best way of grooming any long haired dog breed is to use the FURminator grooming tool! We highly recommend this unique brush from Amazon to keep your dog in tip top shape. Click on the image below to find out more…
It is just as important to brush a Jackapoo’s teeth as its coat. Dogs that do not have their teeth brushed regularly may feel tooth pain, and are at risk to cavities, as well as mouth infections.
By brushing a dog’s teeth, you remove plaque, prevent tartar buildup, and help freshen up their breath. It’s recommended that these dogs have their teeth brushed at least 2-3 times a week.
Clipping your dog’s nails is a necessity. If a dog’s nails become too long, they may become uncomfortable, even painful.
A good way to tell if their nails are too long is by listening to them clicking against the ground as they move. If you hear clicking, it may be time to break out the clippers.
Health Considerations
Like people, dogs can get sick, and can be affected by all sorts of health issues. It is important to know about the possible health risks a dog faces when buying one, as well as provide the proper health care. Just because a condition is associated with a particular breed does not mean that your dog will be afflicted with the disease.
Health problems that can be present in a pure bred dog can often be bypassed as a result of cross breeding. Possible conditions the Jackapoo may inherit from its parent breeds could include:
- Addison’s Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand’s
- Other Joint Ailments
It has been found though that there is one physical health condition that can affect the Jackapoo – skin disorders. Henry the Jackapoo who features on this page is currently suffering from hair loss, bless him. The vet is helping and I’m sure he will soon be on the mend!
Here is a list of some common skin conditions in dogs:
- Itchy skin or pruritis, where your dog is forever scratching
- Allergies – reaction to pollen and environmental issues
- Hair loss – parasites or thyroid could be the problem
- Dull coat – could be due to a lack of Omega-3 and Omega-6
In all cases, a trip to your veterinary clinic is ESSENTIAL! Don’t leave it too long – go straight away to keep your buddy healthy and happy.
In Conclusion
If you are looking for a loyal, playful and affectionate dog with bundles of energy then the Jackapoo could be for you! You must be able to give your new family member plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep him/her happy and healthy.
And of course, as with any new dog being added to your family, do go to a reputable breeder.
Resources and Further Reading
We highly recommend researching before you choose your breed (or crossbreed!) of dog – the books below are great reading for the Jackapoo lover/owner! Click on the images for more information.
Good luck with your hunt for the dog for you and we hope you find the perfect Jackapoo if you have fallen in love with this breed.
