The Jack Chi dog — also known as the Jackhuahua — is a Jack Russell terrier Chihuahua mix breed. As you’ve probably already guessed, this breed is the result of crossing a purebred Jack Russel terrier with a purebred Chihuahua. They’re small yet feisty pups initially bred for companionship. With the loyalty of a Chihuahua and the energy of a Jack Russell, the new mixed breed fits the bill perfectly.
Origin of the Jack Chi
Interestingly, the exact origins of the Jack Chi are hard to trace. The Jack Russell terrier originated in England in the 1800s, bred to be a working dog. The Chihuahua came a bit later in the 1850s and was discovered by people in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, hence the name. Both breeds have grown in popularity since, but we may never know exactly when breeders started to combine these two beloved dogs.
As a crossbreed dog, the Jack Russel Chihuahua mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or other major Kennel Clubs worldwide as a breed. However, they are one of the most expensive breeds available, costing up to $15,000. Although not officially recognized, the celebrity status of Chihuahuas has pumped the price up dramatically.
What Does a Jack Russell Chihuahua Look Like?
As an unrecognized breed, there is no breed standard for the Jack Russell terrier Chihuahua mix. Dogs inherit a combination of genes from both parents, so you can’t know the appearance of your dog for certain. Some might look more like a Jack Russell terrier with hints of Chihuahua, whereas some will look more like Chihuahuas with subtle terrier elements.
With that said, most Jack Chi dogs like more terrier-like. Their ears are characteristically large, especially compared to their small frame. Some Jack Russell terrier Chihuahua mix dogs’ ears point up like their Chihuahua counterpart, whereas others have floppy ears more alike to the Jack Russell. They also generally have a dark nose and dark eyes. Their fur is short like both of the Jack Russel and Chihuahua parents. They have medium-length tails that often curl up at the end.
As varied as their appearance can be, one thing’s for sure — the Jack Chi is a small breed. A full-grown Jack Russell Chihuahua mix stands between 10 and 15 inches tall. They also don’t weigh much, with females weighing as little as 8 pounds and males weighing up to 18 pounds.
Jack Chi dogs coats are usually short and dense. They are available in a range of colors. The most common colors are black, brown, cream and white. While many Jack Chi dogs are a single color, you may also find bi-color and tri-color coats.
Personality and Behavior of Jack Chi Mix
Chihuahua Jack Russell mix dogs were bred for companionship, and their temperaments largely match the intent.
Jack Chi dogs take on elements of both parent breeds’ personalities. They’re high-energy and active thanks to their Jack Russell terrier lineage. This means they’re always up for playtime and require a lot of mental stimulation to avoid boredom. These traits are combined with loyalty and attention-loving Chihuahua qualities. When put together, the outcome is a feisty and lively dog that’s got plenty of love to give.
If you’re looking for a calm and gentle lapdog, the Jack Russell Chihuahua mix isn’t for you. But if you want an active fun-loving dog that’s bound to make you laugh, the Jack Chi is an excellent choice. Just bear in mind that the exact traits received from each parent cannot be accurately predicted — some will have more similarities to terriers and others to Chihuahuas.
As these dogs need constant stimulation, they’re also not advised for busy owners. Bored dogs often exhibit destructive behaviors like biting and chewing due to a lack of enrichment. The Jack Chi is also prone to separation anxiety and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. Remember, they’re bred for companionship, so they expect to do everything with their owner.
How to Train Jack Russell Chihuahuas
If you’re looking for an easily trainable dog, the Jack Chi isn’t the right breed for you. They are known for being stubborn dogs, which makes training hard work. You’ll need a lot of patience to teach your dog even basic commands if it has inherited this stubborn trait. Coupled with the Jack Russell’s instinctive desire to be the leader of the pack, you can see why training is so challenging.
Your best chance is to start training a Jack Chi young to build a strong foundation of good habits and behaviors. Provide plenty of positive reinforcement, such as treats and words of praise. With strict and consistent training, their loyalty will eventually turn into a desire to please their owner.
