Jack Chi Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

4-8 kg

Height

25-38 cm

Lifespan

13-18 years

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About the Jack Chi

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Choosing the perfect dog breed for your family can be challenging. Everyone will want to have their say, and even narrowing down your list can be difficult.

Thankfully, we have done all the hard work for you and compiled an extensive list of dog breed guides to help you make the decision. Whether you are looking for a relaxed family pet, a dog to join you on long walks, or a dog to protect your home, you will find the ideal breed here.

This guide will give you all the information you need about the Jack Chi breed so you can decide whether this will be the perfect pet for you.

What is the history & origin of the Jack Chi?

The Jack Russell Chihuahua mix is an excellent example of popular breeds being used to create designer breeds. The Jack Russell mix is a small dog breed that is relatively new in terms of breeds, dating back to the late 20th century and is also known as a Jackhuahua.

The parent breeds have a much longer history, with the Jack Russel dating back to the 19th century and were bred as a hunting dog that was used to bolt foxes or for ratting.

The Chihuahua wasn’t registered by the American Kennel Club until 1904, but its origins can be traced back to Mexico in the 1500s.

What is a Jack Chi breed?

The Jack Chi breed is a small dog breed that can take characteristics from either parent. Typically, they will have a small muscular body like that of the Jack Russell, while its skinny legs and narrow snout are more typical of the Chihuahua.

Who is a Jack Chi best for?

Jack Chi dogs tend to be lively and friendly dogs, but they do still need to be trained. Because of this, they can be better suited to either experienced owners or those willing to put the time in.

If the dog is not regularly walked, it can lead to weight gain and the health problems that are associated with it. The good news is that because they are quite small, a walk of around 30 minutes per day should be sufficient.

They can make great family pets, but they are not keen on rough play, so they might be better in homes with older children that know how to behave around dogs.

Jack Chi Grooming & Shedding

Some people love the idea of a show dog that needs regular grooming to keep them looking good, and for others, grooming is more of an inconvenience. If you find yourself in the latter category, the Jack Chi could be perfect for you.

Using a bristled brush to brush your dog once a week should be enough to remove dead hair and dirt and ensure your dog is free from parasites or other bugs.

If the mix resulted in a longer-haired dog, it still wouldn’t be too much trouble to care for, but brushing more often will help.

Bathing every couple of months or whenever necessary, ear cleaning and nail clipping should also be a part of your dog’s grooming regime.

Do Jack Chis bark a lot?

Jack Russell Terriers and Chihuahuas both have a reputation as being yappy, vocal dogs but training from an early age can have an effect on this.

Barking among dogs, especially small breed dogs, when a stranger approaches them, or their home can be quite common. This can be a good thing for people looking to protect their homes.

If you would prefer a quieter dog, training it from an early age around other dogs and strangers will help.

What is the average weight & height of a Jack Chi?

Your Jack Chi is likely to be pretty small and, depending on the size of the Jack Russell parent, could even be classified as a toy-sized dog.

Typically, you should expect them to be anywhere between 4 kg to 8 kg in weight and 25 cm to 38 cm in height.

Are Jack Chis easy to train?

Training is a must for any dog, and the Jack Chi is no different. These Chihuahua, Jack Russell mixed-breed dogs can be pretty stubborn and lively, but persistence is key to training them.

Obedience training and good recall will help when out walking your dog. Training a dog is never easy, but starting them from a young age and taking them to dog socialisation classes will also have a big impact on how they interact with other dogs as they grow up.

How do Jack Chis behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Jack Russell chihuahua mix is typically friendly and playful, but they can get defensive if they are mistreated or feel in danger.

This is a common trait in smaller dogs that can be described as nippy. Ensuring they are treated with care means they will get to show their friendly, fun side.

Does the Jack Chi have any common health issues?

Though the Jack Chi is not considered an unhealthy breed, there are certain conditions that it might suffer from more than others because of its parent breeds. These include;

Hip Dysplasia – Hip dysplasia is a problem common in most dogs that sees an issue with how the hip fits in the socket because of irregular growth. This can be resolved through surgery and the use of medication.
Patellar luxation – Patellar luxation is when the dog’s knee becomes dislocated. This can be particularly painful for the dog and cause issues with walking.
Dystocia – Dystocia is a condition that makes it difficult for certain dog breeds to give birth. Symptoms of this can be strong contractions with no birth.
Eye problems – Many small breed dogs have bulbous eyes that can develop issues or be prone to infections. Watery eyes can also cause staining on the face.
Hydrocephalus – Hydrocephalus is caused by poor drainage of cerebrospinal fluid, causing pressure to build up on the brain. This can be a result of infection or tumours, and treatments will differ depending on the cause.

What is the lifespan of a Jack Chi?

With an average lifespan of between 13 and 18 years, the Jack Chi has one of the longest life expectancies among designer dogs.

Taking the time to exercise them properly, ensuring they eat a healthy diet, and regularly visiting your vet for checkups should help to improve your dog’s chances of a long and healthy life.

How much does a Jack Chi need to be fed?

A healthy diet for your Jack Russell Chihuahua mix is essential to them developing as they should. Your breeder and vet should be able to recommend high-quality dog food, and your vet will also be able to monitor your dog’s development. This is important as they will be able to alter the diet as and when it is needed.

How much can you expect to pay for a Jack Chi in Australia?

You should expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 for Jack Chi puppies, but prices may vary depending on the breeder. Prices will also be affected by the Chihuahua parent and Jack Russell Terrier parent, as purebred dogs with a higher pedigree will command a greater fee.

Finding a reputable breeder is essential as this will minimise the risk of hereditary conditions in the Jack Chi puppy and ensure it was brought up in good conditions.

Jack Chi FAQs

Is a Jack Chi ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Though they can be tricky to train, they can still make good dogs for a first-time owner. They are particularly warm and friendly dogs and are proving to be a popular designer dog breed.

Do Jack Chis suffer from separation anxiety?

Jack Chi can suffer from separation anxiety, but there are ways to manage this. Training from an early age will play a big part in how well your dog learns to cope without you. Exercising the dog just before going out and making sure it has toys to keep it mentally stimulated will also help.

Are Jack Chis hypoallergenic dogs?

The Jack Chi mix is not a hypoallergenic dog, but they do come relatively close. They are easily manageable and don’t shed a huge amount, and regular maintenance can make this one of the better options for people with mild allergies.

Will a Jack Chi need professional grooming?

Another great thing about this Jack Russell chihuahua mix is that it does not need a huge amount of care, so professional grooming is not a necessity.

Regular brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning should be carried out, and bathing your dog every couple of months should be enough to keep it clean and fresh.