Jack Russell Shih Tzu is a small-sized designer dog that has resulted from crossing the Jack Russell Terrier with the Shih Tzu. Jack Tzu is an enthusiastic, loyal, entertaining dog with a bit of a mischievous streak. He tends to mimic the body type of Jack Russell with slightly long fur and a smaller body type than the typical Jack Russell. They may be sensitive to training and discipline, but Jack Tzus does wonderfully when left alone for short periods. They get along with virtually everyone in your family, from small kids to other pets and strangers. Unfortunately, these breeds tend to become overweight if left solitary for too long, so proper exercise is necessary. However, if you’re looking for a small puppy with lots of personalities who will make a wonderfully well-rounded family pet, then the Jack Russell Shih Tzu is an ideal choice for you. Always remember that Jack Tzu can be tough to train due to a high stubborn streak, so if you are a novice owner, be ready for a bit of a challenge.
Jack Russell and Shih Tzu mix will be an energetic, intelligent dog who needs an active owner due to their outstanding parentage. These puppies are perfect for apartment dwellers, as they are a tiny breed and can fulfill their daily exercise requirements even without a backyard. With proper training and socialization, Jack Tzu is an adaptable breed who will quickly get along with anyone and thrive in almost any living condition.
Male vs. Female
There is a slight physical difference between male and female Jack-Tzus in appearance. Male Jack Tzus are larger and more robust than female Jack Tzus, but most breeds are relatively typical.
From a personality viewpoint, male Jack-Tzus can sometimes be more confident and are usually more high-spirited than females. However, they are a highly active and energetic breed, and the females aren’t precisely shrinking violets either.
Table of Contents
Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
They do not have a strong dog smell.
Prone to genetic health issues
They don’t bark very much.
Stubborn
Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Basic information
Name: Jack Russell Shih Tzu
Origin: United States
Height: 10 – 11 inches
Weight: 14 – 23 pounds
Size: Small
Color: Black, white, golden, brown, cream
Coat: Short and rough, or long and silky
Hypoallergenic: No
Energy: Medium to High
Activities: Walking, running and hiking
Barking Level: Low
Shedding Level: Medium
Group: Mixed breed
Litter Size: 4-6 puppies
Breed Recognition: Designer Breed Registry, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry
Other names: Jack Tzu, Jatzu, Terrier Tzu, Russell Tzu
Lifespan: 13-16 years
Jack Russell vs. Shih Tzu: A Comparison
Features
Jack Russell Terrier
Shih Tzu
Image
Origin
England
China
Height
10-15 inches
8-11 inches
Weight
13- 17 pounds
9–16 pounds
Size
Small
Small
Group
Terrier Group
Companion Dogs
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Children Compatibility
High
Low to Medium
Family Compatibility
High
Medium
Pets Compatibility
High
High
Barking Level
High
High
Shedding Level
Medium
None to Low
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Yes
Grooming Needs
Medium
High
Overall Health
High
Medium to High
Complication in Breeding
No
No
Energy
High
Low
Exercise Needs
High
Low
Trainability
Easy
Medium
Activities
Fetch, tug of war, chase, hide and seek, swimming, camping, traveling
Walking, Running
Litter Size
8-10 Puppies
2-5 puppies
Life Span
10-15 years
10-16 years
Other Names
Jack Russell, JRT, Jack
Chinese Lion Dog and Chrysanthemum Dog
Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Personality
Jack Russell Shih Tzu mixes are known for the following personalities:
Smartness
Affectionate
Playful
Intelligent
Independent
Agile
Loyal
Friendly and outgoing
People-pleasing
Jack Tzu is a small breed, generally standing between 10-11 feet high at the shoulder, and weighs over twenty pounds. They have long legs with a long face and snout-like their Jack Russell bloodline and are solid and agile. Their coat can resemble either parent, with the most typical colors being black, brown, golden, white, cream, and light brown. They love to dig. So, with tiny craters, they may turn your yard into a facsimile of the moon.
Jack Tzu will have a shaggy coat, short nose, dark brown eyes, long muzzle, flat skull, hanging ears, robustly built and muscular hind limbs. Depending on the parental gene, their coat may be wiry and short or silky and long. Like their parents’ intense gaze, the Jack Tzu has alert and unique eyes that speak volumes and won’t hesitate to express their power.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
Medium to High
Pet-Friendly
Medium
Strangers-Friendly
High
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Medium
Good for Apartment Living
High
Sensitivity Level
Medium to High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold Tolerance
Medium
Heat Tolerance
Medium
Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Temperament
Jack Russell Shih Tzu mixes are known for the following temperaments:
Loving
Energetic
Affectionate
Intelligent
Calm
Eager to please
Excitable
Quick learner
Watchful
Caring
Playful
Confident
Jack Tzus have a delicate nature but are also very brave, alert, and protective of their family. They are exceptional around kids and tolerant of prodding and poking them. These dogs are very protective and have excellent watchdog skills despite their stubborn nature. Because of their stubborn streak, Jack Tzus can be a little bossy with other pets. Yet, they respond well to exercise, training, and early socializing benefits. Jack Tzus are gentle and responsive. However, you must make sure not to scold or hit as these designer breeds are susceptible and easily offended.
Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Training
Training Jack Russell Shih Tzu mix might be challenging because of their independent streak. So, pet parents should be solid, patient, and consistent enough during training sessions. However, Jack Tzus reacts well to instructions, commands, and positive reinforcement. Being a sensitive breed, you must avoid punishments, yelling, and harsh treatment, likely making them more headstrong. Here are some of the training exercises that you need to do with your Jack Tzus:
Jack Russell Terrier is a slightly bonker active breed, while Shih Tzu is a low-energy, chilled-out lap dog. Therefore, exercise sessions should be short and structured. Always ensure not to make them overwork during the sessions and exhaust, so maintain moderate sessions. Hence, exercise them for at least 30 to 60 minutes daily to keep them healthy and sustain their energy. Of course, they also enjoy any possibility to participate in games, especially those involving using their brains and tennis balls. However, regular exercise is essential to avoid obesity and other unfavorable health problems.
You can meet your Jack Tzu’s daily exercise needs by:
Jack Tzu is not a hypoallergenic dog and is a low-maintenance breed that sheds a lot, which could concern anyone with allergies. Jack Tzu’s grooming requirements are as follows:
Brush at least twice or thrice a week with a stiff-bristled brush to maintain their shedding under control.
Jack Tzu has folded ears that can carry excess moisture, leading to infection and irritation. Check and clean their ears regularly.
Bath once a month or whenever required.
Clip their nails every two weeks to keep their paws healthy and minimize scratching.
Grooming Overview
Amount of Shedding
Medium to High
Easy to Groom
Medium to High
Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Health
Crossbreeding pedigree canines can make the dog population healthier, especially when breeding the longer-nosed Jack Terrier with the brachycephalic (snub-nosed) Shih Tzu. However, as puppies can inherit genes from both parents, there is no assurance that breed-related conditions will be bred out (mainly in the first few generations). However, we can get a broad idea by analyzing the common health conditions both breeds face:
Health Overview
Basic Health
Low to Medium
Weight Gain Possibilities
High
Size
Small
Major Concerns
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome
Minor Concerns
Eye Abnormalities
Hydrocephalus
Dermoid Sinus
Familial Nephropathy
Tracheal Collapse
Diabetes
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Hypothyroidism
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Cleft Palate
Cutaneous Asthenia
Intervertebral Disk Disease
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Occasional Tests
DNA Test for Vwd
Thyroid Tests
Physical Examination
Eye Examinations
Urinalysis
Blood Work
Complete Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap
Heart Rate Tests
Occasional Diagnoses
Epilepsy
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
Patellar Luxation: A disorder occurs when the kneecap slips from its position in the legs. Symptoms are that the dog might feel uncomfortable while running or walking and kick their leg to set the kneecap back in position. With proper medication, you can treat mild signs and patellar luxation on one leg.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): If Jack Tzu inherits the longer back of their Shih Tzu parent, they will be predisposed to IVDD. Pet owners can reduce the risk of this disease by avoiding big jumps, maintaining their dogs slim, and using a harness rather than a neck lead.
Spay or Neuter: In spay, the uterus or ovaries in females is emptied, and in the neuter, male dog testicles are removed. It eliminates the possibility of pregnancy or fathering unwanted puppies and decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancer.
Umbilical Hernia: A disorder caused when there is a delay in closing the abdominal midline of Shih Tzu. A minor hernia will affect naturally as the puppy grows into an adult.
Otitis Externa: The drooping ears of the Jack Tzu can create a humid and moist ear canal, a perfect habitat for bacteria and yeast to thrive and grow. Keeping their ears dry and clean can go a long way to controlling recurring infections.
Misaligned Teeth: As Shih Tzus are undershot bite dogs, they at times skip a tooth or will not correctly align their teeth. You can rectify this with dental braces and extractions. Regular brushing and reporting any irregularities will avoid many dental problems.
Infections: Shih Tzus are prone to bacterial and viral infections such as rabies, parvo, and distemper. This can be prevented by vaccination based on the dog’s age.
Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary joint disorder caused when the bones of the rear legs fail to fit correctly in the joints. This can be fatal and painful, but only some dogs show visible symptoms.
Elbow Dysplasia: An innate structural deficiency in the elbow joints because of cartilage inflammation, damage, or disrupted anconeal is Elbow dysplasia. It is common in small breed canines, resulting in arthritis leading to discomfort or organ malfunction.
Obesity: Sudden or excess weight gain can cause joint problems, back pain, digestive disorders, and heart disease. Jack Tzu is more prone to obesity. Proper exercise and diet can avoid this obesity.
Allergies: Canines can be allergic to environmental elements like grass or pollen, which tests can identify. This can cause breathing issues and skin itching. Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies, but allergy shots and avoiding exposure to the allergens can prevent allergies.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A set of degenerative illnesses that affect the photoreceptor cells. The cells in this condition degrade over time, eventually causing blindness in the dog.
Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Diet and Nutrition
Jack Russell Shih Tzu mix needs protein-dense, good quality dry food with necessary nutrients, including grains, meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, they get obese quickly, so compensate the treat quantities with diet to maintain their weight.
Jack Tzu needs 450-650 calories daily, split between 2-3 meals depending on their size and age. Since they are prone to hip dysplasia, boost their diet with glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oil.
Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Living Conditions
Jack Russell Shih Tzu mix loves to have fun, play, and will need some outdoor space to do this in. They can live in apartments as well. However, ensure that they have a lot of space during activities.
Adding a Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix to Your Family
Things To Remember Before Breeding
The average lifespan of a Jack Russell Shih Tzu mix is between 13 to 16 years, which ranks them amongst the breeds with a high lifespan. This, of course, signifies that you will have a stable and affectionate companion by your side for many years to come. For your dog to achieve this advanced age, you will have to take good care of them. Regular veterinarian check-ups, a balanced diet, and enough exercises are just some of the basics you need to cover.
Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Puppy Cost
A Jack Russell Shih Tzu mix will cost you $300-$750. However, the price also depends on factors like gender, breeder, and the health record of the parents.
