The Jackapoo, sometimes known as the Jackapoodle or Jackadoodle, is a mix between a Jack Russell Terrier and a miniature Poodle. Jack Russell Terriers are alert, inquisitive, and lively, with a high prey drive and instinct to chase and dig. Miniature Poodles are active, proud, intelligent, with a big heart and a love for water. Both are fun breeds suitable for most families. So why not combine them and get the best of both worlds?
You need to consider many things when welcoming a mixed breed into your family. Not only do you need to think about all the things soon-to-be dog owners need to consider, but you also need to be sure that you like both breeds. You can never be sure what breed the Jackapoo might take after more.
We look at everything you need to know about the Jackapoo, from their fun personality to their differing looks, grooming needs, health, and more. The Jackapoo is an intense breed to care for, and they need lots of training, exercise, and company to stay happy. But you might be in for a treat if you can offer that. So, let’s explore this wonderful mixed pup.
History
Jackapoos are a relatively new designer dog breed, and little is known about their history. But like most new mixed pups, they originate from America sometime during the late 20th century. As they are not a pedigree breed, they cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), the leading kennel club in America. However, you can register them with mixed-breed registries like the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC). Let’s take a closer look at the history of the Jackapoo’s parents.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog breed that makes up one-half of the Jackapoo. They are often confused with Russell Terriers and Parson Russells. This is mainly because all three breeds are very similar in appearance, personality, and origins. They weigh between 13 and 17 pounds and measure between 13 and 14 inches tall, from paw to shoulder. Jack Russells aren’t that common in America, and the AKC doesn’t recognize them as a breed, unlike the Russell and Parson Terriers.
Jack Russell Terriers are earth dogs that hunt vermin and flush prey out of small tunnels and dens. They were bred in England sometime during the 19th century by Reverend John “Jack” Russell. The Jack Russell was the original dog breed created by the Reverend Russell, and when he died, slightly different versions were bred. Today Jack Russells are primarily for family companionship, making a great four-legged playmate and watchdog.
Miniature Poodle
The miniature Poodle is the other half of the Jackapoo. They are much more prevalent in America and throughout the world compared to Jack Russell Terriers. The AKC recognizes them and consistently ranks them in the top 10 most popular dog breeds. There are three Poodle sizes, toy, miniature, and standard. Most Jackapoo breeders use the miniature-sized Poodle as they are most similar in size to the Russell Terrier. Mini Poodles weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and measure between 10 and 15 inches tall.
Poodles are best known for their curly hypoallergenic coat and traditionally fancy hairstyle. They are also happy, affectionate, and impressively intelligent. This is why Poodles are one of the most common breeds in the designer dog world, known as Doodle mixes. Like the Jack Russell Terrier, their breed purpose was to hunt, specifically ducks and other waterfowl. Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, it originated from Germany.
Temperament
Jackapoos are feisty canines full of insatiable curiosity. They are livewires that need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. This is where many families fall because they assume they are small lap dogs but are anything but. They have an extremely high prey drive and chase everything, whether a duck, rat, or your neighbor’s cat. This is why they are best suited to homes as only pets or with another dog.
Their inquisitive nature, boundless energy, and bold personality mean they are a ton of fun. If you’re seeking a small-sized pooch with an energetically huge doggy personality, this could be a fantastic match for you. But families need to match their energy to keep them interested. Otherwise, they get bored quickly. A bored Jackapoo is a destructive Jackapoo.
After satisfying their curiosity and exercise needs, they will snuggle up to you for a cuddle. Like most terriers and their mixes, they are faithful people dogs and crave human companionship. They need a family who can spend most of their day with them. Despite being tough canine cookies, they are sensitive to being left alone, often resulting in separation anxiety.
Size & Appearance
Looking at their parents is an excellent indicator of their size and appearance. The majority of Jackapoos have a miniature Poodle parent. However, some breeders might use a toy Poodle, rarely a standard Poodle. One of the most important questions to ask your breeder is what size Poodle their parent is. Otherwise, you might be in for a size shock! With a miniature Poodle parent, expect them to weigh between 11 to 16 pounds and measure between 11 and 14 inches tall.
