The Jack Tzu is a mixed breed between a Jack Russell and a Shih Tzu. This crossbreed is getting more and more popular in the UK. It's small size and fluffy face will have your heart melt. Let's find out a little more about the Jack Tzu parents breeds.
The Jack Tzu: A crossbreed between a Jack Russell and a Shih Tzu
Let's find out a little more about the Jack Tzu parents breeds:
The Jack Russell
This dog breed is full of energy and is always happy. They were bred to hunt, so on a walk, you'll catch your Jack Russell trying to find a prey. This very active dog would be a perfect match for an active owner who enjoys long hikes or going on long runs. They will need a lot of training as well, because with their hunting instincts they might be tempted to wander off.
The Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is one of the best family dogs. They just love being at home with their family. They can however, be stubborn sometimes making their training sessions a little challenging. The Shih Tzu is a very sociable dog, they are happy meeting new dogs, cats and humans. This breed would be perfect for a first time owner, they are generally easy to train, do not need a huge amount of exercise and will mostly enjoy spending time with their owners and any other human.
The physical characteristics of a Jack Tzu
Like its parent breeds, the Jack Tzu is a small but durable animal with the following characteristics:
- Weight: The Jack Tzu will weigh somewhere between 12-22 pounds.
- Size: Like the Jack Russell and Shi Tzu, the Jack Tzu grows to 10-12 inches tall.
- Colour: This really depends on the parents, but common shades include black, white, golden, brown, white, and mixed.
- Coat: This can go either way. Some Jack Tzus follow the Jack Russell line; their coats will be short and a little bit rough. Others will have the same long, silky coats as the Shi Tzu side of the mix.
Temperament of the Jack Russell cross Shih Tzu
Like all breeds, the Jack Tzu has its unique personality. Generally speaking, Jack Tzus are highly sociable animals that get on really with children. They’re affectionate, loyal, and fairly quiet. However, given the Jack Russell's feisty nature, Jack Tzus can get very excitable and even aggressive if provoked in the wrong way.
Training a Jack Russell cross Shih Tzu
Jack Tzu’s need socialisation and obedience training from an early age. These dogs make great family pets, but the wrong kind of environment will bring out their stubborn side. They might only be little, but an untrained Jack Tzu could grow into a big problem. They’re likely to make a lot of noise and will chase any small animals on sight, including family cats. This instinct is written into their Jack Russell genes. Jack Russells were first bred in the late 19th century to hunt foxes!
Exercise requirements for a Jack Tzu
Despite their small size, Jack Tzus need lots of exercise. A walk a day should be enough, but these energetic animals will need more than a gentle stroll around the block. They also have a very playful nature, so get ready for long games of fetch and other fun doggy games.
Feeding a Jack Russell cross Shih Tzu
Depending on their age and size, a Jack - Shih Tzu mix will need 450-650 calories per day split between 2-3 meals. Some dogs can eat four times this amount, so feeding a Jack Tzu won't be too expensive. Try not to feed them after 6.00pm. This will help them digest their food properly, reducing the likelihood of any midnight accidents. Given the chance, a Jack Tzu will eat everything in sight. So try not to overfeed them as it could lead to obesity.
Grooming a Jack Russell cross Shih Tzu
Again, this depends on each crossbreed. Long haired Jack Tzus will require a weekly grooming session. If not, their coats will get long, tangled, and unhygienic. Shorter haired breeds will be much easier to manage. A monthly grooming session will keep their coats neat and tidy. Jack Tzu's ears should be checked for infection and wiped clean at least once a week. Teeth brushing should happen at least three times a week, and preferably daily.
Common health problems of a Jack Tzu mix
Jack Tzus have a predisposition to liver problems, eye problems and ear infections. Unlike a lot of smaller dogs, Jack Tzus have a tendency towards Hip Dysplasia, a genetic deformity of the hip joint. Symptoms of dysplasia include decreased activity, stiffness and reduced movement, and a distinct “bunny-hop” walk. Hip Dysplasia can lead to complete lameness if not treated by a vet.
Jack Russell cross Shih Tzu puppies for sale in the UK
Due to the rising popularity of these designer dogs, some unscrupulous people are breeding Jack Tzus and selling off the puppies as authentic crossbreeds. Many of these offspring can suffer from serious medical issues and health complications. Such things are very expensive to treat. More importantly, they greatly reduce a dog's quality of life. So do some research on the breeder or seller. You want to ensure these people are ethical and trustworthy.
How much is a Jack Russell Shih Tzu mix?
An authentic Jack Tzu can cost up to £550. If a breeder is asking for this much, you should expect some proof that the dog is an authentic Jack Russell/Shi Tzu crossbreed. Medical costs and insurance will cost between £350-450 per year. Other expenses, like food, toys and grooming, will set you back £300-500 per year.
Like all dogs, Jack Tzu’s need to be cared for in the right way. That being said, this small and friendly breed will make a great dog for first-time owners. Jack Tzu’s are also great family pets with a personality that is much bigger than their physical stature!
Want to find out more about crossbreeds? Check out more mixed breed dogs:
- The American Bulldog cross Staffy
- The Border Terrier cross Jack Russell
- The Cavapoo
- The Chihuahua cross Pug
- The Chi-poo
- The Cockapoo
- The French Bulldog cross Pug
- The French Bulldog cross Staffy
- The German shepherd – Labrador crossbreed
- The Goberian
- The Goldador
- The Goldendoodle
- Golden retriever x German shepherd
- The Husky cross Collie
- The Husky cross Staffy
- The Horgi
- The Jack a Bee
- The Jackshund
- The Jack Russell cross Chihuahua
- The Jack Russell cross Pug
- The Labrador Collie crossbreed
- The Labrottie
- The Labsky
- The Lhasapoo dog
- The Patterjack
- The Pom a Pu
- The Pomchi
- The Pomsky
- The Pugapoo
- The Puggle
- The Pug-zu
- The Shichi
- The Shichon
- The Staffador
- The Staffy cross Jack Russell
- The Rottsky
