A jack-a-poo is a crossbreed dog gaining popularity in the US. It is a specific mix between smaller poodles and Jack Russell terriers, but the breed is still so new that it’s difficult to find much information regarding them, their behavior, and their characteristics. It’s not difficult to understand the intent behind the cross breeding of these two types of dogs.
Both dogs have desirable and undesirable characteristics. Jack Russell Terriers are known for their exceptional intelligence, which can quickly lead them into trouble without skilled training from an early age. Poodles are also considered some of the most intelligent dogs, but again, if improperly trained, they may be nippy. In general, poodles have a more sedate intelligence than do Jack Russell Terriers. Calming down the Jack Russell energy by breeding it to a poodle can be a smart choice.
Further, Jack Russells shed significantly, while poodles are considered low-shed, and almost hypoallergenic. The crossbred jack-a-poo or jackdoodle, may have the characteristics of a non-shedding dog and be better for people who have slight allergies to dogs, or who simply don’t want to deal with a shedding dog. Whether or not a jack-a-poo will shed or be a calm dog is a good question that is not always easy to determine when you obtain a puppy. If you want to be assured of calmer characteristics or low shedding, rescuing a year old jack-a-poo may be a better choice, since animal rescuers can give you a more full account of the dog’s behavior.
Temperament and coat can vary, as can appearance. Some types of jack-a-poo look very much like Jack Russell Terriers, and weigh in at about 15-25 pounds (6.8-11.34 kg). Others may be smaller, may have smooth instead of rough curly coats, and all exhibit a range of colors. When the jack-a-poo is first generation, this means it has a Jack Russell and poodle parent. Second or later generations means the dog is the result of breeding two jack-a-poos together. You’re likely to have more predictable characteristics in dogs of later generations, since the dogs with the most desirable characteristics are selected to breed and produce puppies.
The first generation jack-a-poo tends to be the most variable in appearance, coat quality and temperament. It may look like a Jack Russell or a poodle, shed or not shed, and is high energy or not. If you like to be surprised by a dog’s personality and looks, first generation puppies may be the best choice. Clearly, though, any jack-a-poo you acquire will benefit significantly from lots of loving attention, careful training and behavior classes and overall thoughtful care as to coat. Dogs that prosper best, regardless of breed, do so in loving homes.