Jackapoos might be small in stature, but they have muscular frames, giving them a stocky and tough appearance under all that fur. Overall, they usually tend to look like scruffy but soft-looking terriers. Sometimes they are born with a naturally short tail, but this isn’t always the case. Their large, round eyes are sweet but always with a hint of mischievousness. Their ears might be erect like their Jack Russell parent or drop down like their Poodle parent, and sometimes they have one of each, which is adorable too.
Coat & Colors
Like many Doodle mixes, they can inherit different coat appearances and textures. Many Jackapoos have soft and wavy hair like their Poodle parent, but sometimes they can inherit the stiffer coat of the Jack Russell, which can result in a wiry and scruffy-looking coat. How much they shed depends on what parent they take after more. Some Jackapoos have a single-layer hypoallergenic coat, whereas others have a double coat that sheds more often. It depends on what genetics they inherit, so if a hypoallergenic coat is crucial, it’s best not to count on this mixed breed.
Jackapoos have plenty of color choices to choose from, thanks to their Poodle genetics. Most Jackapoos are light in color, sporting white with a mixture of brown, tan, or apricot colors. However, some Jackapoos come in darker colors, too, such as black, blue, gray, or a mixture of them all. One of the many great things about Doodle mixes is that they sport most colors on the canine color wheel.
Exercise & Living Conditions
Jackapoos are surprisingly active for their size, and they need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily to stay happy and healthy. On top of this, they also need regular interactive playtime with their family and access to challenging toys to keep their brains stimulated. Jackapoos are known to tear, chew, and destroy things if they become bored, so you need to keep them engaged throughout the day. Squeaky toys are a great option to satisfy their high prey drive.
Their small size also makes them suitable for apartment living. They would also thrive in a large home with a big yard. But you must ensure their living space is secure, and they cannot escape. This means both over, through, and under the fence. Jack Russell mixes have expert digging skills, so be sure they cannot dig their way under the fence.
Jackapoos are very social and loving with their family. They can live with various family types, from those with children, couples, singletons, retired people, and much more, as long as their exercise needs are met and they aren’t left alone for long periods. They are great playmates for most dog-savvy children, and they can also live with most other dogs too. However, they aren’t the best canine option for homes with smaller pets as they might be unable to resist their high prey drive.
Training
Jackapoos can be stubborn like their Jack Russell parent. But thankfully, they shouldn’t be as hard to train because their intelligent Poodle genes soften their stubbornness. However, this can also backfire because their high intelligence can mean they outsmart their owners quickly. For this reason, early training is essential to avoid problems associated with an intelligent and stubborn canine. Keep training sessions short, positive, and fun to engage them, and consider checking out Doggy Dan, who can assist with dogs that can be tricky to train.
From the second you get them home, stick to the rules you want to keep. For example, if you don’t want them to sleep with you on your bed, don’t let them sleep there on the first night. Set up their own space where you want them to relax and sleep. Crate training your Jackapoo is a great idea, too, as it can help alleviate separation anxiety. Mix them with as many other dogs and humans as you can to keep them socialized and well-balanced.
Health
Jackapoos are generally healthy dogs like both of their parent breeds. Their average lifespan is between 12 and 17 years. Investing in an insurance policy for your young Jackapoo can help with unexpected medical costs over the lifetime of your pet. The earlier you sign up, the healthier your dog is likely to be, minimizing coverage denial for preexisting conditions.
Your Jackapoo might experience none, some, or all of these problems, but the list below is a great starting point.
Deafness
Congenital deafness occurs in the Jack Russell breed. The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is the only diagnosis method, and responsible breeders should run this test. BAER testing can be done from 35 days old, so ask your breeder for the certificate.
Eye Conditions
There are many eye conditions to be aware of from both sides of the family. The main eye problems include glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA.) PRA is a progressive degeneration of the retina cells, which causes gradual vision loss that can eventually lead to blindness. Both glaucoma and cataracts can lead to blurred vision or complete blindness, depending on the severity. Regularly check your Jackapoo’s eyes for a change in appearance.
