Hava-Jack

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Western Mediterranean <> Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Hava-Jack

The Hava-Jack is a specific cross between a Havanese Bichon and a Jack Russell Terrier. They are small dogs weighing up to 8 kilos and measuring around 35.5 kilos. They will take on the colors and characteristics of the parent breeds, which can include white, black, black and tan, sable and gray. Jack Russells come in beige and white, black and white or tricolor (black, beige and white). Jack Russells have either a smooth, rough or broken coat, the latter being a combination of the first two. Havanese Bichon have thick, silky, soft, long, straight or curly coats. Both parent breeds are good with children, but the owner will need a lot of patience for training, especially with the Jack Russell.

History of the Hava-Jack

The Hava-Jack is a hybrid breed, a cross between a Havanese Bichon and a Jack Russell Terrier. The hybrid is a designer dog and makes an excellent companion, but not much is known about the Hava-Jack. Owners interested in understanding the Havaco's possible physical and character traits should review the histories of the parent breeds to gain a better understanding.

 

        

A little of the Havanese Bichon

        
Cuba's national dog, the Havanese Bichon was bred as a companion dog and highly prized for its long, silky coat and cute appearance. Believed to have arrived in Cuba on ships from Tenerife, early settlers quickly took a liking to the breed and kept them as companion dogs in their homes. Travelers from Europe who saw the dogs also became fond of them and brought them back to England, Spain and France as the breed flourished in the mid-1800s. Even royalty took a shine to them, and it was said that Queen Victoria owned two, while Charles Dickens had a Havanese Bichon named Tim. During the Cuban revolution in 1959, the breed almost became extinct. As people fled and had to leave everything behind, only a handful of dogs made it to the United States. However, they are now a popular breed and were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996.
Standard of the Havanese Bichon

A little of the Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier takes its name from the Reverend John Russell, who bred these feisty Terriers to hunt middle-aged foxes in the late 1800s. A female Jack named Trump that he bought from a local milkman served as the basis for his breeding program to create a hardy Terrier for hunting. In England, dogs with longer legs are called Parson Jack Russell Terriers and dogs with shorter legs are called Jack Russell Terriers. They are intelligent, fearless dogs with boundless energy and are prized by horse owners and animal trainers, although they can be difficult to train as they are easily distracted. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Parson Russell Terrier in 1997.
Standard of the Jack Russell Terrier

Appearance of the Hava-Jack

Hava-Jack dogs are small dogs that are likely to vary according to the parent breed they most closely resemble. Colors are usually white, black, black and tan, sable and gray. Jack Russells can be tricolored and have three different coat types: smooth, rough and broken, which is a combination of the first two. Havanese Bichon have thick, silky, soft, long, straight or curly coats. Jack Russells are strong and sturdy, with dark, bright, almond-shaped eyes and small, triangular ears that flop forward. Havanese Bichon have dark brown, almond-shaped eyes that are often watery and leave tear stains. They are also quite sturdy, with a tail carried over their back and ears that droop and fold back. Your Hava-Jack will have an adorable face with an endearing smile.

Temperament of the Hava-Jack

Hava-Jacks are likely to be affectionate and cuddly, and make excellent pets like both parent breeds. They are likely to get on well with children and most other dogs, although Jack Russell Terriers can be aggressive with other dogs, but early socialization will help. The Havanese Bichon is very energetic for a small dog, but tends to follow its owner around like a small shadow. They don't like to be left alone for any length of time and can suffer from separation anxiety. So they'll be better off if there's someone at home most of the time. Jack Russells have lots of energy and like to dig, so they need to be kept busy and get plenty of exercise. They have huge personalities and can be difficult to train, but they are intelligent dogs who love to play. Both parent breeds are very prey-oriented, so will need to be kept on a leash. Both parent breeds are friendly with strangers. The Havanese Bichon would do better than a Jack Russell in an apartment. Your Hava-Jack will thrive with you as a pack leader, this action-hungry dog will follow you anywhere.

Needs and activities of the Hava-Jack

Again, this will depend on which parent breed your dog follows the most, as Jack Russell Terriers need plenty of exercise. They love tricks, ball games, Frisbee and have boundless energy. If your Hava-Jack isn't exercised enough, it can develop bad habits like digging and barking. Havanese Bichon also need plenty of exercise and enjoy dog sports like agility, flyball and obedience training. Your Hava-Jack will do its best to live indoors with a fenced yard where it can play, but which should be impossible for it to jump over or dig under. Both parent breeds are sensitive to the cold, so don't leave your hybrid outside when the temperature drops.

Maintenance of the Hava-Jack

The Havanese Bichon is hypoallergenic, whereas a Jack Russell is not, so it will depend on which parent breed your dog follows the most. Jack Russells are relatively low-maintenance, although regular brushing is necessary as the Jack sheds a lot, and this will help remove dead hairs. If your dog takes more after the Havanese Bichon, there will be a little more work involved as the coat requires daily brushing and regular trimming. Try to brush your dog's teeth as often as possible to avoid any dental problems. Check the ears for dirt and wipe them gently with damp absorbent cotton. Nails should also be checked to see if they need trimming.

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