The Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua mix, otherwise known as a Jack Chi is a small companion pet created by blending the Jack Russell Terrier with the Chihuahua. Jack Chis are notorious for being balls of energy and fit in with an active household with adults, as they tend to have a strong personality.
The Jack Chi is one of the most popular Jack Russell mixes among families and the elderly – although due to their high exercise requirements, they might be a better fit for an active retired couple. The Jack Chi could well be your next family pet or companion pet for your elderly relative – read on to learn more!
Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 8 – 18 pounds |
| Height: | 12 – 15 inches |
| Lifespan: | 13 – 18 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, cream, dark brown or golden, or tri-colored |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, spry, active, energetic, strong prey drive |
| Most Suitable For: | Active families, active single individuals, active retired couples |
What Does a Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Look Like?
Like most designer dog breeds, the Jack Chi will inherit different physical characteristics from each parent breed. As both parent breeds are short, you can expect your Jack Chi to stand under 12 inches tall. As the Jack Russell Terrier weighs slightly more than your average Chihuahua, your Jack Russell Chihuahua mix will likely be on the heavier side.
In terms of their facial features, you can expect your Chihuahua Jack Russell Terrier mix to have a wedge-shaped head and black button nose of the Chihuahua. Your Jack Russell Chihuahua mix will have a short coat, but may either inherit the wiry coat of the Jack Russell Terrier, or the smooth, dense coat of the Chihuahua.
You can expect your Jack Chi to have muscular hind legs and a slightly longer body than your average Chihuahua, with a long tail that is either curled or straight.
As with most mixed-breed dogs, a Jack Chis physical appearance can be difficult to predict accurately, as it depends largely on which parent breed has the predominant gene.
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The History of the Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix
The Jack Chi was a creation of post-war England when Jack Russell Terriers were bred with Chihuahuas in England to preserve the breed’s popularity. However, most of these crosses petered out by the beginning of the 80s. In an American context, as with most designer dog breeds, including many Chihuahua and Jack Russell mixes, it was likely created during the 1990s when crossbreeding became popular in the United States.
Fortunately, we know plenty about the history of each of their parent breeds – these small-sized breeds are known for their activity levels, strong prey drives, boundless energy and loyal and affectionate nature. Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Chihuahua are highly intelligent dogs, so it’s likely that the breeders wanted to meld the Jack Russell’s terrier-type nature with the Chihuahua’s affectionate loyalty.
To learn more about the Jack Chi’s history, we’ll explore the history of each parent breed.
The History of the Jack Russell
The Jack Russell Terrier was originally bred in England in the late 18th century by the Reverend John Russell, a parson was an ordained Christian responsible for a parish. Who sought a dog to bring with him on his hunts for the purpose of bolting foxes from their burrows. This led John Russell to a dog named Trump. Trump was everything that Parson John Russell had been looking for: a muscular body, an active nature and a fierce terrier.
One of the many things that Jack Russells are known for is their even-tempered aggression. Parson John Russell Terriers, as they were otherwise known historically, had huge amounts of energy and could run and execute their jobs as hunting dogs for bolting foxes, but also lose that aggressive streak when it came time for the hunt to end.
They quickly became popular throughout England and following the end of the Second World War, were one of the most common dogs among the English canine population, although they were crossbred with Welsh Corgis, Chihuhauas and other terriers – these became known as Russell Terriers.
The Jack Russell was a hardy breed that was commonly a companion pet when it was exported to the United States in the late 1970s by a Jack Russell enthusiast from England. Although, it struggled to be categorized by the American Kennel Club as a ‘toy breed’. Eventually, the AKC changed the breed standard (to a slightly smaller size) and name to the Parson Russell Terrier.
How Popular Are Jack Russells in the United States?
Since their arrival in the United States in the 1970s, Parson Russell Terriers (Jack Russell Terriers) haven’t really caught on like I’m sure Alisa Crawford (their importer) hoped they would.
In 2021, the Parson Russell Terrier, as the AKC recognizes them, ranked as the 117th most popular dog in the United States.
Who Are Jack Russells a Good Dog For?
Given their small size, one might think that Jack Russells are a good fit for almost anyone! And while this can be true, one has to bear in mind that the Jack Russell is a very energetic breed. They have massive personalities and require plenty of exercise.
