Jack Chi Breed Guide

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.

Who are Jack Chi dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Jack Chi need?

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 Chi bark much?

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.

Do Jack Chi bite?

Biting in smaller dog breeds is sometimes ignored as it doesn't cause as much damage as large dog breeds, but this should never be the case. Jack Russell Chihuahua mixes should be trained from an early age that biting is not acceptable.

The Jack Russell Terrier has a natural prey drive and biting, or nipping can be quite common in play at a young age. Chihuahuas can be naturally defensive because of their size, so stopping this before it develops is vital.

If your dog continues to show signs of aggression rather than play, you should speak with your vet and a dog behaviourist to try to pinpoint the trigger so it can be worked on.

What is the temperament & personality of a Jack Chi?

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.

What is the weight & size 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.

How much training does a Jack Chi need?

Training is a must for any dog, and the Jack Chi is no different. These Chihuahua, and 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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Jack Chi?

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 should you feed a Jack Chi?

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 their diet as and when it is needed.

What is the price of 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.