Jack Russell vs. Cockapoo – What Is The Best Breed For You
Jack Russell’s are active, lively dogs who don’t like to sit still for long. They are devoted to their owners but aren’t a good choice for a family with younger children. Cockapoos looks and acts like a big puppy even as an adult. Cockapoos are small and robust and always ready for a game of fetch.
Key Similarities
Both of these dogs are close to the same size and weight. The Jack Russell and the Cockapoo are affectionate dogs, courageous, lively, protective, and curious. Because they are small dogs, their life span can be anywhere from 15 to 17 years of age.
These dog breeds need a good deal of exercise even though they are small dogs. They love to spend time with the family and like games of fetch and exciting walks.
Key Differences
The Jack Russell terrier is authenticated by the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America and the American Kennel Club.
The Cockapoo is a designer dog, and pure-bred associations don’t recognize the breed. But the Cockapoo Club of America was founded in 1998 for some type of breed structure.
A Jack Russell is a white dog with fawn or orange-colored patches. These dogs are heavy shedders with a dense double coat that requires frequent brushing.
A Cockapoo has a variety of colors in its coats. The coat can be tan, cream, blonde, white, brown, black, or even a combination of these colors. This breed is a low shedder, odorless, and must be brushed at least twice a week.
Pros of Owning a Jack Russell
Even though he’s a small dog, he thinks he’s huge. A Jack Russell has an attitude and does make a good guard dog. He is a funny, lively dog and will keep you laughing at the funny things he does.
Pros of Owning Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a popular dog because they have the best qualities of their parents, the cocker spaniel, and poodle. These dogs adore spending time with their family. They are comical little dogs with sweet personality.
Who Should Consider Owning a Jack Russell?
If you’re a person who is active and wants a dog to keep up, then this dog is for you. However, this breed can get nippy with kids, so he will need to be trained appropriately.
Who Should Consider Owning a Cockapoo?
Cockapoos are low shedding, so if dog dander bothers you, then you might want to consider this breed. These are very loving, family-oriented, and enjoy being around children.
All About the Jack Russell
History
The Jack Russell terrier has been bred for hunting since the early 1880s. He is a baying terrier which means his bay is to flush out a fox but not kill it. The breed acquired their name from the Reverend John Russell. The Reverend bred the finest working terriers for chasing down foxes in England.
There are two types of Jack Russell terriers. The longer-legged dogs are called Parson Jack Russell terriers, and the shorter-legged dogs are just called Jack Russell terriers.
Size & Appearance
These are fairly small dogs between 13 and 17 pounds, with an average weight of about 14 ½ pounds. The male is 14 inches at the withers, and the female is 13 inches at the withers. The breed has a compact and muscular body.
The coat is a short, double coat that is flat and hard. The colors are white with black markings, tan markings, or all white. All the coats tend to shed.
Lifespan
The life span of a Jack Russell terrier is between 13 to 16 years.
Guard dog or Family
A Jack Russell is a family dog, but he will also guard his family. They are good watchdogs and will protect his family. But if there is a strange dog around and it minds its manners, your Jack Russell will mind his. But if your dog thinks the other dog is a danger, a Jack Russell is so fearless he will even take on a Rottweiler if your dog doesn’t like the attitude of the other dog.
Training & obedience
A Jack Russell has a high prey drive, and you can’t eliminate it in training. They are highly intelligent dogs and will learn almost anything you want to teach them quickly. But the most challenging part of training is convincing your dog that he has to listen to you, even if he’s not in the mood to do so.
If you offer the right mixture of mental stimulation, physical exercise, and confident leadership, then your dog may oblige you. Of course, physical punishment won’t work on these dogs, but the reward method of training will.
Shedding, grooming, and maintenance
This dog sheds continuously and year-round. They are to be bathed about every 4-6 weeks and taken to the groomer occasionally for cutting nails.
Brushing daily will help to keep ahead of the dog hair issue.
Health issues
Your Jack Russell can develop eye and heart disease, Neurological/neuromuscular diseases, Inherited deafness, Orthopedic diseases, and Miscellaneous health problems.
This is why it’s essential to check the health records of both parents before purchasing your dog. A professional breeder will have the medical records on hand.
All About the Cockapoo
History
The Cockapoo is a hybrid mix of either a Toy or Miniature Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. Since your dog is a crossbreed, there can be a range of diversity from the litter. However, very rarely have a litter of Cockapoos with identical size puppies and coat color.