For this reason, Jack Russell’s aren’t recommended for those who live in apartments, or for those who aren’t able to keep up with their exercise requirements – daily walks and off-leash time included. They’re not recommended for first-time dog owners, or those with smaller animals, as their high prey drive may cause them to accidentally kill your rodent or other small pet.
They’re best-suited to farms, or family homes with a house & yard that they can roam and run in. Although, don’t be surprised if they start digging up the yard, as their genes predicate them to run in fox holes.
How Did Jack Russells Come About?
The Jack Russell Terrier was first bred in the late 18th century in England from Trump, a small white and brown terrier, purchased by Reverend John Russell, who was seeking a capable fox-hunting companion.
Russell then bred Trump with other white terriers to create the modern-day Jack Russell Terrier. Over the years, Jack Russell’s physical appearance and outgoing nature haven’t changed much, although it has become more popular as a companion pet than a hunting dog.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Jack Russell?
The earliest records of crossbreeding of the Jack Russell indicate that they were initially crossbred with Welsh Corgis, Chihuahuas and other small dogs at the end of the Second World War, in an attempt to revitalize the breed’s popularity following the decline of fox hunting in popularity.
In the United States, the Jack Russell became a popular family pet and several Jack Russell mixes were created by designer breeders in the 1990s and early 2000s. These included:
- Corgi Jack Russell Mix (Co-Jack)
- Jack Russell Lab Mix (Jackador)
- Jack Russell Pitbull Mix (Jack Pit)
- Jack Russell Boxer Mix (Boxer Russell)
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a fairly modern breed with an ancient history – stretching back to the Toltec Peoples, an Aztec tribe that inhabited modern-day Mexico in the 9th century, bred a small, mute dog known as the Techichi. It’s from this small animal that the Chihuahua is thought to have been bred over the centuries.
The modern-day Chihuahua was first noted in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of the same name, when American tourists bought (or traded) their goods for this small little dog with a shrill bark. Standing less than 10 inches tall, the Chihuahua has always been a very popular companion pet – but their bark means they double as a guard dog!
Brought to the United States properly by the end of the 19th century and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904, the Chihuahua has long been a hit among American families and the elderly population.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas in the United States?
Chihuahuas are one of America’s most popular toy dog breeds! In 2021, they ranked as the 37th most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Because of their small size, Chihuahuas are well-suited for apartment living, and are popular among the elderly population. They are best described as spunky little dogs with high energy levels. Their fierce loyalty to their owners makes them fantastic guard dogs although they can develop a Napoleon complex.
Despite their size being conducive to apartment life, it’s worth noting that Chihuahuas suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors – if you notice that your Chi is starting to exhibit these behaviors, consider finding something to keep them occupied during the day.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
The exact origin of Chihuahuas is largely unknown. Although they descend from the ancient Techichi, a small, mute dog kept by the Aztec tribe known as the Toltec Peoples, who inhabited modern-day Mexico in the 9th century.
Since then, the history of Chihuahuas is made of much guess work until the mid-19th century, when they made their way across the border into the United States by being sold or traded with American tourists by their Mexican owners. In 1904, the Chihuahua was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
The Chihuahua has fast become one of the most popular crossbreeds in the mixed-dog community – likely for their spunky personality and excitable nature – adding a little zest and joie-de-vivre to otherwise even-tempered dogs.
This has spawned a number of popular Chihuahua crossbreeds, likely beginning in the 1990s and early 2000s. These include:
- Chihuahua Border Collie Mix (Border Chi)
- Corgi Chihuahua Mix (Chigi)
- Doberman Chihuahua Mix (Doberchi)
- French Bulldog Chihuahua Mix (French Bullhuahua)
- Beagle Chihuahua Mix (Cheagle)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
A dog’s temperament is typically affected (to varying degrees) by two things: genetics and lived experience. Some dogs are predisposed to certain temperaments by virtue of their genes – for example, a Siberian Husky is likely to be a very active breed, as is their genetic makeup. However, a terrier that’s been abused or abandoned is likely to develop aggressive tendencies as a protection mechanism, or separation anxiety in the case of abandonment.
