Appearance of the Jack Tzu
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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
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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
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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
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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. |