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JaTese (Japanese Chin & Maltese Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

japanesechinmaltese

Height: 8-10 inches
Weight: 6-15 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors: White, black and white, red and white, liver and white
Suitable for: Apartment living, individuals looking for a companion dog, families with older children, seniors
Temperament: Loyal & Loving, Intelligent, Easy to train, Friendly, Gets along with other pets

There are many different designer breeds to choose from nowadays, but few stand out more than JaTese dogs. With the aristocratic nature of the Japanese Chin and the docile temperament of the Maltese, JaTeses have extremely strong bonds with their owners. Adaptable to most living situations, these little dogs are perfect for apartments and city living. Let’s take a look at what makes this designer dog breed a top companion:

Divider 1Japanese Chin Maltese Mix Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

JaTeses are considered a designer dog breed, so they’re not as expensive as purebred dogs. Factors like genetics, physical attributes, and other smaller details will influence the final price. It’s important to make sure you find a reputable breeder that can offer you health guarantees for the dog, as well as provide any information you have before bringing one home. It’s also a good idea to visit the breeder in person to see what kind of conditions the dogs are living in (and most good breeders will let you do this anyway).

Watch out for puppy mills or backyard breeders that are selling JaTese dogs for cheap prices. Often these kinds of operations don’t have the dogs’ best interest at heart and they may not be the healthiest as a result. They also may be hesitant to provide information about the dogs when asked. If anything seems off about the person selling the dog, it’s best to look somewhere else for a JaTese.

3 Little-Known Facts About the JaTese

1. JaTeses are not usually hypoallergenic.

Although Malteses are often the top choice for allergies due to their hypoallergenic coats, most JaTeses are not completely hypoallergenic. This is due to the shorthaired fur coat of the Japanese Chin, which sheds and can trigger allergies.


2. JaTeses are first-generation hybrids.

JaTese dogs are usually first-generation hybrids, which means they come from two purebred dogs. Unlike Goldendoodles that have multi-generational mixes, JaTese dogs rarely come from JaTese parents.


3. JaTeses can be quite vocal.

JaTese dogs can be great apartment dogs, but they can bark excessively if not exercised and trained properly. It’s crucial to nip any excessive barking in the bud, or else you’ll be dealing with high-pitched barks nonstop.

The parent breeds of JaTese
The parent breeds of JaTese: Left – Japanese Chin (GoranH, Pixabay) | Right – Maltese (dole777, Unsplash)

Divider 2

Temperament & Intelligence of the JaTese 🧠

JaTeses are not purebred dogs, so it can be tough to understand their temperaments. Thankfully, Japanese Chin dogs and Maltese dogs are similar in temperament, which can help narrow things down. However, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique and will have its own set of characteristics, regardless of breed.

Japanese Chin dogs are true companion dogs, preferring to spend quality time with their favorite person. Originally bred for keeping royalty company, they’re known for their dignified, regal personalities. Although they don’t require as much exercise as other small breeds, many people are surprised to find out how playful they can be. Japanese Chins are not known for being social but will still be polite and well-mannered around strangers. Overall, these little dogs are a great choice for those looking specifically for a lap dog.

Maltese dogs are similar in that they love to play, more so than the Japanese Chin. Bred for companionship for the upper class, Maltese dogs crave attention in the form of petting and cuddles on the couch. They’re intelligent and mischievous dogs, which can get them into trouble if not supervised. Though they’re playful and like to run around, Maltese dogs are perfect for apartments due to their size. They’re also naturally social and enjoy attention from just about anyone, which is great for dog owners that have people over often.

JaTese dogs will have similar temperaments, which means they’ll need a lot of daily human interaction to be happy. Since Maltese and Japanese Chins were bred for companionship, JaTese dogs will naturally crave attention as well. JaTese may also have some slight stubbornness, which is an issue that most small breeds come with. Stubbornness aside, JaTese dogs are a great designer dog breed for seniors, individuals, and apartment living.

Are JaTeses Good for Families? 🏡

Yes, they can be great for semi-active families that are home often enough to give them attention. However, due to their small size, we recommend them only for families with calmer, older children.

Do JaTeses Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Generally, JaTese dogs will get along with other dogs around their size. The problem may be with bigger dogs, which can also trigger a prey-driven response and endanger your JaTese. We recommend raising any other pets alongside your JaTese to prevent territorial tendencies. For small pets and cats, it will depend on your JaTese and your other established pets. We recommend introducing them slowly to prevent any fights, though JaTeses may prefer human company over other animals.

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning a JaTese:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

JaTese dogs are toy-sized dogs and need a specialized diet to fit their bodies, which will help prevent obesity. We recommend a diet of at least 20% crude protein and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. To help reduce plaque and prevent dental decay, dry dog kibble is a great option and can be mixed with wet canned food. It is crucial to have portion control since obesity can happen within 2 to 3 pounds, unlike medium and large breeds.

JaTese Exercise 🐕

Exercising your JaTese daily is important, but it’s something that is often overlooked with small dogs. While they’re mostly companion dogs, JaTeses still have decent energy levels and will need to exercise. A few brisk walks and some off-leash running in a fenced-in yard is a great start, but each JaTese’s exercise needs will vary. Mental stimulation is also crucial and they enjoy puzzles that challenge their clever minds, especially if there’s a tasty treat involved.

JaTese Training 🦮

Training any small dog can be tricky, but JaTese dogs can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. However, they’re not nearly as stubborn as other breeds and will catch onto obedience training fairly quickly. Training your JaTese needs to start from day one with a consistent training routine, using food-based rewards and positive reinforcement methods. These dogs are incredibly intuitive and sensitive, so harsh training methods should be avoided.

Group puppy classes are a great way to learn the basics of obedience while also socializing your JaTese, something that is also overlooked often with little dogs. Contact your local dog training facility to find the right class for you and your JaTese. If there are no group classes available, one-on-one dog training lessons are another alternative.

JaTese Grooming ✂️

Grooming your JaTese will depend on the coat type it inherits, especially if it grows more like the Maltese’s coat. At a minimum, expect to brush out the coat once a week, but more frequent brushing will most likely be needed. An occasional bath will help remove odors, but overbathing can dry out the skin and cause painful irritation. If your JaTese has a longer coat that grows like human hair, a trip to the groomer’s will help keep it maintained. After coat care, your JaTese will need to have the nails trimmed once every 3 to 4 weeks. Lastly, consider a tooth brushing routine to help fight dental problems like tartar and plaque buildup, dental decay, and other dental issues.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Since JaTeses are not purebred dogs, there aren’t any records to see what health conditions they could be prone to. The best way to find out what to expect is to look at the parent dogs and their breeds, which can help narrow down the list a bit. Here are the most common health conditions of the Japanese Chin and the Maltese:

Most Common Health Conditions of the Japanese Chin
  • Heart Murmurs
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Obesity
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Cataracts
  • Dental Issues
Most Common Health Conditions of the Maltese
  • Dry/Sensitive Skin
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Dental Issues
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Deafness

Divider 3Final Thoughts

JaTeses are one of the most unique designer dog breeds, having the best traits of both purebred parents. These little dogs are amazing companions and enjoy spending time with their favorite person, so they’re a great fit for apartment living and quieter lifestyles. JaTese dogs are fiercely loyal to their families but can be taught to be polite and well-mannered in front of visitors. If you’re looking for a true lap dog and companion, the JaTese is likely to exceed any expectations.

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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

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