Hair: Jack Chis have a short and dense coat. These dogs are low shedders, and thus, maintenance, and therefore, the need for daily care is also less. Brush them once or twice a week with a hard-bristled brush to keep their coat healthy and smooth.
Ears: Check the ears of your Jack Chi for any signs of infection and clean them to remove debris.
Teeth: Brush their teeth twice a week with good dog toothpaste.
Nail: Regular trimming of nails is required.
Eyes: These dogs are prone to allergies and, thus, always look for inflammation, redness, or fluid discharge to detect eye infections. If you discover any issues, consult your vet immediately.
Recommended daily amount: As Jack Chis are small dogs, you should feed 1 to 1.5 cups of healthy and high-quality dry food every day. Divide the meals into 2 parts, and that's adequate. As per their size, feeding small meals to them in small portions is extremely important to keep their energy levels up. Their weight gain potential is average to high, so feed them with healthy dog food and maintain an activity routine to prevent obesity. Also, measure their weight regularly.
What food to choose: The food given to Jack Chis must be balanced calorie content and high protein content to support the energetic muscles and prevent obesity.
How to keep good shape: Jack Chis can gain weight very quickly, so to keep them in good shape, keep an eye on their weight, they need up to 550 calories a day so feed them with healthy and nutrient-rich dog food.
How many times to feed your dog: It is recommended to feed them twice a day.
The dietary needs of a Jack Chi can change throughout time, so consult your vet and follow their diet recommendations for the dog.
Jack Chis are considered healthy dogs. However, these dogs are susceptible to skin allergies, and thus, it is essential to visit the vet regularly. Here are some of the common health problems Jack Chis suffer from:
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation is a common orthopedic disease where the kneecap of the dogs becomes dislocated. This condition generally develops after 4 months of age. Around 23% of Jack Chi has this condition, and thus, it is a hereditary issue. Its symptoms are limping, abnormal gait, and pain.
Treatment
The treatment of patellar luxation includes massaging the kneecap into place, surgery, or using braces.
Heart Problems
Jack Chis generally suffer from heart valve problems, mitral valve disease, and patent ductus arteriosus or PDA. In PDA, a small vessel in the heart doesn't close, and if the seriousness of the defect is high, it can lead to congenital heart failure. On the other hand, mitral valve disease occurs in mature dogs and is caused due to weakened heart valves. The valves that allow blood to flow backward in the heart are weakened, which causes strain on the heart.
Treatment
PDA can be repaired with heart surgery while mitral valve disease is managed with medication and also with exercise and dietary restrictions.
Hypoglycemia
When some fluids build up in the skull, it can lead to hypoglycemia. The build-up puts a strain on the brain and can also lead to spastic gait, seizures, or decreased mental functioning.
Treatment
Treatment of this condition includes medication or surgery
Tracheal Collapse
When the rings of cartilage are improperly formed or weak, it may lead to tracheal collapse. Signs of this condition are difficulty breathing and coughing.
Treatment
Mild cases are treated with medication, and for severe cases, surgery is needed.
Jack Chis try to be the pack leader, and thus, it is important to remain calm and consistent while training them. Always use positive reinforcement and techniques to encourage these dogs and show them that you are in charge. Most of the time, they respond well to the training, but sometimes, they may show stubbornness.
If you find it overwhelming to train these dogs, you can get them professionally trained. Also, remember that these dogs see smaller animals and pets as prey and, thus, might show aggression. So to train them well, start with early socialization.
Jack Chis are extraordinarily energetic, and regular exercise is needed for them to remain healthy. To reduce the risk of obesity and various other health issues, it is important to take the dog on a couple of long walks, jogging sessions, or arrange a scheduled playtime. As their parents are hunters, these dogs also love getting engaged in hunting activities.
You can play hide and seek, various ball games and use toys to make them feel satisfied. It is also essential to maintain a regular care routine for these dogs and visit the veterinarian to keep your dog healthy. A regular exercise schedule and check-up routine will keep these little creatures healthy.
