The Jackapoo Community

The Jackapoo is a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Poodle, usually a Miniature or Toy Poodle, producing a small, sharp and spirited dog that is nothing like the stereotypical lap-dog doodle. The Jack Russell side of this cross brings boldness, a strong prey drive, and a stubborn streak that makes the Jackapoo better suited to experienced owners than many other crossbreeds. Get the match right, though, and you have one of the most entertaining, intelligent and loyal small dogs available. It is also known as the Jackadoodle, Jack-a-Poo, or JRT Doodle — all names for the same cross. The Jackapoo is not a Kennel Club recognised breed. Like all crossbreeds, individual dogs vary considerably depending on which parent they take after more strongly. Some Jackapoos lean towards the Poodle side — calmer, more trainable, softer in character. Others are unmistakably Jack Russell — bouncy, tenacious and independently minded. The cross became popular in the UK during the 2010s as demand for low-shedding small dogs grew. Because one parent is a Poodle, Jackapoos tend to shed less than a purebred Jack Russell, which suits owners with mild allergies to dog hair. However, no dog is genuinely hypoallergenic — see [are doodles and crossbreeds really hypoallergenic?](/breeds/crossbreeds/are-doodles-hypoallergenic) for the full picture. Size depends partly on whether a Miniature or Toy Poodle was used. Miniature Poodle crosses tend to sit at the larger end of the range (8–12 kg); Toy Poodle crosses are typically smaller (5–8 kg). **The honest caveat:** The Jackapoo's Jack Russell temperament is frequently underestimated. Buyers drawn in by the low-shedding coat and compact size sometimes find themselves with a dog whose energy levels, recall, and stubbornness require more management than they expected. This is not a dog that will sit quietly on the sofa waiting for you. It needs an engaged owner.