Most important facts
- Group
- Crossbreed
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–12 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short to wavy
- Energy
- High
- Height
- 25–38 cm
- Colours
- White, black, tan or mixed shades
- Shedding
- Light
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£0.58 a day
- Gear to consider
- Small-breed slow-feeder bowl, dental chews, secure well-fitted harness
Typical dry food, adult
About the Jackapoo
The Jackapoo is a modern designer cross between the Jack Russell Terrier and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Breeders began making it deliberately in the early 2000s, looking to pair the Jack Russell's sturdy spark with the Poodle's cleverness and lower-shedding coat. Like all such crosses it has no Kennel Club recognition, and coat, size and character can vary noticeably even within a single litter.
Jackapoos are typically happy, affectionate dogs that inherit the Jack Russell's spirited, busy nature alongside the Poodle's quick intelligence and eagerness to please. They bond closely with their family, do well with children in confident households, and enjoy being included in daily life rather than left to their own devices. Most keep that playful streak well into later life.
That terrier heritage means a strong prey drive and a good deal of energy to burn. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, a Jackapoo can become bored, vocal or destructive. Consistent, reward-based training suits them well, and because they're food-motivated, training treats are worth counting within the daily allowance.
Common health conditions
Things Jackapoo owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Patellar luxation
Small and terrier-type dogs often get a slipping kneecap. Keep a Jackapoo lean with measured meals rather than free feeding.
Dental disease
Small jaws mean crowded teeth and faster tartar build-up. Brush daily and use a dental-friendly kibble size or dental chews.
Skin and coat allergies
Both parent breeds can carry a predisposition to atopic skin issues. A consistent protein source and good omega fatty acid content can help if flare-ups occur.
Progressive retinal atrophy
An inherited eye condition seen in Poodles that can pass to the cross. Buy from a breeder who health-tests both parents.
Feeding a Jackapoo
A Jackapoo's small frame and terrier-driven energy mean they need an energy-dense, nutrient-rich food in fairly modest portions, as it's easy to overestimate how much a dog this size actually needs. Splitting the daily allowance into two or three meals suits their quick metabolism, and a smaller kibble is easier on a compact jaw. Puppies do best on three small meals until around six months.
Both parent breeds run food-motivated, so weigh meals and treats within the daily allowance to prevent the slow weight creep that strains small joints. A diet with good-quality protein, joint-supporting nutrients and omega-3 and omega-6 oils suits most Jackapoos well, and make any diet change gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Jackapoo needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
5–12 kg
Est. daily calories
280–810 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Jackapoos eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£0.58
- Per month
- ~£18
- Per year
- ~£210
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Jackapoo
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Jackapoo by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs7/10
- Appetite7/10
- Trainability7/10
- Good with children7/10
- Shedding3/10
- Tolerates being alone3/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Intelligent and generally quick to train, thanks to the Poodle side
- Affectionate and sociable, often doing well with confident, active families
- Compact size makes them adaptable to a range of homes
Worth knowing
- Prone to separation-related behaviour if left alone too long without gradual training
- Terrier heritage brings a strong prey drive, so recall and secure fencing take real work
- Can be food-motivated and prone to weight gain if treats aren't accounted for
Best matched accessories
All accessoriesThe collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed my Jackapoo?
It depends on their exact weight, age and activity, but most adults do well on two measured meals a day of a complete small-breed food. Follow the pack guide as a starting point, then adjust the amount up or down to keep a healthy body condition. Our Food Finder can suggest a suitable recipe.
Are Jackapoos hypoallergenic?
No cross is truly hypoallergenic, but a Poodle-influenced coat can shed less and produce less loose hair than the Jack Russell side alone. Coat type varies a lot between individuals, so meet the puppy's parents where possible.
Do Jackapoos put weight on easily?
Yes. A terrier appetite combined with a small frame means extra calories show up quickly. Weigh the food, limit treats, and check regularly that you can feel but not see the ribs.
How much exercise does a Jackapoo need?
Walks and play should add up to at least an hour daily, with mental stimulation such as training games or puzzle feeders on top, because a bored Jackapoo can become a destructive one. Match food intake to how active they actually are.