In the case of genetics, you can do research to find out what your dog is likely to be like temperamentally. Are they going to be rowdy and raucous? Like the ever-energetic Golden Retriever. Or, more laid-back and laissez-faire? Like the Pug. To some extent, these temperamental traits are hard-wired – you can adjust them with training, but it’s unlikely you’ll extinguish them entirely.
In the case of lived experience, this is something you talk over with a breeder or whomever you’re adopting your pup from. Lived experience take longer to adjust, if an adjustment is necessary, but can also be done – if you find that certain things about your dog’s temperament aren’t jiving with your family unit.
Knowing certain parts of a dog’s temperament beforehand can really better prepare you for taking ownership of this new animal, and can even reduce the amount of time and money you’ll spend training your new pup.
What is the Temperament of the Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix?
Jack Russell Chihuahua mixes, as with many mixed-breed dogs, will inherit different parts of their temperament from each parent. You’re likely to find them hyperactive, as are both parent breeds. A stubborn streak could also be inherited from the Chihuahua, while the obedient side may come from the Jack Russell Terrier.
Jack Russell Chihuahua mixes are also renowned for their loyalty and love for their owners, so you can expect an affectionate lap dog at the end of the day, even if they want nothing to do with you while outside!
Is The Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Friendly?
In general, the Chihuahua Jack Russell mix is a very friendly animal, particularly among those it knows. It may exhibit growling or other aggressive behavior towards strangers, as it is very protective of it’s owners.
This may take some initial training or corrective action in the moment if your visitors are intimidated by the Jack Chi.
Is The Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Easy to Train?
Despite their stubborn streak and independent nature, you’ll likely that the Chihuahua Jack Russell responds well to positive-reinforcement training, or reward-based training.
How Much Can A Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Jack Chi is between 8 and 18 pounds.
How Tall Can A Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Get?
The average height of a Jack Russell Chihuahua mix is between 12 and 15 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Jack Chi. These include:
- Pug
- Bichon Frise
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Beagle
- Fox Terrier
Does the Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Shed?
Your Chihuahua Jack Russell mix will likely inherit the short, wiry coat of each parent breed. This will mean that your Chihuahua Jack Russell mix is a light shedding dog, but will shed year-round. A quick brush daily will help mitigate fur accumulation.
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Require?
As both the Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier are incredibly energetic breeds, prepare yourself for your Jack Chi to be highly active as well! While it is a terrier breed, you can anticipate walking your Jack Chi for about 30 – 45 minutes daily.
Alongside physical exercise, mental stimulation is an important part of your Chihuahua Jack Russell’s exercise routine as well. Consider engaging them in a game of fetch, or perhaps leave a KONG toy at home filled with their favorite treats, if you’re planning on leaving them alone for an extended period.
How Long Can a Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Jack Chi is between 13 and 18 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Have?
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip Joint Inflammation)
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap Dislocation)
- Hypoglycemia (Elevated Blood Sugar Levels)
- Periodontal Disease (Teeth Issues)
- Glaucoma (Eye Issues)
How Can You Find a Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you start searching all of the usual suspects – Craiglist, Facebook, other online locations and your local paper – for Chihuahua Jack Russell mix puppies for sale, consider instead adopting a Jack Chi! They, along with thousands of other breeds wind up in animal shelters and vet clinics across the country, just waiting to be adopted.
Not only is adoption cheaper than purchasing from a breeder, you’ll be saving the life of a dog in the process.
If you’re unsuccessful with an in-person search for a Jack Chi, consider looking online at AdoptAPet.com, to find one within your local area.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Chihuahua Jack Russell mix puppy is between $300 and $750.
While this mix isn’t outrageously priced, it’s important that you purchase your Jack Chi from a reputable breeder and stay clear of puppy mills. To help you distinguish a proper, authentic breeder from a puppy mill, we’ve created this article. Give it a read before continuing with your search!
Is the Chihuahua Jack Russell Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been searching for an active companion that’s a bundle of energy and can bring unlimited amounts of joy and happiness to your life, without much fuss, then the Jack Russell Chihuahua mix might be exactly what you’ve been searching for!
However, if you’re confident that the Jack Chi isn’t for you – consider reading our other breed guides to learn more about mixed-breed dogs that could be a better fit
Nick Meagher
I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.
