Pet Wiki

Jackapoo

Canis lupus familiaris

Also called Jack-A-Poo, Jackadoodle, Jack a Poodle, Poojack

CrossbreedShort profile

From United States, thought to date from around the 1990s.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight5 to 12 kg12
Height24 to 41 cm12
Lifespan12 to 15 years12
Sizesmall

BorrowMyDoggy gives 5-12 kg; Dogster gives 13-25 lb (about 5.9-11.3 kg). No split by sex.

bright and quick to learn
happy and full of fun
loyal and loving
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short to medium, wiry to curly

The coat can be anything from a wiry terrier jacket to soft Poodle curls, and it tends to shed little. Littermates can look quite different.12

Coloursblackblack and whitewhitebrowngoldengreyblue12

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, lively little dog with plenty of terrier spark. It is clever, affectionate and devoted to its family, and can be a touch stubborn. It likes to have its say, so early training helps keep the chatter in check.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High for its size. About an hour a day of walks and play, and it enjoys fetch, agility, flyball and puzzle toys.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush weekly, or more often for curly coats, which may also need trips to a groomer. Bathe only when needed, clean ears regularly, trim nails and brush teeth often.21

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active household that can offer daily exercise and games; a yard for play is a bonus.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A good-quality small-breed dry or wet food; Dogster suggests spreading it over three meals a day for this energetic dog.2

Company who they like around

A family dog that gets on with children and other dogs when introduced well. Its terrier side may want to chase small animals and birds.21

The story where it all began

The Jackapoo is a modern designer cross, thought to have started in the United States around the 1990s. Breeders paired the plucky Jack Russell Terrier with a Toy or Miniature Poodle to make a lively, low-shedding family pet.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    On the BorrowMyDoggy app, the most common name for a Jackapoo is Teddy.1

  2. 2

    Jackapoos can do well in obedience, agility and tracking events.2

  3. 3

    Puppies from the same parents can turn out looking very different from one another.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Jack-A-Poo' is a portmanteau combining 'Jack' from the Jack Russell Terrier and 'Poo' from the Poodle, reflecting its hybrid parentage.3

Name ideas for your new friend

PepperZippyCocoSparkyDaisyBiscuitRocketMochiTrixieWafflePippinSunny

A day in the life told by a Jackapoo

I bounce out of bed, my tail a blur. I bark at the door, time for a walk! I dash around the park, chasing a ball and a squirrel. My human laughs when I stop to chat with a poodle. Back home, I do a few tricks for a treat, then curl up for a nap. After lunch, I find a puzzle toy and work it like a pro. By evening, I'm ready for cuddles. I fall asleep, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

The Royal Kennel Club
Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Jackapoo. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Jackapoo, and at what times?

Feed your Jackapoo three meals a day, as Dogster suggests for this energetic little dog. Consistent meal times help with digestion and training. For puppies, three to four smaller meals are recommended.25

What should a Jackapoo eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A good-quality small-breed dry or wet food is ideal. Keep your Jackapoo safe by avoiding dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, and other items listed by the ASPCA.26

How often should I bathe a Jackapoo?

Bathe your Jackapoo only when needed, about every two months following Furry Diary's plan. The ASPCA suggests at least once every three months, but more often if your dog gets very dirty.217 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Jackapoo need brushing?

Brush your Jackapoo weekly, or more often if the coat is curly. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends weekly brushing to keep the coat healthy and reduce shedding.217 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Jackapoo's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick, as the ASPCA advises.217 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Jackapoo need?

Your Jackapoo needs about an hour of walks and play each day. It loves fetch, agility, flyball, and puzzle toys to keep its clever mind busy.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Jackapoo's teeth and ears?

Brush your Jackapoo's teeth two to three times a week (daily is ideal) with dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks, gently cleaning the outer ear without pushing into the canal.217 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Jackapoo live?

A Jackapoo typically lives 12 to 15 years, bringing joy to your family for many years.12

Is a Jackapoo good with children and other pets?

Yes, it's a family dog that gets on well with children and other dogs when introduced properly. Its terrier side may want to chase small animals like birds, so early socialisation helps.21

Can a Jackapoo be left alone?

This varies by individual dog. Some Jackapoos may tolerate short periods alone, but they are devoted to their family. Ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance based on your dog's temperament.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Parents and lookalikes

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Jackapoo Dog Breed Guide - BorrowMyDoggy borrowmydoggy.comused for origin, size, lifespan, coat, colours, exercise, fun fact
  2. Jack A Poo - Dogster dogster.comused for other names, origin, size, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, diet, fun facts
  3. thesprucepets.com thesprucepets.com
  4. What is a crossbreed dog? - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.