Jatzu: The Foundations
The Jatzu is a rare breed of dog that manages to be both gentle and ferocious, calm and independent, loving and self-reliant. Even though they aren’t as well-known as Doodle mixes, the demand for these designer canines continues to rise. It’s easy to see why these hybrids are so sought after when you spend some time with one of these chubby fellows.
The Jatzu is a hybrid of the Shih Tzu and the Japanese Chin, therefore it has characteristics of both breeds. It’s difficult to say which breed will predominate in a cross, but a Jatzu is sure to be a wonderful pet no matter what. Both of his parents are the product of generations of selective breeding that resulted in small, sociable dogs ideal for cuddling, and their offspring will have these traits.
The Jatzu is a fantastic addition to any household, because to his cute appearance and lovable nature. Since they don’t need a lot of attention, these dogs are excellent companions for those living alone or those in their golden years. Condo and apartment residents might benefit from the breed because of its tiny size and low exercise requirements. In sum, Jatzu is a flexible dog that thrives in a wide range of environments. Is this pampered pooch the best option? If you want to know, keep reading!
The Jatzu is a wonderful addition to any household, thanks to his charming nature and cute appearance.
Jatzu Original
The Shih Tzu and Japanese Chin are both native to Asia, yet the original child of these two breeds was born on another continent. We don’t know for sure where and when the Jatzu was initially invented, but it’s probable that it occurred during the previous 20 or 30 years in the United States. The majority of hybrids do not have a well-documented background, which is why the breed’s origin remains a mystery.
Not very long ago, anybody who had a dog of a different breed than their own was considered to be a hoarder. However, things shifted when a breeder in Australia purposefully mixed a Poodle with a Lab to create a hypoallergenic guide dog breed that wouldn’t bother people with dog allergies. This sparked a surge of enthusiasm among breeders, who immediately began exploring the potential for developing novel and superior strains based on established popular breeds. The Jatzu is likely a byproduct of this fashion, albeit its creators remain anonymous.
Pedigree
The Shih Tzu and the Japanese Chin are the parents of the Jatzu. One parent from each breed is often used in a 50/50 mix. This is referred to as a “F1” or “first generation” hybrid. Puppies from this initial generation of crossbreeding might look quite different from one another. Because there is no breed standard and no method to establish one without more inbreeding, it is impossible to know what a litter of Jatzu pups will look like. Some of the pups may resemble Japanese Chins, while others may resemble Shih Tzus, and still others may appear like a hybrid of the two. But for some owners, that’s part of their appeal: they’re one-of-a-kind. The re-emergence of certain genetic abnormalities in the breed is one reason why multigenerational hybrids (Jatzu x Shih Tzu or a Japanese Chin) are uncommon.
Jatzus are not recognized by the AKC or any of the other major dog organizations since they are a hybrid breed still in the early stages of development. Consequently, Jatzu pups will not be able to be registered or have formal pedigree documents. You should inquire extensively about the health of the parents of any Jatzu puppy you want to purchase. This is the only way to know for sure that your puppy comes from a good household.
Food/Diet
Though small in stature, Jatzu have a hearty appetite. In particular, for sweets and other goodies! That is not to mean that you should give in to their every demand. These hybrids, like other dogs, need a balanced diet to suit their nutritional requirements. Good quality dry dog food is ideal for Jatzu. Kibble provides a complete and balanced set of nutrients, and it’s sold at almost every pet shop. Selecting the appropriate brand is crucial, so look for high-quality kibble that is created with real food rather than fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives. Foods that are tailored to Jatzu’s specific requirements (body type, amount of exercise, and age) are optimal (puppy, adult, senior). Dry dog food formulated for small breeds is often a good fit.
These mutts are prone to becoming overweight because of their size. Gaining even a little amount of weight may increase the strain on their ligaments and tendons, as well as increase their risk for developing major ailments like diabetes and heart disease. Make sure to keep a close eye on what they eat to avoid this. Feed your dog no more than the daily suggested quantity of kibble (often one cup of kibble) in two evenly spaced meals.
The Jatzu is an excellent dog for first-time pet owners because of how easily they can be trained.
Training
These designer canines are eager to learn and often very perceptive. A Jatzu is a fantastic first dog since they are not difficult to train, but you still need to take the appropriate approach. The Japanese Chin-Shih Tzu mix is much like any other dog in that it doesn’t take well to being yelled at or punished. Be aware that being harsh may cause them to withdraw and become defensive. You’ll instill fear in your dog rather than respect. Because of this, the only kind of training that comes highly recommended by professionals is positive reinforcement.