Luxating Patella
A luxating patella is where the knee joint and the tibia do not connect correctly, resulting in the kneecap popping in and out of its usual location. It is more common in smaller dogs than in larger ones. There are several stages of a luxating patella. Sometimes it can slip in and out of place without much pain, and other times it can become permanently dislocated and cause a lot of pain. The severity of the condition determines the treatment, which can require slipping it back into place or surgery.
Nutrition
The Jackapoo is a small dog that eats less than the average dog breed. How much they eat depends on various factors, including their age, weight, diet type, activity levels, and more. Read the feeding instructions and tailor them to your Jackapoos needs. As much as they’d like you to, do not overfeed them because being overweight can lead to secondary health problems.
Several diet options for your Jackapoo include convenient kibble, fresh food subscriptions, and nutritious raw diets. Each diet type has its advantages, so be sure to explore them all. Whatever you feed them, their diet must be high-quality and age-appropriate to meet their nutritional needs. Jackapoos can be fussy Fidos, so why not consider a tasty fresh food option like Nom Nom?
Grooming
How much you groom your Jackapoo depends on the coat they inherit. If they inherit the Poodle’s single, hypoallergenic coat, they only need brushing once a week to keep their hair untangled and dirt-free. If they inherit the coarse Jack Russel double coat, they need brushing twice a week to keep it clean and prevent clouds of canine hair from blowing through your home. A double coat sheds more during the change of seasons. Ultimately their grooming needs are easy to maintain.
Jackapoos need their teeth cleaned several times a week. Their small mouth and cramped teeth make them more at risk of developing periodontal diseases. Their nails need clipping when they become too long to prevent sore pads. Establishing a grooming regime early makes it much more enjoyable for you and your pup. Thankfully, their water-loving Poodle genes should make bathtime a breeze.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
It’s imperative to work with a responsible and ethical breeder. Look for breeders who screen their dogs for health concerns and can provide you with the relevant health certificates. Those who breed pedigree Jack Russells with Poodles might be more expensive, but they are more likely to focus on their dog’s health. This means an increased chance of buying a healthy puppy. Avoid puppy mills and cheap puppies at all costs, and breeders who don’t allow you to visit their facilities and puppies.
The price of a Jackapoo puppy depends on various factors, including location, demand, bloodline, and more. The average price of a Jackapoo puppy falls between $800 and $1,500. Remember that you must also purchase everything your puppy needs, such as beds, crates, and harnesses. And ensure they are vaccinated, dewormed, chipped, etc. Being a doggy owner can be expensive, especially during the first year.
Rescues & Shelters
If you find a Jackapoo you like, do not hang around because they are likely to be adopted quickly. There are many Doodle mixes in rescues. However, lesser-known Doodle mixes are sometimes labeled as a “Doodle mix” without mentioning their other parentage. Head to your local shelter and speak to the staff who can assist you in your search.
Alternatively, you can check out online Doodle organizations such as Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective. They focus their efforts on rehoming Doodle mixes which might increase your chance of finding a Jackapoo. You are less likely to find a puppy at a shelter, but adoption fees are usually much less than breeder fees.
As A Family Pet
Jackapoos are energetic dogs that need at least one hour of exercise daily.
They have a very high prey drive and are expert diggers.
This Doodle mix is extremely fun.
Jackapoos hate to be left alone for too long.
They can live with most considerate children and other dogs, but no small furries.
Some Jackapoos inherit a soft single coat, and others inherit a stiffer double coat.
Jackapoos are adaptable to family life if you meet their needs.
Early training is essential as they can be too intelligent for their own good.
Final Thoughts
The Jackapoo is a beautiful mix of the Jack Russell Terrier and the miniature Poodle. They are energetic, fun, and loving dogs that can adapt to new family life well. Jackapoos need an active family who can spend most of their time with them. They are a relatively new and rare mix breed, so finding a responsible breeder might be tricky. However, once you find one, it’ll be worth the extra effort knowing your healthy and happy Jackapoo pup has had the best start in life.
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