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Jackapoo

The Jackapoo crosses a Jack Russell Terrier with a Poodle.

It is a crossbreed rather than a breed, and it inherits an unusual combination: the Poodle's intelligence and often its curly coat, alongside the Jack Russell's very substantial working drive.

It stands 25 to 38 centimetres, weighs 5 to 11 kilograms and lives twelve to sixteen years. Coats vary from wiry to curly to smooth within a litter. The temperament is the thing to plan for rather than the coat: a Jack Russell is one of the highest-drive small dogs there is, and crossing it with a working gundog does not produce a low-energy lapdog whatever the marketing suggests.

Origin
A crossbreed, not a recognised breed
Size
25–38 cm; 5–11 kg
Lifespan
12–16 years
Coat
Wiry, curly or smooth; varies within a litter
Temperament
Very high drive and intelligence; not a low-energy small dog
Health
Primary lens luxation, patellar luxation, PRA

Related: Jack Russell terrier · Poodle

2 jackapoo photos, newest first

Jackapoo feed
  • Sesame III, a jackapoo

    Sesame III

    Sesame III was promoted to chess champion facing pieces taller than itself; unfortunately, a parade of rubber ducks heads the wrong way.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Sesame III, a jackapoo

    Sesame III

    Two minutes after this, Sesame III was asleep.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a jackapoo

Expect a terrier's drive. This cross needs an hour or more of exercise plus real mental work daily, and without it digs, barks, escapes and chews. It is not a small dog in the sense buyers usually mean.

Ask for the primary lens luxation DNA test from the Jack Russell side — it causes acute painful glaucoma — and PRA testing from the Poodle side.

If the coat is curly it needs professional grooming every six to eight weeks plus regular brushing.

Prey drive is high; recall around wildlife and small pets is unreliable.

Ask about patellar luxation. They are clever and excel at dog sports if given the outlet.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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