Size & Appearance
The Cockapoo can be standard, miniature, or toy depending on the size of the Poodle parent. A standard Cockapoo can weigh a little over 20 pounds and be about 15 inches tall. Miniatures can weigh between 12 to 20 pounds and be between 11 to 14 inches. The Toy Cockapoo weighs less than 12 pounds and is no more than 10 inches tall.
The coat is a Cockapoo is similar to a poodle with the floppy ears of a Cocker Spaniel. They have large, beautiful eyes and a teddy bear-like appearance.
Lifespan
Between 14 to 20 years
Guard dog or Family
The Cockapoo is not a guard dog but will bark if he sees someone coming towards the house or knocking at the door.
Training & behavior
A Cockapoo is a little easier to train because one of the parents is a Cocker Spaniel. So, your dog may pick up training and commands a little faster. But it may be a bit of a struggle to get your dog to focus on the lesson. Again, it’s because your dog is hyper-social and loves to be around other animals and people.
This dog is bred to be a companion dog, not to be left outside or left alone too long. Excessive barking and destructive behavior can be caused by too long separation time.
Crating this breed is a benefit that can ensure your pup doesn’t have accidents in the home. Plus, it can be his safe place to get away from noise and confusion if your dog wants to take a nap.
Shedding, grooming, and maintenance
The Cockapoo has a coat that is long and can range from loose curls to straight. Cockapoos come in various colors and color combinations of Poodle, and Cocker Spaniels breed.
Many owners let their dog’s coat grow au natural, but some owners like to keep their dogs clipped. The coat should only be trimmed between one to two inches in length. Any hair around your dog’s eyes should be trimmed so he can see correctly. You should brush your dog’s coat daily.
Your Cockapoo should be odorless and not shed much. Your dog should only be bathed when necessary to retain the coat’s health and coat oils.
Your dog’s ears need to be checked weekly and cleaned weekly. Because his ears flop over, it blocks the circulation and will cause ear infections. Gently wipe out your dog’s ear with a cleaning solution on a cotton ball.
Only clean what you can see. If the ear smells bad, looks tender or red, or if he scratches or shakes his head frequently, then your dog may have an ear infection.
Health issues
Some of the health issues of a Cockapoo are cataracts, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies, liver disease, and ear infections.
When purchasing your puppy, the breeder should show you health clearances from the parents from Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the Auburn University, and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.
What About?
Temperament & behavior
This is a happy, energetic dog as he has a strong desire to work. He’s happiest when he has a job to do and companionship. Digging is a normal part of this breed’s makeup, and his hunting instinct is strong. You will never overpower his hunting and need to dig instinct.
Because the breed is a baying terrier, your dog will love the sound of his own voice. A Jack Russell is an assertive breed and may not tolerate other animals or children in the home. He will pursue cats and small pet rodents.
These dogs are not suited for apartment living or living with an owner who works a lot. If your dog has too little companionship or mental stimulation, then his behavior will turn destructive.
Plus, if you keep two Jack Russell’s, they should never be left alone together. Something as innocent as the ownership of a chew toy can flare into deadly combat.
Exercise needs
A Jack Russell needs a lot of exercise, and a fenced-in yard is perfect for them. Because the hunting instinct is so strong, your dog will wander off the first chance he gets. He will literally follow his nose and can end up in trouble.
These dogs enjoy long walks and a rousing game of fetch. If you plan on sitting on the couch all day, this isn’t the breed for you. Your Jack Russell will need vigorous daily play sessions. Play chasing a ball will be one of his favorite sports.
Quick facts
- Jack Russell terriers are better in an only pet household. They don’t get along well with smaller animals and challenge other dogs.
- Jack Russell is one of the most intense, determined, and energetic of all dog breeds.
- They love to bark at anyone or anything that they consider an intruder on their turf.
What About?
Temperament and behavior
Cockapoos are affectionate and friendly dogs with a comedic personality. They are highly intelligent and love learning new activities. These dogs love to be around their family and are the better dogs for younger children since they are larger and sturdier.
You can’t leave these dogs alone for long periods of time. If left alone too long, the dog will act out by barking and even becoming destructive.
Exercise needs:
These dogs will adapt to apartment living if he is adequately exercised. But the ideal home is a house with a small fenced-in yard. Your dog will need at least 40 minutes of a high level of exercise a day. A good play session in the yard will take care of that.
Quick facts
- The American Cockapoo Club of America was created in 1999. It was formed so that there would be a breed standard for Cockapoos.
- Cockapoos love being with their family and can develop separation anxiety if not socialized properly.
- If your Cockapoos coat is extra curly, it may require daily brushing plus a trip to the groomers regularly.
- The cost of a Cockapoo puppy can range from $600 to $2000.
