The Jack Chi is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Jack Russell Terrier and Chihuahua dog breeds. Friendly, playful, and energetic, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
The Jack Chi is also sometimes called the Jackahuahua and the Jackhuahua. You may find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and rescues, so remember to always adopt! Don’t shop if you’re looking to add one of these pups to your home!
These adorable mixed breed dogs make great low-maintenance companions. They’re sweet and playful and always super fun to have around. Also, this mixed breed is totally fine living in apartment situations, and most are pretty quiet dogs without any yapping tendencies.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:12 to 15 inchesWeight:8 to 18 poundsLife Span:13 to 18 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Jack Chi is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua parents.
- Jack Chis love human companionship and are even great friends for children who know how to properly interact with small dogs.
- Jack Chis are prone to skin allergies and itching. Talk to your vet about allergy treatments if this is the case for your dog.
- The Jack Chi’s coat can come in black, choclate, fawn, golden, cream, and white. They’re often a mix of two colors or, in a few cases, three colors.
- Their coats are dense and straight, though Jack Chis may need extra protection with a doggy jacket in cold weather.
- The Jack Chi can adapt to apartment living very well, though they still require physical and mental stimulation. Interactive toys will help prevent boredom.
History
Developed in the United States, the Jack Chi was created to fulfill the desire for a dog breed that makes a great companion and can fit in with the demands of modern living. Guess-timates suggest the Jack Chi was first developed a couple of decades ago–but there is little verified information about the mixed breed’s origin.
The history of the Jack Chi’s parent breeds goes back much further. The Jack Russell Terrier was originally bred in the United Kingdom in the 1800s and used in hunting activities before becoming more of the family pet they are today. Chihuahuas go back even further, with Mexican artifacts from the 9th century depicting the breed.
The Jack Chi is a designer dog breed, but many, unfortunately, end up in shelters. So contact your local rescue groups and shelters if you’re thinking about adding the Jack Chi to your home. There’s no need to purchase one from a breeder.
Size
The Jack Chi is usually considered a small dog, although sometimes the breed can spill over into the medium category. As a newer dog breed, exact size standards might vary, but with Jack Russell Terrier and Chihuahua heritage, you can generally expect a smaller canine.
Most weigh in at eight to 18 pounds and range in height from twelve to 15 inches.
Personality
When you first meet a Jack Chi, you’ll instantly be struck by just how fun and friendly this breed is. They love human companionship, whether with adults or children, and their natural energy reserves mean that they’re sprightly, active, and always up for a play session.
These are smart dogs too. In fact, you’ll need to make sure that your Jack Chi knows that you’re the boss of the house. To that end, the Jack Chi’s spunky and outgoing nature means that it’s exceptionally important that you train and socialize your dog properly and from the earliest possible age. Exercise and mental stimulation are key to keeping the Jack Chi happy and content.
Despite sometimes having a reputation as a little know-it-all and being hard to train, if you socialize your Jack Chi correctly, you’ll have an excellent companion, a loving and affectionate sidekick, and a cute-as-a-button canine to show off to your friends.
Health
Jack Chis are generally considered to be healthy dogs. However, this mixed breed can be susceptible to skin allergies that can result in excessive itching. As ever, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your dog’s vet.
Some of the more common health problems Jack Chis suffer from include:
- Patellar Luxation
- Tracheal Collapse
- Heart Problems
- Hypoglycemia
Care
As with all dogs, it’s important to keep up your Jack Chi’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can also help you develop a regular care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
This very energetic breed requires regular exercise to lessen the risk of obesity and also to channel their energy into positive play times, as opposed to possibly destructive behavior around the home. A couple of long walks every day are essential. Also, the breed’s heritage means that they love to engage their hunting instincts, so hide and seek toys and activities are vital to keep them mentally satisfied.
This breed requires regular ear cleanings so that dirt and debris don’t accumulate. Checking their nails every couple of months should also be added to the routine. As both the Jack Russell Terrier and Chihuahua are prone to eye issues, it’s important to schedule eye examinations. Dental check ups are also needed to pick up on any signs of periodontal disease early.
Feeding
An ideal Jack Chi diet should be formulated for a small-sized breed with medium energy. It is important to make sure your Jack Chi doesn’t overeat as, just like other small dogs, their bodies do not handle excess weight well.
As with all dogs, the Jack Chi’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Jack Chi’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Black, choclate, fawn, golden, cream, and white are all popular Jack Chi coat colors, and the breed often comes in a mix of two colors. In a few cases, triple-colored Jack Chis have even been spotted!
Jack Chis have dense, medium coats, and they have a straight texture. As a pretty low maintenance dog, the Jack Chi’s coat can be brushed once a week. This will help keep their coat smooth. Occasional baths will suffice with this breed.
Due to the Chihuahua side of the Jack Chi’s parentage, the breed isn’t particularly fond of cold weather. So feel free to pick up a snappy doggy jacket during the winter months.
Children And Other Pets
In general, Jack Chis and children are a great mix. The dogs are playful and smart and will happily enjoy joint play times with any little ones in your household. Just be sure to impress upon your child the correct way to handle and act around the dog, as they can become a little aggressive if they feel threatened due to mishandling.
Jack Chis usually do fine with other animals and pets. Although, if the Jack Russell Terrier traits are strong in your particular Jack Chi, their hunting instincts might lead them to view domestic cats as prey. Be cautious when introducing new pets to each other.
Ultimately, early socialization really pays off when you’re adopting a Jack Chi, so make sure to reward your dog for good behavior and make sure to stick to a proper training regime when you bring the breed home.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Jack Chis because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Jack Russell Terrier or Chihuahua breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Chihuahua Rescue & Transport
- Jacks Galore
