INTRODUCTION

The Cav-a-Jack is a mongrel dog, a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Jack Russell Terrier breeds. Energetic, friendly and playful, these puppies inherit some of the best qualities of their two parents. You can find these mixed breed dogs at shelters and breed-specific rescues, so remember to always adopt. The Cav-a-Jack is a great dog for a first-time owner. These pups are playful and social; they love spending time with people and will make great playmates for small children in your home. They also have a mischievous side. Due to the smaller size of this mixed breed, they are adaptable to apartment living, as long as you make sure to meet their exercise requirements. Cav-a-Jacks are known to be intelligent and curious dogs that will benefit from interactive toys in their environment.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Cav-a-Jack is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Jack Russell Terrier parents. The Cav-a-Jack’s coat is usually predominantly white, with additional markings that can be tan, black, and brown. You will need to commit to weekly brushing sessions, and feel free to increase the frequency during the months when more shedding occurs. Despite its small size, the Cav-a-Jack is a dog with high energy and exercise needs. Try to get at least an hour of exercise a day and make sure the walks are at a good pace. Cav-a-Jacks and children get along very well. However, you should supervise play sessions between children and dogs. In general, Cav-a-Jacks are not usually the best choice for a home with a cat. They can often see felines as prey to be chased.

HISTORY

As a more recent mixed breed, there is not much concrete information about the history of the Cav-a-Jack. However, if you examine the background of the parent breeds, you can get a solid idea of where the dog came from. The Jack Russell Terrier began as a small hunting dog, where the breed’s tenacity and high energy made it a great success. As for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it is a breed with noble roots that was originally bred to be a companion dog for royalty. It is said that Kings Charles I and II gave the breed its name. The Cav-a-Jack has become a designer dog breed, but many of them end up in shelters. So consider contacting local rescue groups and shelters if you are thinking of adding the Cav-a-Jack to your home.