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Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix – Everything You Need to Know

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.

Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Pros and Cons

ProsCons
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

FeaturesJack Russell TerrierShih Tzu
Image
OriginEnglandChina
Height10-15 inches8-11 inches
Weight13- 17 pounds 9–16 pounds
Size SmallSmall
GroupTerrier GroupCompanion Dogs
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Children CompatibilityHighLow to Medium
Family CompatibilityHighMedium
Pets CompatibilityHighHigh
Barking LevelHighHigh
Shedding LevelMediumNone to Low
HypoallergenicYesYes
Grooming NeedsMediumHigh
Overall HealthHighMedium to High
Complication in BreedingNo No
EnergyHighLow
Exercise NeedsHighLow
TrainabilityEasy Medium
ActivitiesFetch, tug of war, chase, hide and seek, swimming, camping, travelingWalking, Running
Litter Size8-10 Puppies2-5 puppies
Life Span10-15 years10-16 years
Other NamesJack Russell, JRT, JackChinese 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:

Trainability Overview

Easy to TrainMedium to High
Intelligence High
Prey Drive Medium
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite Medium
Tendency to Bark or Howl Low
Wanderlust Ability Low to Medium
Attention/Social NeedsMedium to High

Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Exercise Needs

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:

  • Teaching new tricks
  • Walking
  • Fetching
  • Chasing
  • Playing with puzzle toys
  • Playing tug of war
  • Schutzhund
  • Frisbee
  • Herding trials
  • Flyball
  • Agility training
  • Hiking
  • Bike trek
  • Dog park

Exercise Needs Overview

Energy LevelMedium to High
Exercise NeedsMedium to High
PlayfulnessHigh
Intensity Medium

Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Grooming

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.
  • Brush their teeth thrice a week.
  • 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.

Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Images

Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix Videos

Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix

Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix

Jack Russell Shih Tzu Mix

Other Shih Tzu Mixes

  • Shih Tzu + Affenpinscher = Affen Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + American Eskimo = Shih-Mo
  • Shih Tzu + Australian Cattle Dog = Blue-Tzu Heeler
  • Shih Tzu + Australian Shepherd = Standard Auss-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Basset Hound = Tzu Basset
  • Shih Tzu + Beagle= Bea-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Bichon Frise = Shichon (Zuchon)
  • Shih Tzu + Bichon + Poodle = Daisy Dog
  • Shih Tzu + Bolognese = Bolo-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Boston Terrier = BoShih
  • Shih Tzu + Brussels Griffon = Shiffon
  • Shih Tzu + Bulldog = Bully-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Cairn Terrier = Care-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Cavalier King Charles = Cava-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Chihuahua = ShiChi
  • Shih Tzu + Cocker Spaniel = Cock-A-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Corgi = Shorgi
  • Shih Tzu + Coton De Tulear = Coton Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Chinese Crested = Crested Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Dachshund = Schweenie
  • Shih Tzu + English Toy Spaniel = Engatzu Spaniel
  • Shih Tzu + French Bulldog = French Bull Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Havanese = Havashu
  • Shih Tzu + Italian Greyhound= Italian Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Jack Russell Terrier = Jack Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Japanese Chin = Jatzu
  • Shih Tzu + Lhasa Apso = Shih Apso
  • Shih Tzu + Maltese = Mal-Shi
  • Shih Tzu + Mini fox Terrier = Mini Fo-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Miniature Australian Shepherd = Auss-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Miniature Pinscher = Pin-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Miniature Schnauzer = Schnau-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Papillon = Papastzu
  • Shih Tzu + Pekingese = Shinese
  • Shih Tzu + Pomeranian = Shiranian
  • Shih Tzu + Poodle = Shih-Poo
  • Shih Tzu + Pug = Pug-Zu
  • Shih Tzu + Rat Terrier = Ratshi Terrier
  • Shih Tzu + Scottish Terrier = Sco-Shi
  • Shih Tzu + Shar-Pei = Shar Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Shetland Sheepdog = Sheltie Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Silky Terrier = Silky Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Schipperke = Skip-Shzu
  • Shih Tzu + Smooth fox Terrier = Smooth Fo-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Toy fox Terrier = Fo-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Toy fox Terrier = Toy Fo-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Westie = Weshi
  • Shih Tzu + Wire fox Terrier= Wire Fo-Tzu
  • Shih Tzu + Yorkie = Shorkie Tzu

Other Jack Russell Mixes

  • Bo-Jack (Jack Russell and Boston Terrier mix) 
  • Cocker Jack (Jack Russell and Cocker Spaniel mix)
  • Jackshund (Jack Russell and Dachshund mix
  • Jack-A-Bee (Jack Russell and Beagle mix)
  • Jug (Jack Russell and Pug mix)
  • Jacairn (Jack Russell and Cairn Terrier mix)
  • Rustralian Terrier (Jack Russell and Australian Terrier mix)
  • Border Jack (Jack Russell and Jack Russell mix)
  • Yorkie Jack (Jack Russell and Yorkshire Terrier mix)
  • Jackweiler (Jack Russell and Rottweiler mix)
  • Jack-A-Poo (Jack Russell and Poodle mix) 
  • Jack-A-Ranian (Jack Russell and Pomeranian mix)
  • Jack-Rat Terrier (Jack Russell and Rat Terrier mix
  • Jack Tzu (Jack Russell and Shih Tzu mix)
  • Papijack (Jack Russell and Papillon)
  • Husky Jack (Jack Russell and Siberian Husky mix)
  • Golden Jack Retriever (Jack Russell and Golden Retriever mix)
  • French Bull Jack (Jack Russell and French Bulldog mix)
  • Jack Chi (Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix)

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