Cav-a-Jack

A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Jack Russell Terrier, the Cav-a-Jack is a fun-loving and energetic breed that makes a great companion for active families.

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Cav-a-Jack Breed overview

The Cav-a-Jack is a small to medium-sized dog that typically weighs between 12-25 pounds. They have a friendly and outgoing personality and are known for their love of play. These dogs are great with children and get along well with other pets. They have a short to medium-length coat that can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and tan.

They are intelligent and eager to please, but may have a stubborn streak that requires consistent training and positive reinforcement.

Height:
10-17 inches
Weight:
13-18 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-17 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Cav-a-Jack

Training

Cav-a-Jacks are intelligent and eager to please, but may inherit a stubborn streak from their Jack Russell Terrier parent. Positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training and treats, tend to be most effective with this breed. They respond well to consistency and clear boundaries, and do not respond well to harsh treatment or punishment.

Early socialization is important for this breed, as they can be prone to anxiety and fearfulness if not exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments.

Grooming

Cav-a-Jacks have a short to medium-length coat that requires regular brushing to keep it shiny and healthy. They should also be bathed as needed to keep their coat clean and free of dirt and debris. This breed tends to shed moderately, so regular grooming can help reduce the amount of hair in the home.

Their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections, and their teeth should be brushed regularly to prevent dental problems.

Nutrition

Cav-a-Jacks require a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. They may be prone to obesity if overfed or fed a diet that is too high in fat or calories. Owners should provide them with a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Puppies should be fed a diet that is formulated specifically for their growing needs, while adult Cav-a-Jacks should be fed according to their size and activity level. They should also have access to fresh water at all times.

Health

Cav-a-jacks are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds of dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health problems that affect the Cav-a-Jack include allergies, ear infections, luxating patella, and hip dysplasia.

Potential owners should research the health history of both parent breeds and ask the breeder for documentation of health testing for the breeding dogs.

Exercise

Cav-a-Jacks are energetic and active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and playing in the yard with their owners. They are also intelligent and enjoy games that challenge their mind, such as puzzle toys and obedience training.

Potential owners should have a yard or access to a dog park where the Cav-a-Jack can run and play off-leash. They should also be prepared to take their dog for a daily walk or two to satisfy their exercise needs.

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Cav-a-Jack Traits & Characteristics

