This cutie is winning the heart of doggy enthusiasts far and wide! Read on for more information on the wonderful Jackapoo.
Jackapoo Information
Height: 10-15 inches
Weight: 6-11 kilos
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Pedigree (registered with the KC): No, this dog is not registered with the Kennel Club
Positives and Negatives
Check out the below pros and cons related to the Jackapoo:
Pros
- Ideal breed choice for small living spaces
- Intelligent and easily trainable
- Great for a first-time owner
- Good with children of all ages
Cons
- Loves to bark
- Has a very high prey drive
- Doesn’t like to be left alone, prone to separation anxiety
- May push boundaries. Has a stubborn side
Overview
A Jackadoodle is a new breed that is crossed between a Jack Russell and a Poodle. They are often referred to as ‘designer dogs’. This dog is definitely a cutie and wins the hearts of many worldwide.
They are easily trainable and can live in small apartments, which is why they are so popular for dog lovers living in the city.
Crossbreeds will often take traits from both sides of their parents. Yet it can be hard to predict which ones they will select. The more this breed develops, the easier it is to study and analyze their traits.
High in energy, this dog will require frequent exercise. They may become destructive if they aren’t walked enough. Puppies will of course need more outdoor time than adults. This breed is affectionate and very loving. A Jackapoo will never be too far away from their owner… unless they’ve seen a squirrel!
Although this breed has Terrier within their lineage, the mix of Poodle is what makes them ideal for children of all ages. Their gentle, friendly and playful personality is what makes them such a popular choice for kids.
History
This hybrid is thought to have originated from the United States in the 1980s-1990s. Jackapoos are crossed between Jack Russells and Toy or Miniature Poodles, which is why this breed can be found in sizes small to medium.
Due to the Jackapoo’s existence being fairly new, they haven’t been recognized as a breed by any official organisation. Yet this still hasn’t stopped their popularity from booming!
The Jack Russell is a Terrier bred to push out foxes from hiding, but they weren’t required to kill. The poachers would instead take the shot. They’ve been specifically bred for fox hunting since the early 1800s. Their origin traces back to the now extinct English White Terrier.
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The Toy Poodle was first seen in the 18th century and were bred for companionship. Around the same time, the Miniature Poodle was also introduced. They both descend from the standard Poodle, a breed developed by the French. It is one of the oldest purebred dogs still around today.
As this breed isn’t recognized, they won’t be seen competing in dog shows. They are only bred as human companions. Their fun-loving personality is what makes them ideal for full and single households.
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Personality
Jackapoo Temperament:
Loveable, hyperactive, sweet yet gentle, this breed makes the perfect all-round pet for almost any owner! They are easily adaptable and are great for those in rural and city areas.
A Jackapoo will never be too far from their owner and strongly dislikes being left alone for long periods of time. If this happens consistently they could develop separation anxiety. They may also pick up destructive habits such as chewing or excessive barking.
The Terrier in this breed is what gives them that tough edge. If a Jackapoo feels they are the ruler of the roost, their behavior could become disorderly. You must show them you are in charge.
Are Jackapoos Good With Strangers?
This pooch will bark and alert you to any strangers at the door. Yet out on walks they won’t instantly feel aggressive or fearful of people, so long as they have had the right socialization.
They are generally friendly and happy towards others, but will still act as a watch dog.
Are Jackapoos Good With Children?
Yes, this dog is great with children of all ages! Their personality and size makes them ideal with toddlers, and they aren’t nippy like other smaller breeds. They are playful and enjoy spending time with the family, bonding with each member of the household.
Are Jackapoos Ok With Other Dogs?
Jackapoos are friendly with other dogs, but again this is dependent on how they have been socialized. As soon as they are able to leave the home, they should be introduced to other animals and people.
This breed can live with other household pets, but it is ideal for them to meet at an early age. They could become jealous if a new pet is brought into the home.
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Exercise
Your pooch will need at least one hour of exercise each day as an adult. A Jackapoo puppy will need around 1.5 hours. They are better off being exercised in an enclosed area as their Terrier lineage provides them with a high prey drive.
Intelligent breeds like this one will need to be mentally stimulated so include games like treat finding, hide and seek or even dog puzzles! Even if you have a garden, your Jackapoo will still need to be exercised. If they don’t receive this, they could face health issues, so you must make sure your dog is still keeping active.
Although this breed can’t compete in dog shows, they are still intelligent enough to train in agility. It is also a great way to keep a Jackapoo mentally stimulated.
Health
Jackapoos are generally healthy, but there are still some breed-related health issues that could be passed down by their parents:
- Addison’s Disease– The Adrenal Glands produce a lower than normal amount of hormones. These hormones are used to control the water, sugar, and salt balance in your dog’s body. It often occurs in female dogs who are young to middle-aged.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease- An inherited bleeding disorder caused by the reduction of platelets. The platelets provide blood clots and without this, excessive bleeding will occur.
- Patellar Luxation- The knee slips in and out of place, preventing the leg from being extended properly. Generally affects one knee but can affect both.
- Cataracs- An cloud covers the lens of the eye, preventing light from reaching the retina. This will eventually lead to blindness.
Intelligence & Training
Part of the well-known Jackapoo characteristics is their intelligence! They pick up on training commands much quicker than other breeds. This is why they are perfect for first-time owners.
A Jackapoo puppy will have lots of energy, so be sure to exercise them first before training. You don’t want them to become easily distracted. Be firm and consistent with this pooch. They may occasionally show a stubborn side, but most of the time they will be attentive.
The Jack Russell is responsible for the Jackapoos high prey drive. It is difficult to train this out of your dog, as it is a natural instinct. If you do have a garden, make sure your dog can’t escape.
Even though the Jackapoo is relatively easy to train, some owners still choose professional help. A local training class is a great way to socialize your pet whilst teaching them new commands. You can even try out some agility sessions to help keep your Jackapoo mentally stimulated.
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Grooming
A Jackapoos coat can vary, some have smooth and straight fur, whilst others have a rough and curly coat. Depending on which parent your pup has favored will depend on how you groom them.
If your pooch has taken the side of their poodle parent, they will be minimal shedders. They will also be a better choice for allergy sufferers. Slicker brushes and combs are more suitable for this coat. Your Jackapoo dog will need to be brushed 2-3 times a week and a bath every 3-4 weeks.
If they have closely mirrored the coat of the Jack Russell, then shedding will be much higher. In this case, a bristle brush would be a better grooming tool and you should brush them every few days. You will need to bathe them every 4-6 weeks depending on how they smell. At this time you should also clean their ears.
Your Jackapoo will file their nails on their own out on their daily activities. Aim to file and trim the nails once they begin tapping on the floor. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can hire a professional or take advice from your vet.
Plaque can also build up on your dog’s teeth. Vets recommend daily brushing, so you will need a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste for this. Introduce this to your pet as early as possible, it may take them some getting used too!
Image Sources:
Photo of Jackapoo 1, Jackapoo 2, and Jackapoo 3 by Genorama, in the public domain
“Jessie the Dog” by JackPeasePhotography, licensed under CC BY 2.0
