A blend of two beloved breeds, the Jack Russell Terrier and the Chihuahua, this mixed breed boasts a charming personality, unique looks, and a ton of energy.
Whether you are considering adding one of these little dogs to your family or are simply curious about them, read on to learn everything there is to know about this adorable breed and its characteristics, care, exercise, grooming, and health needs.
The Jackhuahua: a cross between Jack Russell and a Chihuahua
The Jackhuahua, or Jack Chi, is a mixed breed, or “designer dog,” resulting from the cross of two well-known breeds: the Jack Russell Terrier and the Chihuahua. These parent breeds bring distinct qualities to the mix, creating a unique dog with both strong terrier traits and small dog charm.
Filled with boundless energy, requiring mental stimulation and plenty of exercise, the Jack Chi is a bundle of fun. A very friendly dog, it will certainly enjoy lots of snuggles with its new owner. This is a new hybrid 'breed', otherwise known as a 'designer dog', so it is not recognised by any kennel clubs. The crossbreed originated in the US around 40 years ago, perhaps as a happy accident!
Here's a summary of what you need to know about the parent breeds:
The Jack Russell Terrier
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Originally from the UK, the Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog bred for fox hunting. Known for their boundless energy and intelligence, Jack Russells stand between 10 and 15 inches tall and weigh 13 to 17 pounds. They are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and at least one hour of physical activity each day. As anyone who has owned one of these dogs will tell you, they are independent and strong-willed, often requiring an experienced trainer to guide them. With their high intelligence, they learn quickly but also have a free-spirited nature, which can lead to mischief if not properly trained. Jack Russells come in smooth or rough-coated varieties, both of which are easy to groom. Their lively and inquisitive personality often passes down to their offspring, making the Chihuahua Jack Russell mix an active and alert companion.
The Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas, on the other hand, are tiny dogs from Mexico. Typically standing between six and nine inches tall and weighing only three to six pounds. Despite their petite size, they possess impressive courage and personality. These dogs are known for forming strong bonds with their owners, often becoming fiercely loyal and protective of their family members.
Chihuahuas thrive on companionship and love and love nothing more than spending time with their humans. They tend to do better with older children, as they may feel intimidated by young children’s unpredictable movements. Like Jack Russells, Chihuahuas can also be independent and strong-willed, so early socialisation and training are key to ensuring a well-adjusted pet.
Size and appearance of the Jackhuahua
The Jack Chi inherits the best physical traits of its parent breeds, making it an appealing and compact dog. It has a Jack Russell’s triangular head, long muscular body, and a short neck as well as the rounded eyes of the Chihuahua. The ears can be floppy and folded, similar to a Jack Russell's, or erect and pointed like the Chihuahua's. The snout is long, and slightly thinner than that of a Jack Russell's. The hindquarters are muscular and strong, the legs are short and the long tail is usually curled.
- Height: 14 - 15 inches
- Weight: 8 – 18 lbs
- Coat colours: black, chocolate, fawn, golden, cream, and white. It can be a solid colour or a mix of two or three colours!
Temperament and personality
The Jackhuahua combines the best traits of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Chihuahua. These affectionate, friendly, and highly social dogs thrive in family environments, forming strong bonds with their owners and often following them around the house. They are especially good with older children, but their small size makes them less suitable for very young children. Like Chihuahuas, they can be prone to separation anxiety, so teaching independence from a young age is important.
Jackhuahuas are generally good with other pets, but early socialisation is key to preventing behavioural issues. Their Jack Russell heritage gives them confidence and a touch of headstrong behaviour, making training challenging. Consistent, positive reinforcement works best. Despite their small size, Jackhuahuas have plenty of energy and enjoy active play, long walks, and exploring. Their terrier instincts mean they need secure spaces when roaming freely. While not as energetic as purebred Jack Russells, they still require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Exercise needs of the Jack Russell Chihuahua cross
Jackhuahuas are energetic little dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy walks and active play, such as playing fetch or running around in the garden. Given their Jack Russell ancestry, they have a high prey drive and may enjoy chasing after birds or small animals. It’s important to give them plenty of opportunities to burn off energy, but also avoid over-exercising young puppies, as their growing bodies need time to develop.
