Appearance of the Cav-A-Jack
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The Cav-a-Jack's parent breeds vary considerably in appearance. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel generally has a silky, medium-length coat and may have a wavy texture. The Jack Russell Terrier parent is generally found to have a shorter, coarser coat with a smooth, elegant appearance. Your Cav-a-Jack may be a beautiful combination of the two, or may lean towards one or the other. Color combinations can be white with red, ochre or black markings. It could also be tricolored, in addition, chestnut coloration can be seen in the combination. His ears can be a combination of small and erect with a slight fold, to very long with feathers. Its muzzle will be small and its nose mostly black. His eyes will sparkle with mischief and be light to dark brown in color. It will be sturdy and will probably have a courageous, determined gait. |
Temperament of the Cav-A-Jack
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The Cav-a-Jack is a lively, spirited little dog. The Jack Russell Terrier parent is a highly intelligent, inquisitive dog. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel balances the feisty personality by adding a touch of calm and lots of affection. Your Cav-a-Jack will love his family very much and prove to be a very adoring family member. He'll want to be with the family, but don't leave him unsupervised outside, no matter how secure your fence is. He's capable of jumping over a fence or even digging under it to get what he wants. He may or may not get along with cats, as they can appear to be prey and be fun to chase. Although an affectionate hybrid, the Cav-a-Jack has an independent streak and will need firm, consistent guidance. Some owners have found the Cav-a-Jack more difficult to train than other hybrids, but with perseverance, your Cav-a-Jack will do just fine. |
Needs and activities of the Cav-A-Jack
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent is the type of dog that can happily sit on its owner's lap for long periods throughout the day, while the Jack Russell Terrier is a bundle of energy. Able to resize a fence if he thinks there's an action he should be part of on the other side, this side of the equation means your hybrid's energy levels can be quite high. Give him an hour a day of interaction with you in the form of games, brisk walks and obedience classes. Your Cav-a-Jack can excel at activities like field trials or agility, so don't be afraid to let him try. He can adapt to apartment life, but will be happiest if there's a dog park nearby that can be visited every day. A house with a fenced yard is ideal as long as supervision is always maintained. |
Maintenance of the Cav-A-Jack
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The Cav-a-Jack has moderate grooming requirements. He'll need weekly brushing with a pincushion or smooth brush, depending on the thickness and consistency of his coat. When he throws, brushing a few times a week should be enough to remove loose fur. Depending on the length of his ears, a weekly check for dirt and moisture may be necessary, especially if your Cav-a-Jack spends a lot of time in dirt and brush. Taking care of his teeth is important. Brush them several times a week to avoid costly dental work. His nails should be checked and trimmed every two months. When your Cav-a-Jack is young, get him to use the grooming routine. This can be a good bonding moment between pet and owner. |