Jatzu

8-14 lbs
8-11"
Unknown
Japanese Chin
Shih Tzu
Chin-Tzu

The Jatzu is a designer dog, also known as a boutique dog, an intentional crossbreed between two lively and friendly canines that have been prized as companion animals in Asia for several centuries; the Japanese Chin and the Shih-Tzu breeds. The hybrid of these two dogs is a diminutive and often delightful little dog that is generally polite and easy to train. Although these dogs are typically peaceful with everyone, they can quickly become overwhelmed when exposed to children or other animals that are particularly young or active. Jatzu dogs do not require a great deal of exercise and they make entertaining and affectionate companions in either large or small spaces but they tend to have higher grooming requirements than many other dogs. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu

Jatzu Health

Average Size
Male Jatzu size stats
Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 8-14 lbs
Female Jatzu size stats
Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 8-14 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome
  • Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Otitis Externa
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Portacaval Shunt
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia
  • Dental Disease
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Epilepsy
  • Heart Murmurs
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Dental Examination
  • Ear Examination
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Radiographs

Jatzu Breed History

The Jatzu is a hybrid dog, a cross between two very small canines that have been favored as companions by the royal and noble families of the Asian continent for several centuries, the Japanese Chin and the Shih-Tzu. The Shih-Tzu is a very old breed and we can’t be certain of which breeds were the ancestors of this little lively little companion, though most experts believe that they are the result of crossing Tibetan Lhasa Apso breed dogs with a small Chinese breed such as the Pekingese. These friendly and outgoing little dogs were frequently seen at court as far back as the Tang dynasty, from 618 to 907 AD, but it was during the Ming dynasty, which lasted from 1368 to 1644, that they gained popularity with the common people as well. The origins of the Japanese Chin breed have also been obscured by the passage of time. Even the meaning behind the name Japanese Chin is debatable; with some experts believing that the Chin in Japanese Chin indicates that they were originally developed in China, while others maintain that Chin means cat-like, in reference to its small size and its climbing ability. Both breeds were distributed worldwide during the mid-1800s and early 1900s when they were given as gifts to visiting royal families, dignitaries, and certain expeditionary forces. The Japanese Chin was recognized as the Japanese Spaniel in 1888, with an official name change to the Japanese Chin in 1977, while the Shih-Tzu wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1969. 

Jatzu Breed Appearance

This hybrid is a small, portable dog with a luxurious, silky coat of hair which can be either long or medium in length.  Jatzus come in many different colors, although combinations of apricot, black, brown, cream, and golden seem to be fairly common. The body of the Jatzu dog is typically fairly square in proportion, although some of the hybrids will inherit the longer back of the Shih-Tzu dog, and their abundantly feathered tails are carried high in a curve over the animal’s back. The head is typically broad, with either a flat skull like the Chin or a rounded skull like the Shih-Tzu, with a short, square muzzle. Those that favor the Shih-Tzu in appearance will generally have a wider muzzle than those that more closely reflect their Japanese Chin heritage. They sport dark, round eyes that are expressive and wide-set, as well as heavily furred ears that are placed low on the skull and hang down to the sides. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Jatzu eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
blue Jatzu nose
Blue
black Jatzu nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
silver Jatzu coat
Silver
red Jatzu coat
Red
brown Jatzu coat
Brown
brindle Jatzu coat
Brindle
white Jatzu coat
White
blue Jatzu coat
Blue
black Jatzu coat
Black
pied Jatzu coat
Pied
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Jatzu straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Jatzu Breed Maintenance

Depending on the coat qualities that the Jatzu inherits, they may have fairly extensive grooming requirements or they may require only a modest daily time commitment. Both parent breeds should receive baths every three to four weeks, as should the Jatzu. The Japanese Chin has a single-layer, medium-length coat with a silky texture and the Shih-Tzu has a double-layer coat comprised of a short, soft undercoat and a layer of long, straight, silky hair that is prone to tangling. The Jatzu with a coat that  resembles the shorter Japanese Chin coat is typically the least complicated to groom, but it still requires brushing and combing several times to remove any tangles or mats. The longer, double-layer coat of the Shih-Tzu is even more prone to tangling than the coat of the Japanese Chin and either requires clipping the coat short or a time-consuming daily grooming routine. Both the Japanese Chin and the Shih-Tzu breeds tend to shed less than other dogs and have been classified as hypoallergenic and Jatzu dogs share this classification. 

Brushes for Jatzu
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Clipper
Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Jatzu requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Jatzu Temperament

This dog is a combination of two dogs that were specifically bred to be polite and pleasing companions and they are generally very sweet-natured dogs that love to cuddle and play. This crossbreed is typically quite intelligent and responsive, making them an extremely trainable canine in most cases. Both parent breeds occasionally show an independent or stubborn streak, and short, cheerful training sessions will produce the best results. Dogs of the Shih-Tzu breed can be notoriously difficult to housetrain and they may pass difficulty down to the Jatzu as well. Although Jatzu dogs are usually peaceful with most people and other animals, very young or overly enthusiastic children may overwhelm them and they have a low tolerance for mischief. Any interactions with children should be closely monitored, for the both the child’s safety and the canine’s. Socialization is particularly important for toy-sized canines like the Jatzu as they can become anxious and even timid if this is neglected. Dogs the size of the Jatzu hybrid should never be left alone outside as they may fall prey to misadventure or predatory wildlife if left unattended, even in the relative safety of a fenced in backyard.   