As they mature, they will likely enjoy more strenuous exercise, but remember to monitor them to ensure they don’t overexert themselves. These dogs can become restless if not given enough stimulation, so providing mental challenges, such as puzzle toys, is a great way to keep them entertained.
Training and socialisation
Training a Jackhuahua can be a rewarding experience, but it does require patience and consistency. Jack Russell Terriers are known for being independent and strong-willed, while the Chihuahua side tends to be protective and bold. As such, training must be done gently, with positive reinforcement and rewards for good behaviour. Socialisation should begin as early as possible to ensure your Jackhuahua becomes comfortable with other animals, people, and new environments. If properly socialised, they can become confident, friendly pets who enjoy meeting new people and other animals. However, without proper socialisation, they may develop anxiety or fear-based behaviours. Be patient, and spend as much time as possible with your puppy. You will have a loving, loyal, and happy new best friend.
Grooming the Jack Russell Chihuahua cross
The grooming needs of a Jackhuahua depend largely on its coat type. For those with short hair, a weekly brush should suffice to keep shedding under control. Dogs with longer coats will require more frequent grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Bathing should only be done as needed to preserve the natural oils in the coat, and brushing their teeth and cleaning their ears regularly will help prevent health issues. The Jackhuahua’s small size makes them easier to groom, but regular maintenance is essential. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are important parts of their grooming routine. If your dog has long fur, ensure they don’t develop mats, which can cause skin irritation.
Feeding the Chihuahua-Jack Russell mix
While some may be fussy or picky eaters, most are generally enthusiastic and happy to eat whatever you provide. However, this eagerness comes with a word of caution: they can have a tendency to overeat if given the chance. Jack Chis are often described as "guzzlers" who don’t always recognise when they’ve had enough, which can lead to weight gain and associated health issues, such as joint strain or obesity. To ensure they maintain a healthy weight and receive the right balance of nutrients, it’s important to:
- Measure portions carefully: follow the feeding guidelines provided by your chosen dog food brand, adjusting for your dog’s size, age, and activity level. A vet can help if you’re unsure
- Avoid free feeding: leaving food out all day can encourage overeating. Stick to a regular feeding schedule with set mealtimes
- Monitor treats: treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Choose healthy, low-fat options and avoid table scraps, which can be too rich for their small stomachs
- Choose quality food: opt for high-quality dog food appropriate for small breeds, as it will meet their energy needs without unnecessary fillers. Look for foods with real meat, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals
Health and lifespan
The Jackhuahua is generally a healthy breed, thanks to the genetic diversity of mixed breeding. However, like all dogs, they can inherit health issues from their parent breeds. Some common health problems include patellar luxation, heart issues, and eye problems, such as glaucoma, particularly from the Jack Russell side. Chihuahuas, meanwhile, are known for their susceptibility to dental issues and can also suffer from conditions like hypoglycemia and ear infections.
Both the Chihuahua and the Jack Russell live a long time. A Chihuahua's lifespan is approximately 14 to 16 years and a Jack Russell's lifespan is between 13 to 16 years. Therefore, the Jack Chi's lifespan will approximately be between 13 to 15 years old.
How much does a Jack Chi cost?
Jack Russell-Chihuahua mixes typically cost between £400 and £800. As Jack Chis are a crossbreed, not a recognised breed, breeders won’t be registered with the Kennel Club. This can make it harder to assess their credibility. If you’re buying a Jack Chi puppy, thoroughly research the breeder, insist on seeing the puppy first, and ensure good welfare standards are upheld. Always choose a breeder who prioritises the dogs’ well-being over profit. Alternatively, consider visiting a shelter; crossbreeds like Jack Chis are surprisingly common and may be waiting for a home!
The Jack Chi is a delightful, high-energy dog that offers boundless love and companionship to its family. With a mix of the Jack Russell Terrier’s intelligence and the Chihuahua’s devotion, this dog makes an excellent pet for active households. While they may be small, these dogs certainly have big personalities. If you’re ready for a playful, affectionate companion, a Jackhuahua might just be the perfect addition to your home.
