A mix between the regal and purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the spunky Jack Russell Terrier, the Cav-a-Jack is another one of the many splendid mixed breeds. The hybrid is packed with the best of both worlds and is a super friendly pup with lots of energy to spare. The woofer is an absolute family companion and is also ideal as an apartment dog.
After this little introduction, it is now time to indulge deeper into the hybrid’s history and other essential information. So, let’s start without any further ado.
Table of Contents
- 1 Where do the Cavajack come from?
- 2 How does a Cav-a-Jack look like?
- 3 How big do these pups get?
- 4 How long does a Cavalier Jack Russell Terrier Mix live for?
- 5 Are the Cav-a-Jack Hypoallergenic?
- 6 How to groom a Jackalier properly?
- 7 Are the Cavajacks good dogs?
- 8 Do the Cavalier Jack Russell Terrier Mix make a good apartment dog?
- 9 How to train a Cav-a-Jack?
Where do the Cavajack come from?
Similar to other Cocker Spaniel hybrids, there is not much information when it comes to learning about the hybrid’s occurrence in the chapters of history. However, given their recent occurrence and popularity, it is supposed that the hybrid must have originated within the last decade to serve a whole new purpose.
Unlike their parents, the gun dog Spaniel and the cheeky hunting personas of the Russell Terriers, Cavajacks come with a people-oriented personality. This makes the woofer the best choice for individuals in search of a breed that’s a cuddle buddy and not much of a high maintenance. Therefore, to entertain pet parents’ wishes, cross breeding between the two purebred parental breeds must have been started during the late 2010s, leading to the birth of this beautiful pup.
How does a Cav-a-Jack look like?
Also known as Jackaliers, or Cavalier Jack Russell Terrier Mix, this pup may exhibit individual or mixed physical attributes of its parents. This generally depends upon the dominant set of genes in their body, and hence every pup even in the same litter comes with unique characteristics.
But, on average, these hybrids are blessed with a compact, small-sized body that aids to their mischievous personas. Due to their petite size, they can fit into your arms and cuddle all day long or embark on new adventures with you as they can also seamlessly fit into your travel backpacks.
Moreover, the pups have a sturdy build, a tiny muzzle and a set of bewitching eyes that is normally black or brown in colour. Their coat textures may differ between a smooth, silky, medium-length coat as the Cavalier or a short, coarse one as the Jack Russell. Similarly, the most common coat colour combinations include brown and black, white and red, white and black with bold colour markings, chestnut colouring, and even tri-colours.
How big do these pups get?
An adult Spaniel Terrier Mix typically measures around 10-15 inches, however, unique cases of standard sized woofers are also possible. Unlike the small-sized hybrids, the latter ones may measure from 15-17 inches, like that of a fully grown English Cocker Spaniel.
Upon reaching maturity, the hybrid’s weight stays around 13 to 18 pounds, gaining them the fame as ‘designer dog hybrids’ amongst enthusiastic pet parents.
How long does a Cavalier Jack Russell Terrier Mix live for?
The average life expectancy of this super adorable breed is between 12-17 years. They are one of the healthiest hybrids out there, but just like any other mixed breed, their dominant set of genes might be responsible for inheritance of a number of genetic health conditions.
So, if you are a Cav-a-jack owner, it is essential to be aware of:
- Cataracts
- Deafness
- Lens Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Mitral Valve Degenerative Disease
- Myelopathy
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
While all of the above stated conditions can severely compromise the lifestyle of your beloved canine, early detection and treatment is the best solution to helping them live their life happily and to the fullest.
Thus, depending upon these pointers, pet owners need to regularise their pooch’s visit to the vet and also give them all necessary medical tests from time to time.
Are the Cav-a-Jack Hypoallergenic?
Even though a Cavajack may have short, firmer hair as its Russell parent, they are far from being hypoallergenic. The hybrid is known for its moderate to high fur shedding nature, and hence automatically the dander production is higher than the normal accepted level.
Therefore, if your body is rather sensitive to canine allergens, you may want to stay away from a Jackalier because no matter how cute or alluring they might seem, your own health comes first. While, temporary solutions include consumption of OTC medications as per your doctor’s advice, the same may soon backfire resulting in more serious allergic reactions, so why take the chance at all, when you can always choose from other hypoallergenic dog breeds.
How to groom a Jackalier properly?
Given their moderate to high shedding coat, your Spaniel Russell Terrier Mix will need thorough raking and brushing at least twice in a week. Moreover, during the shedding seasons, you may need to brush their coat a few times more to ensure your home doesn’t get clustered with loose fur. The rake should reach deep down the thick coat and aid in eradicating dead skin cells, thereby allowing optimal nutrition to the hair follicles.
When grooming this hybrid, giving proper attention to their ears, eyes, teeth, and nails is also a must. Ignoring which, the pup may have to suffer severe health concerns requiring you to call in emergency professional help.
Are the Cavajacks good dogs?
In the canine world, there is nothing like a ‘Good Dog’ or a ‘Bad Dog’. These terms are mere tags used by us pet parents to specify our likes and dislikes in our pooch’s behaviour. Therefore, depending upon your own likes and dislikes, the Cavajacks may be a ‘Good dog’ or a ‘Bad dog’ for you.
But, if you want to know about the hybrid’s temperament and personality, then hands-down these woofers are one of the most amiable, curious little beasts that you may have ever come across. Thanks to their lively spirit, they make the best family companions, no matter if you have got small toddlers or other pets at home. They can adjust to co-habitat lifestyles well when socialised properly from a younger age, however requiring a strict monitoring when with smaller pets.
The hybrid is also well known for its rather rebellious nature, and hence owners might need to spend loads of time and patience to get the ‘ideal dog’ they want. Similarly, the breed is prone to separation anxiety issues, and if your pup exhibits related symptoms, it is better to offer them with ample physical and mental stimuli, so that they can nap happily when you are away from home. They will require a daily 30-45 minutes walk, a good play of tug-of-war and easy access to their favourite set of toys for them to stay in their ideal character.
Do the Cavalier Jack Russell Terrier Mix make a good apartment dog?
If you can attain their exercising needs, the canine will be more than happy to share a constricted space as an apartment with you. They don’t need much space to move, have a friendly attitude towards everything, are highly intelligent, and easy to train. So, this particular hybrid is like a whole package deal for pet lovers residing in apartments.
However, be aware. Just like other small-sized breeds, your Cavalier Jack Russell Terrier Mix may also be highly perceptive towards even the tiniest of sounds or movements. In such cases, they might get severely yappy, needing proper behavioural training by experts. Hence, to avoid these instances, regular exercising and training is a must.
How to train a Cav-a-Jack?
Positive reinforcement training methods work best for teaching command cues to the woofer. Following the steps allows the creation of a profound connection between both the pup and it’s owner, thereby encouraging the canine to pick up the cues faster and more efficiently.
Additionally, Cav-a-Jack parents may also want to dog-proof their yards and houses as these pups are master escape artists. So, no matter if you have a fenced yard or rarely allow them outside without your presence, implementing additional protection tips may be for the best. This way both your fur ball and other passersby will stay safe.
This was all about the rather recent Spaniel hybrid, the Jackeliers. For more interesting reads, don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list.
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