Using positive reinforcement, like as enthusiastic praise or food, will help inspire your puppy to learn. Because Jatzu enjoys being coddled and because he is not immune to tasty treats, having something to work for will speed up the process.
Get your dog started on his training and socializing as soon as you bring him home. Teaching your puppy or young dog the basics of obedience, housebreaking, and walking on a leash can make your life much simpler in the long term. They will mature into sociable, flexible canines if they are introduced to many different people, animals, and environments beginning in puppyhood.
Weight
Although the look of designer dogs may vary widely, Jatzu can be counted on to be on the petite side. These adorable hybrids have an average weight of 8 to 14 lbs.
Temperament/Behavior
It was Jatzu’s endearing personality, not just his adorable appearance, that made him so sought after. This little dog is a mutt, so it will take on characteristics from both parents. The specific mix will be unique to each individual dog. While every Jatzu is one of a kind, most of these hybrids have a few similar characteristics.
Jatzu’s upbeat disposition and kind personality come from his amiable parents. They are full of life and joy, always ready to help and glad to be by your side. Designer dogs have all the ideal characteristics since they are the spawn of lap dogs and companion dogs.
In addition to their adorable demeanor, Jatzus are also rather naughty and love to play. They are usually up for an adventure and have a tendency toward clownish behavior if they discover it works on you. In fact, if the Japanese Chin is the more prevalent breed in the mix, these cat-like canines may be a little more “adventurous” than you’d think. They often climb trees in an attempt to “capture” squirrels.
Frequent Medical Issues
Crossbreeding may improve the health and resilience of dogs in particular situations. However, you shouldn’t take it as gospel truth; rather, see it as a lucky break. A well-bred Jatzu, like any other designer dog, may have excellent health but may also be susceptible to diseases shared by his two parent breeds. Getting a puppy from a pet shop, a puppy mill, or an otherwise questionable breeder is risky since their primary motivation isn’t the health of the dog but rather the sale price.
There shouldn’t be any severe difficulties with Jatzu, but you should be aware of the breed-specific abnormalities that may be inherited from his parents. Some examples include brachycephalic syndrome, vision problems, and an abnormally short nose.
How long the Jatzu can live?
A dog that is a cross between a Japanese Chin and a Shih Tzu should expect to live for 12–15 years.
Jatzu Physical Activity
The Jatzu is not a slob, but it’s also not a dog version of Michael Phelps. They have a lot of life force and may be rather active at times, but because of their small stature, they don’t need to exercise too often. Your Jatzu may sleep through the day after a lengthy walk, and a game of fetch across the room will tire him out just as much as an outing to the dog park. They may be tiny enough to exercise indoors, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still require regular outside time. You should take your dog out for short walks every day. Keep in mind that Jatzu, with their flat faces, may not thrive in the sweltering heat of July.
A Jatzu is the perfect pet for a city dweller. To keep your dog healthy and happy, you just need to give it 30–40 minutes of daily activity, regardless of how large your yard is.
Jatzu is a great dog to have if you’re an apartment dweller.
Affiliated Organizations
It’s important to note that designer dog breeds are not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club or any of its international equivalents. Some smaller businesses, however, are quite supportive of hybrid research and development. The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and the International Designer Canine Registry are among many that recognize the Jatzu.
Jatzu Coat
It’s no surprise that Jatzu inherited the world’s cutest coat from his wonderful parents. Their offspring, being a combination of the Japanese Chin and the Shih Tzu, will have hair that is as silky as the parents’. The average Jatzu has a medium-long coat that sheds just little. Just brush it regularly and give it the odd wash, and that’s all the maintenance their hair requires.
Yet although the Jatzu’s coat quality is fairly consistent, its coloration is somewhat of a crapshoot. The characteristic Japanese Chin face markings may be present or absent from a Jatzu, and the animal can be found in a wide range of solid and multicolor varieties. Color combinations like black and white, red and white, and cream seem to be the most prevalent, although many more are available.
Jatzu Puppies
Even as adults, Jatzu are little and delicate creatures. Because Jatzu pups are so little, you need to take extra care while handling them to prevent them from being hurt. Puppies this young should not be played with by youngsters without adult supervision.
Yet, despite their little stature and endearing appearance, Jatzu pups will need early training and socialization. Puppies may start attending “kindergarten” sessions as early as a few weeks of age. You should socialize them with other animals, strangers, and children (if you don’t already have any) as soon as possible. They’ll be better able to interact with others and make friends as a result.