There are no breed standards for the Cav-a-Jack as they are not recognized by any major kennel clubs. However, breeders should strive to produce healthy puppies that adhere to the general characteristics and temperaments of both parent breeds.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should have a friendly and affectionate temperament, while also being intelligent and adaptable. Jack Russell Terriers should be athletic and lively, with a strong prey drive and excellent hunting skills. A well-bred Cav-a-Jack should exhibit a combination of these traits, while also being healthy and free from genetic defects.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Cav-a-Jacks are known for their high level of affection towards their owners. They are extremely loyal and will follow their owners around the house, showering them with love and affection.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Cav-a-Jacks are excellent with children. They are playful and energetic, making them great playmates for kids. They also have a lot of patience, which means they can tolerate lots of playtime with young children without getting overly excited or nippy.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Cav-a-Jacks are generally friendly with other dogs, although early socialization is key to ensuring they are well-behaved around other pups. They are not prone to aggressive behavior and love to play with other dogs, whether it be at the park or in the backyard.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Cav-a-Jacks may be slightly reserved around strangers, but they are not overly wary. Early socialization is important to ensure that they are friendly with new people, but they generally warm up quickly once they get to know someone.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Cav-a-Jacks are highly playful and energetic. They love to play fetch, go for walks, and participate in outdoor activities with their owners. They require lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior, so they are best suited for active families.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Cav-a-Jacks have moderate levels of alertness. They are naturally curious and inquisitive, but they may not always be aware of their surroundings. They are, however, quick learners and can be trained to be fully aware and vigilant when necessary.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Cav-a-Jacks are highly adaptable dogs, making them a good choice for families with changing circumstances or lifestyles. They are able to adjust to new environments and situations easily, although they do require a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Cav-a-Jacks have a moderate amount of shedding, which means that they will require weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy and looking its best. Although they are not hypoallergenic, their shedding is not excessive, making them a good choice for people with mild allergies.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Cav-a-Jacks require moderate grooming. They should be brushed at least once a week and bathed every six to eight weeks. Their nails should also be clipped regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or even pain.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Cav-a-Jacks are not heavy droolers, which means that they won't leave large amounts of drool on furniture, floors, or people. However, they can still drool a little bit, especially when they are excited or hungry.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Cav-a-Jacks are small to medium-sized dogs that generally weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. They are well-suited for families that prefer smaller dogs, but they are not so tiny that they can't participate in outdoor activities or be taken on long walks.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Cav-a-Jacks have moderate to high energy levels. They require daily exercise in the form of walks, runs, or playtime in a fenced-in yard. They also benefit from mental stimulation, so puzzle toys and other interactive games can help keep them occupied.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Cav-a-Jacks require daily exercise to maintain their health and happiness. They enjoy going for walks or runs, playing in the yard or at the park, and participating in other outdoor activities with their owners.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Cav-a-Jacks are not typically used as working dogs or for performing specialized tasks. However, they can still benefit from training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied and engaged.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Cav-a-Jacks are not typically used for hunting or tracking. While they may have some natural prey drive instincts, they are generally more interested in playing and spending time with their owners.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Cav-a-Jacks are energetic and enthusiastic dogs that have a high level of vigor. They love to run, play, and engage in any kind of physical activity with their owners.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Cav-a-Jacks are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues including hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular visits to the vet and preventative care can help ensure that they remain healthy throughout their lifetime.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Cav-a-Jacks can be prone to obesity if they are not provided with adequate exercise and a healthy diet. Owners should monitor their weight closely and limit treats, table scraps, and other high-calorie foods.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Cav-a-Jacks may struggle to tolerate extreme cold weather conditions. They should be provided with warm bedding and extra protection when outside during the winter months to prevent them from becoming too cold.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Cav-a-Jacks may struggle to tolerate extreme heat weather conditions. They should have access to plenty of fresh water and be kept in a cool, shaded area during hot days to prevent them from becoming overheated.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Cav-a-Jacks can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive enough daily exercise. They are small enough to fit comfortably in smaller spaces and do not require a large yard or outdoor area to play in.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Cav-a-Jacks can have a moderate tendency to wander or roam. They require adequate supervision when outside and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced-in area to prevent them from running off in search of adventure.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Cav-a-Jacks can be sensitive to criticism or negative feedback, so it is recommended that they are trained using positive reinforcement methods. With consistent training and lots of patience, however, they can become well-behaved and responsive to their owner's commands.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Cav-a-Jacks may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human interaction and attention and can become destructive if they are left alone for too long. They are best suited for families where someone is home for most of the day.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Cav-a-Jacks have moderate barking tendencies. They will bark to alert their owners to strangers or perceived threats, but they are not excessive barkers. Early socialization and training can help prevent excessive barking.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Cav-a-Jacks are highly intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy learning new tricks and commands and can be trained to do a variety of tasks. Puzzle toys and other interactive games can also help keep them mentally engaged.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Cav-a-Jacks are a good choice for novice dog owners. They are easy to train, friendly with humans and other dogs, and generally easy to care for. They do require daily exercise and regular grooming, however, so potential owners should be prepared for these requirements.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Cav-a-Jacks are highly trainable dogs. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a strong desire to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and can be taught a wide range of commands and tricks.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Cav-a-Jacks are known for their high level of affection towards their owners. They are extremely loyal and will follow their owners around the house, showering them with love and affection.