Japanese Chin Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed

The Japanese Chin and Jack Russell Terrier mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Japanese Chin mixed with Jack Russell may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Chin-JRT mix likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. Whatever the case, these happy, lively little dogs will make great pets for active families of any size.

A few facts about the Jack Russell-Japanese Chin mix: they're toy- to small-sized, averaging 11 inches at the shoulders in height and 11 pounds in weight; their coats can range from short to long, and the coats shed moderately; and they'll suffer separation anxiety if left alone.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Japanese Chin-Jack Russell mix:

The Chin-Jack Russell mix is the offspring of two small breeds that are both lively and enthusiastic (and in the JRT's case, scrappy and stubborn as well). these hybrids range from toy to small in size; their coats can vary some in both length and texture, depending on whether the JRT parent has a smooth or broken coat. Chin-Jack Russell mixes' coats come in a variety of multi-colored patterns that include black, white, tan, red, and lemon, among other colors.

In terms of personality, these hybrids will be friendly, intelligent, alert, and playful. But since the Chin parent can be a bit shy--and the Jack Russell is quite spunky and confident--the Chin-JRT mix can lean one way or the other personality-wise. Regardless, these hybrids will be affectionate with family members, and they normally get along pretty well with kids and other pets. They can also respond well to training, but may inherit the JRT's stubbornness and be harder to teach commands and tasks. And Chin-JRT mixes are alert and vocal, so they make pretty good watchdogs.

Due to its small size, the Chin-JRT mix isn't very strong--but it's very lively, and will need exercise (a short walk or two, plus a dedicated period of play) on a daily basis.

The Japanese Chin-Jack Russell Terrier mix, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (a deformity of the hip joint), and various eye issues (the most serious of which are glaucoma and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA). Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is 10-14 years.