Jatzu Activity Requirements

Although this little canine tends to be lively and energetic, it is generally able to expend that energy with a relatively small effort on your part. While this crossbreed will certainly enjoy short walks around the neighborhood, they do best if they are given short breaks about every twenty minutes or so. It is particularly important to remember that if your hybrid has just a single layer of hair it may be more susceptible to cold temperatures and if you live in a colder climate, sweaters and jackets designed for your canine companion are likely to be a good investment, and their short, wide muzzle may make them more susceptible to overheating so exercise shouldn’t be too strenuous in warmer weather. Puzzles and toys designed for dogs and  games of hide-a-treat can help keep the Jatzu’s sharp and active mind occupied and they usually make pleasant roommates even in smaller spaces.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
3 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
40 minutes
activity minutes

Jatzu Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
0.5 cups
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Jatzu Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Jatzu size stats at six months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 11.0 lbs
Female Jatzu size stats at six months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 11.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Jatzu size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 12.0 lbs
Female Jatzu size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 12.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Jatzu size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Jatzu size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.5 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs

Jatzu Owner Experiences

max
13 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
doesn't like any construction noises(shakes). vary loving playful quiet, but will exploded into barking at amazon driver
1 year, 9 months ago
Makiko
8 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
a great breed. Love love love my Jatsu<3
3 years, 1 month ago
Mally
7 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Climbing up the stairs
Mally has been our hapPY pill ever since we took her in and we're glad that her allergies are slowly healing and she's back to her usual active self.
3 years, 1 month ago
Ju-jit. Also known as Piper.
2 Years
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Sweetest dog out there.
6 years, 7 months ago
Matcha
4 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Bath time
Run
My jatzu is very sweet and playful. She always want to be carried by her furdad rather than me. She loves playing with her bear. She loves to travel like her fur parents. She is loved by everyone in the house.
6 years, 7 months ago
Nellie
4 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
play, walk, go for car rides
Nellie is my second Jatzu! they are the best little dogs ever! they Love kids, other dogs and even cats! My jatzus are on the smaller size my first on Bella wes 8lbs & nellie will be around 5-6lbs.
6 years, 2 months ago
Bella
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bella is the sweetest dog I have ever had. She loves to play, even likes to “wrestle” with me, her fur mom. She was found by my grandchildren and since they couldn’t locate her owner and already had a houseful they asked us if we wanted her. Well, it was love at first site and I wouldn’t trade her for anything or anyone!
6 years, 2 months ago
Oreo
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling and Going for Walks
I adopted my Oreo when he was 7 years old, He is very sweet and his favorite thing to do is Sleep. His favorite person is my boyfriend Jose so I would think that is a good thing. He loves to eat a lot, He has a Dog brother named Bobo and sometimes I think they are arguing. We love to cuddle and watch Netflix together, He is my baby and my sweetheart.
6 years, 1 month ago
Chace
8 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
he loves to cuddle
He was a gift for my 5 year old. We got him at 2 months. She was rough with him and he tends to growl at her when he doesn't want to be bothered. But its getting less and less. He is a great puppy. Best choice we ever made.
5 years ago
Sparky
3 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Play
Walks
He is a very friendly
4 years, 8 months ago
Rocky
7 Years
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He has a lot of health issues. Idiopathic epilepsy and perhaps hydroencephalitis (unsure unless i pay 4000$ for ct scan)
4 years, 7 months ago
Bandit
10 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Car ride
Tug-of-war
We love him he’s very playful and loves to play fetch
4 years, 5 months ago
Liit
2 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
he wanted to sleep on the side of the house and in the kitchen.
4 years, 1 month ago
Buboy
15 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He always noisy
He always want play
He so noisy and he so sweet but sometime he so mad of me
4 years ago
Fluffy
3 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
training
Tug-of-war
hide and seek
Count to 3
She is a very smart dog but somedays she can be a pain. But at the end of the day she’s is always there to cuddle you and love you ❤️
3 years, 10 months ago
Lord Fluffington
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
He loves to cuddle with me.
playing with other dogs
3 Jatzu dogs now. Best affectionate loving playful dogs we have had. One is trained service dog. I had Australian Shepherd/Border Collie service dog and he was the smartest dog I have ever known but the Jatzu is a close second when motivated with treats.
3 years, 9 months ago
George
7 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
taking walks
My baby girl is my protector although she has a bad attitude to new people. she loves to be held like a baby and sit in the front seat. she is perfect
3 years, 9 months ago
Taj
8 Months
1 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch with his stuffed animals. He has a ball but
I bought Taj at 12 weeks old. He shot up in growth right after that. Hes at 13 pounds, and little change the last 2 months. Hes easily frightened, especially at noises.
3 years, 8 months ago
Odin
3 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
training
snuggling
Playing with toys
Odin is the light of my life. He’s the sweetest little guy and loves to be cuddled and babied. Apprehensive with strangers and very protective of me when we’re on our walks. Odin can be a bit suspicious with other dogs and as a result, is a barker. He does have a few good friends in the neighborhood and plays well with puppies and calmer dogs. I’m working on confidence building and introducing him to more new experiences. His health is great, aside from the occasional reverse sneezing bouts (I think dry air is the culprit) and he’s got a voracious appetite. He’s a big boy - very tall and has extremely long legs, a long, agile body and weighs in at 17 lbs but he’s got the cutest little gait and is known for his graceful prancing and proud stature. Due to his sweet temperament, he sometimes gets bullied by our 12 year old Yorkie but mommy is always there to reassure that he is safe. Odin is sweet, spunky, vocal, playful, silly, brave, and very very very affectionate. He is my saving grace.
3 years, 8 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd