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Jack Tzu |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
England, Australia <> Tibet -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Jack Tzu |
| A small hybrid dog resulting from crossing the Jack Russell Terrier with the Shih Tzu, the Jack Tzu will generally have a loyal, loving nature with a touch of mischief. More energetic than their Shih Tzu parent, but not as feisty as a Terrier, many see the Jack Tzu's personality as a good compromise between the two opposing characters of the parent breeds. Jack Tzus are small dogs with compact, muscular bodies. When you look at them, the first thing that stands out is their intelligent dark brown eyes, which seem to be able to communicate their emotions. Their fur is generally dense and straight, and can become very long. This can often give them a crisp, unkempt appearance, which only serves to make them more lovable. |
History of the Jack Tzu |
| Although the Jack Russell Terrier and the Shih Tzu are both popular small companion dogs, the similarities almost end there. The two breeds have distinctly different personalities. Consequently, mixing them to create the Jack Tzu has given rise to a new breed of dog that can vary in personality and appearance. The Jack Tzu is thought to have originated in America, perhaps twenty years ago. |
A little of the Jack Russell Terrier |
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| The Jack Russell Terrier is sometimes affectionately called a terror by Jack Russell because it can have a big, fierce personality. Although these dogs originated as Fox Terriers in England in the 1800s, the Jack Russell was quickly exported to Australia, where the breed was developed. Traditionally bred to hunt foxes and rabbits, the Jack Russell was never a pocket dog and would have had to work for its supper. This has resulted in a tenacious breed with a strong character. As these dogs are extremely energetic and intelligent, they are frequently kept on farms and as working dogs. | ||
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| Standard of the Jack Russell Terrier | ||
A little of the Shih Tzu |
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| The Shih Tzu originated in Tibet. It's a large dog, nicknamed the lion dog, and is a truly ancient breed, dating back some 3,000 years. Dog lovers may have already guessed that the Shih Tzu is derived from similar oriental breeds, notably the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese, as they look very similar. The exalted position once occupied by the Shih Tzu in ancient Tibetan and Chinese societies is irrefutable, with the breed featuring in numerous paintings and sculptures from the period. It wasn't until the mid-1900s that the Shih Tzu began to make its way westwards, and its popularity continued to grow as breed lovers admired its loving, loyal personalities. | ||
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| Standard of the Shih Tzu |
Appearance of the Jack Tzu |
| The Jack Tzu's physical appearance can vary enormously from one individual to another, with some having a Shih Tzu face with a camouflaged nose and mischievous eyes, and others inheriting the Jack Russell's longer muzzle. Their skulls are somewhat flat on top, and they have ears that hang either to the side of the face or downwards. Their eyes are dark brown and curious, while their noses are small and black. Most will have the longer limbs and leaner body of the Terrier and a more proportionate body than the Shih Tzu. They are robust and have muscular hind legs. A fully developed Jack Tzu will weigh from 6 to 10 kg and measure between 24 and 30 cm at the withers. The Jack Tzu's coat can be fairly short and stiff or longer and silkier, depending on the parent it follows. It is never curly and is often quite thick. There is a wide range of coat colors, including solid black, cream, white and brown, white and red or white and black. |
Temperament of the Jack Tzu |
| Typically a charismatic little guy, the Jack Tzu is bubbly and energetic. Open and friendly with family members and strangers alike, these sociable dogs like to be around people and enjoy attracting attention when out and about. Although it's common for Jack Tzus to devote themselves to a particular owner, usually the one they spend the most time with, they will form special bonds with everyone in the home. Households with children are a good choice for this cheeky dog, who loves to play and gets on very well with people of all ages, provided they are introduced to the system from an early age and taught to treat it gently and respectfully. Most Jack Tzus are excellent watchdogs, and will bark loudly at the first sign of a new arrival in the house. They are intensely alert and may even wake up from a deep sleep to react to someone who hasn't rung the doorbell yet. Although they may bark loudly, they are unlikely to be hostile to a new guest, and are likely to welcome them warmly once their owner has indicated that there is no threat. |
Needs and activities of the Jack Tzu |
| The Jack Tzu is a small dog with a lot of energy. Although his small size makes him perfect for living in any size home, it's extremely important to get him outside for exercise. This will ensure that he doesn't become destructive and get into things he shouldn't. Some great activities you can do with your Jack Tzu to tire him out are training, playing fetch, jogging, taking a long walk or playing in the park with other dogs. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to devote some time to training, as this will not only tire your dog out, but also teach him how to behave in many different areas and situations. As the Jack Tzu is small and doesn't bark much, it can live virtually anywhere as long as it has a place to exercise. |
Maintenance of the Jack Tzu |
| Although the Jack Tzu doesn't require much maintenance to keep its coat tidy, it does tend to shed a lot. This means it's not a good choice for allergy sufferers, and frequent brushing will be necessary to keep shedding to a reasonable amount. Regular brushing at least 3 times a week with a bristle brush and comb should be enough to keep the coat tidy and give the Jack Tzu a beautiful coat. Bathing should really only take place when your dog is really dirty, or every few months, as this breed doesn't have a bad dog smell. After bathing your dog, be sure to dry its ears. Jack Tzus have folded ears that can easily trap excess moisture, leading to ear infections and irritation. By cleaning and drying the ears properly, you can prevent infections. In addition to brushing and bathing, be sure to trim your dog's nails every few weeks to keep paws healthy and reduce the risk of scratching your dog when he jumps on someone or something. Because of this breed's longer, thicker coat, it can easily overheat and tends to prefer cooler temperatures. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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