Remember that Jack Chi dogs are easily bored and require plenty of stimulation. Stick with short and varied training sessions without too much repetition for the best results.
One of the most important commands to teach Jack Chi puppies is “come.” Terriers are hardwired to follow their noses, so they tend to wander off. “Come” is an important command because they need to know to return to you when you call. You can then move to more advanced tricks once it’s got this basic skill down.
Jack Russell Chihuahua mix-breeds are intelligent dogs capable of learning more advanced commands — just be patient and recognize that the road to obedience is rarely an easy one!
Best Activities to Do With Your Jack Chi
Jack Chi dogs are lively with a lot of energy to burn. You can keep your dog happy and healthy by helping it maintain an active lifestyle. Walking your Jack Chi every day is a good place to start. Any Jack Chi should go on two walks a day. Increase the duration and distance every few months, culminating in 60-minute walks by the time they reach adulthood. Playing fetch with a toy or frisbee is a great way to supplement walks and keep your Jack Chi's activities fresh.
Grooming and Maintaining a Jack Chi's Coat
Training a Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix is time-consuming, but their low-maintenance and easy-to-care-for coats make up for it. Thanks to the breed’s short fur, there is no need for daily brushing, monthly bathing or haircuts. You can get away with giving them a quick brush once a week to keep their coat clean and tidy, and you’ll only need to bathe your dog once every six months.
The one thing you will need to keep on top of is nail trimming, which is tricky for some dog owners. Energetic pups like Jack Chi's are often reluctant to hand their paws over for nail trimming. Still, it's important to do. Trimming your Jack Chi's nails is easier with a dog nail grinder. These small dogs have tiny nails, so trimming them by hand requires careful precision. A nail grinder allows you to wear the nail away from the tip down, which is easier on your eyes and your dog's quicks.
Keeping an eye on their eyes and ears for signs of infection or disease is also essential. Chihuahuas are prone to Kerato Conjunctivitis Sicca, otherwise known as Dry Eyes. Jack Russells often develop ectopia lentis where the eye's lens slips out of place. A Jack Chi could be susceptible to both. Both breeds can also develop infections in their large ears, so look out for excessive scratching.
Additionally, good dental care is useful in avoiding tooth loss and decay. The Jack Chi breed is prone to developing dental issues, so proactive tooth cleaning reduces the risk of these complications.
Jack Chi Nutritional Needs
A Jack Chi needs a balanced diet at every age. Choose a food that offers various vitamins, minerals and healthy fats alongside protein and vegetables. Natural food is the best option for breeds like the Jack Chi because it helps them avoid obesity and digestive issues while maintaining good dental health. Since Jack Chis are small dogs, you can feed yours 1 cup of food each day as an adult.
Common Health Issues
As with all breeds, the Jack Russell terrier Chihuahua mix is predisposed to some health conditions. We have just mentioned one to be aware of — dental conditions.
As a small breed, Jack Chi dogs often have overcrowded mouths and easily get items embedded in their gums. Good dental hygiene can help reduce the risk of dental diseases and prevent tooth decay from arising.
Chihuahua Jack Russell mixed breeds are also more prone to developing eye conditions such as glaucoma and patella luxation. Monitoring your dog’s eye health and calling your vet if you notice anything unusual can ensure these problems are caught during the treatable stage. Purchasing a Jack Chi from a trusted and reputable breeder further reduces the risk of these complications arising in the first place.
Final Thoughts
The Jack Russell Chihuahua mix is a fun and energetic companion ideal for lively families. There is no shortage of personality here and these dogs will undoubtedly keep you entertained and on your toes! As a small breed with short fur, they’re also low maintenance. However, they do require a lot of mental stimulation and can be difficult to train. They’re also not suitable for households with small children due to rough handling. Jack Chi dogs can be pretty snappy if they don’t like how they’re being handled but work wonderfully in homes with older children seeking a life-long companion.
Last Updated on September 20, 2023 at 9:30 AM