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Cav-a-Jacks are excellent with children. They are playful and energetic, making them great playmates for kids. They also have a lot of patience, which means they can tolerate lots of playtime with young children without getting overly excited or nippy.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Cav-a-Jacks are generally friendly with other dogs, although early socialization is key to ensuring they are well-behaved around other pups. They are not prone to aggressive behavior and love to play with other dogs, whether it be at the park or in the backyard.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Cav-a-Jacks may be slightly reserved around strangers, but they are not overly wary. Early socialization is important to ensure that they are friendly with new people, but they generally warm up quickly once they get to know someone.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Cav-a-Jacks are highly playful and energetic. They love to play fetch, go for walks, and participate in outdoor activities with their owners. They require lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior, so they are best suited for active families.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Cav-a-Jacks have moderate levels of alertness. They are naturally curious and inquisitive, but they may not always be aware of their surroundings. They are, however, quick learners and can be trained to be fully aware and vigilant when necessary.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Cav-a-Jacks are highly adaptable dogs, making them a good choice for families with changing circumstances or lifestyles. They are able to adjust to new environments and situations easily, although they do require a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Cav-a-Jacks have a moderate amount of shedding, which means that they will require weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy and looking its best. Although they are not hypoallergenic, their shedding is not excessive, making them a good choice for people with mild allergies.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Cav-a-Jacks require moderate grooming. They should be brushed at least once a week and bathed every six to eight weeks. Their nails should also be clipped regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or even pain.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Cav-a-Jacks are not heavy droolers, which means that they won't leave large amounts of drool on furniture, floors, or people. However, they can still drool a little bit, especially when they are excited or hungry.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Cav-a-Jacks are small to medium-sized dogs that generally weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. They are well-suited for families that prefer smaller dogs, but they are not so tiny that they can't participate in outdoor activities or be taken on long walks.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Cav-a-Jacks have moderate to high energy levels. They require daily exercise in the form of walks, runs, or playtime in a fenced-in yard. They also benefit from mental stimulation, so puzzle toys and other interactive games can help keep them occupied.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Cav-a-Jacks require daily exercise to maintain their health and happiness. They enjoy going for walks or runs, playing in the yard or at the park, and participating in other outdoor activities with their owners.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Cav-a-Jacks are not typically used as working dogs or for performing specialized tasks. However, they can still benefit from training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied and engaged.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Cav-a-Jacks are not typically used for hunting or tracking. While they may have some natural prey drive instincts, they are generally more interested in playing and spending time with their owners.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Cav-a-Jacks are energetic and enthusiastic dogs that have a high level of vigor. They love to run, play, and engage in any kind of physical activity with their owners.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Cav-a-Jacks are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues including hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular visits to the vet and preventative care can help ensure that they remain healthy throughout their lifetime.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Cav-a-Jacks can be prone to obesity if they are not provided with adequate exercise and a healthy diet. Owners should monitor their weight closely and limit treats, table scraps, and other high-calorie foods.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Cav-a-Jacks may struggle to tolerate extreme cold weather conditions. They should be provided with warm bedding and extra protection when outside during the winter months to prevent them from becoming too cold.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Cav-a-Jacks may struggle to tolerate extreme heat weather conditions. They should have access to plenty of fresh water and be kept in a cool, shaded area during hot days to prevent them from becoming overheated.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Cav-a-Jacks can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive enough daily exercise. They are small enough to fit comfortably in smaller spaces and do not require a large yard or outdoor area to play in.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Cav-a-Jacks can have a moderate tendency to wander or roam. They require adequate supervision when outside and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced-in area to prevent them from running off in search of adventure.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Cav-a-Jacks can be sensitive to criticism or negative feedback, so it is recommended that they are trained using positive reinforcement methods. With consistent training and lots of patience, however, they can become well-behaved and responsive to their owner's commands.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Cav-a-Jacks may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human interaction and attention and can become destructive if they are left alone for too long. They are best suited for families where someone is home for most of the day.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Cav-a-Jacks have moderate barking tendencies. They will bark to alert their owners to strangers or perceived threats, but they are not excessive barkers. Early socialization and training can help prevent excessive barking.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Cav-a-Jacks are highly intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy learning new tricks and commands and can be trained to do a variety of tasks. Puzzle toys and other interactive games can also help keep them mentally engaged.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Cav-a-Jacks are a good choice for novice dog owners. They are easy to train, friendly with humans and other dogs, and generally easy to care for. They do require daily exercise and regular grooming, however, so potential owners should be prepared for these requirements.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Cav-a-Jacks are highly trainable dogs. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a strong desire to learn. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and can be taught a wide range of commands and tricks.

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History of the Cav-a-Jack

The Cav-a-Jack is a relatively new breed that was first developed in the early 2000s. As a crossbreed, their history is intertwined with that of their parent breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the 16th century. They were originally bred as lapdogs for royalty and are known for their regal and elegant appearance. The Jack Russell Terrier, on the other hand, was developed in the 19th century for hunting and working purposes. They are known for their athleticism and tenacity.

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Cav-a-Jack Puppies

Cav-a-Jack puppies are typically energetic and playful from a young age. They should be socialized early on to ensure they develop into well-mannered and well-adjusted adults. Potential owners should look for a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding dogs to ensure they are producing healthy offspring.

Puppies should be fed a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and needs. They should also receive regular veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, and flea and tick prevention.