Jack Chi Overview
- Parent Breeds:
- Chihuahua & Jack Russell Terrier
- Breed Nickname:
- Jack Chi
- Size:
- Small
- Height:
- 15 inches maximum
- Weight:
- 8 to 18 pounds
- Life Span:
- 13 to 15 years
- Coat Colors:
- Chocolate, black, golden, fawn, white, and cream.
Jack Chi Characteristics
About The Jack Chi
What is a Jack Russell Chihuahua Mix called?
A Jack Russell Chihuahua mix is called a Jack Chi, although it is sometimes called a Jackahuahua or a Jackhuahua.
Both of the parent breeds for Jack Chis are cute and small breeds, so it makes sense for their offspring to have such a cute name! Jack Chis are friendly and bouncy, and they have plenty of love to give.
But is a Jack Chi the ideal pet to welcome into your family? Let’s find out.
Jack Chi Breed History
The first Jack Chi was bred around 20 years ago.
Developed in the USA.
Good for apartment living.
The Jack Chi is a relatively new breed and was first developed in the United States. The main appeal was their small size so that more people could experience the joys of owning a dog in apartments and modern living conditions.
There is little information on the exact timeframe in which Jack Chis were first bred, although it’s estimated that the first was welcomed to the world around 20 years ago.
Its parent breeds, however, have been loved for much longer than that. Jack Russells were first bred in the UK in the 1800s, where they were used as hunting dogs. Their friendly personalities transitioned them into companion dogs shortly after.
Chihuahuas, on the other hand, were bred much earlier than that. Mexican artifacts from as early as the 9th century depict these dogs! They were originally bred for hunting rodents but quickly turned into companion dogs. They were even worshiped in some parts of the world!
Jack Chi Personality & Temperament
Plenty of energy.
Can suffer from a stubborn streak.
Jack Chis are excitable dogs that love making friends with everyone. They’re loyal to their owners and work well with people of all ages. Jack Chis are good family pets and love the companionship of small children.
You won’t see Jack Chis sitting down for long. They have endless amounts of energy and are always bouncing around.
This breed is also smart and dominating. You’ll need to make it clear that you’re the boss of the house as soon as you bring them home. Training is essential, too, as it becomes more difficult to break bad behaviors in a Jack Chi the older they get.
While Jack Chis often get a bad reputation for being difficult to train, proper socialization and mental stimulation are often enough to keep their stubbornness at bay. You’ll have a punchy, loveable sidekick to show off.
Jack Chi Health
Can inherit health concerns from parent breeds.
Might be more prone to disease due to small size.
Life expectancy is 13 to 15 years.
Mixed-breed dogs tend to have fewer health concerns than purebred dogs, and Jack Chis are no exception. They’re generally considered healthy dogs.
However, there are a few potential issues to look out for such as skin irritations and excessive itching. If left untreated, raw skin can lead to infections. Never skip your wellness visits with your vet.
Common health concerns that Jack Chis might suffer from include heart problems, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse.
If you’re concerned about your Jack Chi acting strangely or exhibiting symptoms, talk to a professional immediately.
Jack Chi Training
Training can be difficult due to stubbornness.
Keep training sessions to one person.
Incorrect training might lead to anxiety.
Training is essential for Jack Chis. Without it, this stubborn breed might develop a number of behavioral problems that are much harder to train away.
Unfortunately, these dogs are rather stubborn and won’t take to training well. They need to be socialized and trained from puppyhood, as training an adult dog is considerably more difficult.
Due to the stress of training, it’s not recommended for first-time dog owners to get a Jack Chi. Incorrect training can lead to separation anxiety and aggression, as well as destructive behaviors.
You will need to be firm and strong-willed with a Jack Chi while also offering plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior.
While the training is long-winded and stressful, the results are always worth it. A well-trained Jack Chi will be a loving little companion that brings plenty of joy into your life.
Jack Chi Exercise Requirements
Training can be difficult due to stubbornness.
Keep training sessions to one person.
Incorrect training might lead to anxiety.
Despite their small size, Jack Chis has plenty of energy to expel. Daily exercise is essential to keep them happy and prevent destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing.
Jack Chis require between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise daily, as well as plenty of playtimes. You could split this exercise time up into two sessions so that they don’t get restless as the day progresses.
Take them for a walk, play chase in the park, go on a hike, or even take them for a swim! There are plenty of options for you to bond with your dog, so choose which is best for your lifestyle.
Jack Chis require a lot of attention to keep them stimulated. This means that they’re not great for professionals who work all day, as they might get bored alone and start destroying your house.
If you do want to leave a Jack Chi alone, make sure you have plenty of toys left around the house. Think treat cages, stimulating games, and noise. All of these things will keep your Jack Chi entertained while you’re gone and hopefully stop them from ruining anything.
Jack Chi Diet & Feeding
Susceptible to overeating.
Need a diet of high protein.
High-quality kibble is best for oral health.
Jack Chis are known for becoming overweight quickly. They have eyes bigger than their stomachs and often overeat if allowed.
Their ideal diet should consist mainly of protein. Look for high-quality sources of protein, such as chicken or turkey, rather than chicken meal or turkey meal.
Their food should also include some healthy fats and useful carbs, and added vegetables give them some much-needed nutrients.
Store-bought dog food should be fine for Jack Chis as long as it doesn’t include any filler ingredients or low-quality meats. They need plenty of vitamins and minerals to keep their bodies working to the best of their ability.
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Jack Chi Cost
Expect prices between $250 and $750.
Ongoing costs include food, vet bills, and insurance.
Jack Chi puppies are expensive, with their puppy price ranging anywhere from $250 to $750. The price will depend on the breeder and the area in which they’re being advertised.
To ensure you’re using a reputable breeder, you shouldn’t opt for the cheapest puppy on the market. The higher price often accounts for the screenings, tests on parents, and extensive knowledge of breeding from the breeder.
Opting for an unreliable breeder could result in a puppy that suffers from many health conditions, shorter lifespans, and aggressive behavior.
Once you’ve brought your puppy home, you’ll also need to account for living costs. Jack Chis don’t need much grooming so you don’t need to spend money on professional appointments. You’ll need to buy food every week, new toys, and make sure you’re on top of the vet bills.
Overall, Jack Chis don’t come with high living costs compared to other breeds.
