Jackapoo Breed Guide: Exercise, Temperament, Cost & Health

Jackapoo summary: 

• Active & loving dogs
• Low shedding coat
• Variety of colours including black, cream, grey, liver & white
• Jackapoo life expectancy = 12 - 15 years
• Average size = 25 - 38 cm
• Average weight = 6 - 12 kg
• Estimated monthly cost = Medium
• Exercise needs = High
• Attention needs = Medium
• Sociability = Medium

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How much exercise does a Jackapoo need?

Despite their small size, Jackapoos and Jackapoo puppies are very active dogs. They have a low boredom threshold and can become bored if they don’t get enough physical & mental stimulation.

They’ll need to be walked for at least one hour per day to ensure that their exercise needs are met. This can be split into a shorter walk in the morning and a longer, more interesting walk in the evening. 

They have a high prey drive and it’s their natural instinct to chase after squirrels and rabbits. To keep them happy and healthy, take them to a secure environment where they can run off-lead, with lots of interesting things to see and sniff. 

As with all breeds, be careful not to over-exercise them whilst they are still growing, as this can have long term effects on their joints. As well as outdoor activities, Jackapoos and Jackapoo puppies need to stay mentally stimulated with training and puzzle games. 

Jackapoo temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

Jackapoos are kind and loving dogs that make for a fantastic addition to the family. They are playful with a cheeky personality, and will generally get on well with children and other pets. When it comes to living environments, Jackapoos are quite adaptable and will happily live in an apartment or a house in the country. 

They are really clever dogs, inheriting the brains from both the Poodle and the Jack Russell. Whilst they are still young and receptive, it's a good idea to introduce your Jackapoo to other dogs, people and livestock as well as car travel and unfamiliar noises, such as traffic.

They form strong bonds with their families and don’t like to be left alone for long periods, so if you’re out of the house for most of the day, this is something to bear in mind. It’s good practice to leave them on their own for small periods during training so that they can get used to being by themselves. 

If you’re looking for a strong-minded companion with an enthusiasm for life, bags of personality and a cheeky streak, a Jackapoo may be just the breed for you!

Training: how to train a Jackapoo

Jackapoos can be stubborn, but they are very intelligent and will always look to please their owner. They are fast learners, which means they can pick up bad habits just as quickly as good ones. 

They don’t respond well to heavy-handed treatment or scolding, instead preferring positive reinforcement, praise and plenty of treats. Keep training sessions short, reward-based and different each time. 

Jackapoos have a high prey drive thanks to their Jack Russell heritage, so they will instinctively chase after small fleeing animals. Bear this in mind when you take them for a walk, only let them off lead in a secure environment.

As is the case with all breeds, Jackapoos will start to approach new experiences with caution when they are around 12 weeks old. Therefore, it’s really important for their development that they experience as many different situations as possible. 

Grooming: do Jackapoos shed?

A Jackapoo coat can vary quite a lot from dog to dog, depending on their genetics. Some have straighter, wiry coats, others have tighter, curly hair. Generally speaking, Jackapoos will shed less than the average dog. 

You might have heard claims from owners or breeders that Jackapoos are hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, no dogs are 100% hypoallergenic. However, Jackapoos are bred from poodles, which are one of the most hypoallergenic breeds, so they may cause fewer symptoms in allergy sufferers. 

Jackapoos need to be groomed regularly to prevent knots and tangles. A daily brush is a great way to make sure their skin and coat stays in tip-top condition, as well as providing an opportunity to bond with your dog. 

Complete your Jackapoo’s grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks.

Cost of owning a Jackapoo

When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Jackapoo, remember to take into account the following costs:

• Jackapoo food and diet
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Regular canine grooming costs
• Dog toys and equipment
• Preventative healthcare

As a rough guide, allow between £80 and £90 a month to cover the ongoing costs of owning a Jackapoo. Our vets have drawn up this handy guide to save dog owners money.

Are Jackapoos prone to any health problems?

Jackapoos are prone to certain health problems, just like all breeds. This doesn’t mean your dog is guaranteed to contract any particular disease – it’s just something to bear in mind.

To keep your Jackapoo as healthy as possible, monitor them closely and attend routine 6-monthly health checks with your vet. This will allow the vet to give your dog a thorough check-up and to pick up on minor (often symptomless) conditions before they have a chance to escalate into something worse.

Possible health complications for Jackapoos Include:

• Dental issues and gum disease
• Infections
• Obesity and weight problems
• Allergies (including flea, food and pollen)
• Hip dysplasia 
• Deafness

Before welcoming a new dog into your household, make sure you’re able to cover the costs of any routine or emergency medical treatment they may need. Pet insurance will help massively with this. Why not ask your vet about their recommended pet insurance policy?

Jackapoo dietary requirements

Your Jackapoo will need a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It’s best to feed them complete dog food specially formulated for small breeds to ensure that they are getting the right amounts of vitamins and nutrients. 

Growing pups may prefer 3-4 smaller servings during the day, rather than two larger meals. This can be reduced to two meals a day as your dog gets older.

The recommended portion size will depend on your individual dog. You’ll need to take into account their activity level, age and metabolism. To avoid weight gain, make sure your Jackapoo has a healthy and balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise.

For dietary advice that’s specific to your dog, have a chat with your local vet or the breeder you’re purchasing your puppy from.

Are Jackapoos suitable for first time owners? 

Jackapoos make great pets for first-time dog owners, because of their willingness to please and kind nature. They love to experience new things and generally pick up training quite quickly and are very adorable puppies. 

They enjoy human company and they need a fair amount of exercise, so if you’re out of the house for most of the day, then they might not be the most suitable breed for you. 

If you are able to give them the time and attention they need, owning a Jackapoo can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet. Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page.