Jack a Poo Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Jack a Poo?

Appearing on the scene roughly 20 years ago when breeders first decided to cross two pedigrees, namely the Jack Russell and the toy or miniature poodle, they also go by Jack a Doodle.

This mixed breed dog can inherit characteristics from either one of their parent breeds, so the puppies can differ widely even if they are from the same litter. Because of this and their relatively new arrival, they are yet to be recognised by any major international breed organisations, though several small, grassroots breed clubs have been started to make sure they are bred responsibly.

Who are Jack a Poo dogs best for?

Jack a Poos are great all-rounders if properly socialised from a young age and are adaptable to a variety of home situations, whether in a family with children or just a couple or single person home. They cope well both in the city or suburbs and in the countryside.

They would prefer living with an active family and one with older kids who know how to act around dogs who have the potential to become unruly and hard to handle. They love to be included in the family, dislike being left out, and form strong familial bonds.

The Jack Russell terrier in them, they have a high prey instinct and will likely give chase to smaller or strange animals which catch their eye. It's important to socialise them from a young age and consistently as they grow up to coach this overly energetic side of them.

They're best off in homes where they are rarely alone as they can get angsty if left alone for extended periods which can result in them displaying destructive, anxious behaviour.

How much grooming does a Jack a Poo need?

Jack a Poos have short coats of hair, meaning they are low maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Brushing them twice a week to remove loose or dead dog hair will keep their sheen but will need stepping up in Spring and Autumn when they shed heavier.

Some Jack a Poo owners will opt to have their pooches professionally clipped to keep their coats tidy.

Do Jack a Poo bark much?

Taking the lead from their high-energy Jack Russell terrier parents, Jack a Poos can tend to be overly talkative.

They may bark to alert you to a stranger in their territory or because they don't like something that's happening near them, but will often bark simply because they feel like it.

This sort of behaviour is best nipped in the bud early on with this dog breed with proper training and early socialisation.

Do Jack a Poo bite?

This high-energy dog has more than a dash of terrier and will feel a strong chase and hunt instinct. While they are not notorious for aggression or biting, they have a naughty streak and may give a little nip if playtime gets out of hand.

They are highly adaptable dogs however and will take well to obedience training if implemented early. While this won't stop them from testing your limits to see what they can get away with, it will prevent them from using their teeth to express themselves.

What is the temperament & personality of a Jack a Poo?

The Jack a Poo has a sweet but energetic temperament and is great with all age groups provided they receive the correct socialisation.

Their high amounts of energy necessitate owners who are active and committed as they will need a sufficient outlet for their energy lest it starts to manifest as antisocial or destructive behaviour.

They form strong familial ties and don't enjoy being left alone for any amount of time. Their early socialisation should involve being around new noises, people, and, other dogs and animals once they've been vaccinated. This will help them understand their place in the world and curb any behaviour that will stop them from making friends.

What is the weight & size of a Jack a Poo?

The Jack a Poo is a relatively tall but skinny, muscular dog. Both males and females will grow to between 25-38cm and will both weigh between 6-11kg.

How much training does a Jack a Poo need?

This Jack Russell terrier poodle cross inherits the intelligence of both its parents and excels at a variety of activities, including obedience and agility. That being said they are naturally stubborn and will turn a deaf ear to your commands if the feeling takes them.

The Jack a Poo temperament makes them fast learners which can be great for learning proper behaviour but can also make them prone to imprinting bad habits. For this reason, it's best to begin their training early in life so they don't develop small dog syndrome.

When training them, keep sessions quick and entertaining and avoid repetition which they soon find dull. They love positive reinforcement and give high value to treats, but do not take well to heavy-handed techniques.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Jack a Poo?

Jack a Poos are generally healthy dogs, though because they descend from two different dogs they can tend to inherit congenital defects that afflict either of their parent breeds, including -

Jack Russell -

• Deafness

• Late-Onset Ataxia – DNA test available

• Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) sometimes referred to as Ectopia Lentis – DNA test available

• Canine Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) – DNA test available

• Posterior luxation

• Anterior luxation

• Patellar luxation

• Arthritis

Miniature Poodle -

• Addison's Disease - a condition that negatively impacts a dog's adrenal glands

• Cushing's Syndrome - a condition where a dog's adrenal glands overproduce cortisol

• Thyroid disease

• Chronic active hepatitis - a liver disorder

• Seizures - idiopathic epilepsy

• Hip dysplasia - test available

• Hypothyroidism

What is the lifespan of a Jack a Poo?

If cared for properly and fed a nutritious diet appropriate to their age a Jack a Poo can live to between 12-15 years.

How much should you feed a Jack a Poo?

Make sure as they get older you are keeping tabs on the quality of their food and how often they eat; obesity can cause myriad health issues in dogs later in life and can shorten their life expectancy in any case.

What is the price of a Jack a Poo in Australia?

Depending on factors such as their parentage and pedigree, a Jack a Poo puppy will generally cost in the region of $1000.