Cav-A-Jack is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Jack Russell Terrier.
The parent of the Cav-A-Jack are two of the most popular companion-sized dogs in the world.
Cavaliers and Jack Russell Terriers can make excellent pets for pet lovers living in an apartment or senior people who want a low-energy canine.
By combining a Cav-A-Jack, you’re getting a dog that is going to be affectionate, loyal, playful and sociable.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at the Cav-A-Jack cross breed, learning more about their appearance, size, temperament and exercise needs.
We’ll hear from Gwen (@gwen_can_we_go_walkies), Archibald (@archibaldthejackalier) and Eddie (@the_world.of_eddie) to learn more about the Cav-A-Jack.
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What is a Cav-A-Jack?
Cav-A-Jack Archibald (Photo: @archibaldthejackalier / Instagram)
The Cav-A-Jack is a hybrid dog that is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Jack Russell Terrier.
This designer breed can also be called a Jackalier. Alternatively, they can simply be described as a Cavalier Jack Russell Terrier mix, which is quite a mouthful.
The Cav-A-Jack isn’t recognised by the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club as a mixed breed.
Cav-A-Jack size
Cav-A-Jack Gwen (Photo: @gwen_can_we_go_walkies / Instagram)
Cav-A-Jack are between 10 and 14 inches tall as well as 13 to 17 pounds in weight. They’re a small mixed breed that are popular with families due to their friendly and upbeat personalities.
Let’s hear from Eddie (@the_world.of_eddie) about the size of these designer dogs.
Eddie is about 10kg in weight and 36cm tall to the top of the shoulder.
Cav-A-Jack appearance
Cav-A-Jack Eddie (Photo: @the_world.of_eddie / Instagram)
Cav-A-Jack will inherit physical traits from both parents. There’s no guarantee which traits a Cav-A-Jack will inherit from each parent, so you should be wary of breeders who make claims about their puppies.
The designer dog has a silky medium-length coat with wavy hair. Alternatively, your Cav-A-Jack could have coarse and short hair, similar to the Jack Russell Terrier.
The Cav-A-Jack has a wide variety of potential coat colors that range from black, brown and red markings. There’s also the tri-color coat associated with both breeds.
Here’s how Gwen’s (@gwen_can_we_go_walkies) mom Emily describes her Cav-A-Jack’s appearance.
She’s small, with black, white and tan fur which is smooth coated with fluffy patches and big brown eyes!
Cav-A-Jack temperament
Cav-A-Jack Archibald (Photo: @archibaldthejackalier / Instagram)
Cav-A-Jack can have a temperament that is reflective of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Jack Russell Terrier. The Cavalier breed tend to be affectionate, loyal and sociable dogs, while Jack Russell Terriers are alert, intelligent and sprightly. The Cav-A-Jack can be quite independent, which is a trait they can inherit from their Jack Russell Terrier parent. While this cross breed is pretty smart, they can be quite challenging to potty train.
Here’s a little more from Gwen about her personality.
Gwen is very sweet and playful, with just a bit of a attitude!
Archibald (@archibaldthejackalier) shed some light on the mixed breed’s personality.
They are extremely smart yet also very affectionate. He loves to run, we let him off the leash and run around with him for at least half an hour a day at the minimum. He is also very obedient, he will let you know when he is unhappy but he also follows orders. He is good at night and never cried as a puppy.
We’ve also got an insight into Eddie’s personality.
In my experience with Eddie, Cav-A-Jacks are very friendly and gentle with a unique personality. However, they also have an independent streak and quite a high prey drive, so they definitely have their own opinions and can be quite vocal and cheeky if they don’t want to do something – luckily they’re quite easily bribed with food!
Do Cav-A-Jack suffer from separation anxiety?
Cav-A-Jack Gwen (Photo: @gwen_can_we_go_walkies / Instagram)
Separation anxiety is a chronic canine disorder that can affect dogs, irrespective of breed or mix. This is a condition that usually manifests itself as persistent barking, howling or whining, destructive chewing or digging, as well as defecating or urinating. Some Cavaliers can be prone to separation anxiety, which means it’s a condition that could effect some Cav-A-Jacks.
Archibald’s mom Rachel has seen her Cav-A-Jack suffer with this chronic disorder.
Yes absolutely. Archibald is a very emotional and empathetic dog so he feels feelings very strongly. If he is angry with us he will let us know with a disgruntled groan and if he is happy he is also overjoyed and his whole body wags with his tail, but also with this, when he is left alone he really feels it. I have used toys with high IQ capabilities to help keep him soothed though.
Do Cav-A-Jack like to cuddle?
Cav-A-Jack Eddie (Photo: @the_world.of_eddie / Instagram)
Cavaliers are a breed that love to show affection and receive affection in equal measure. It explains why they’re sometimes described as the quintessential lap dog. They’ve acted as companion dogs for nobles and royals throughout the centuries, finding their way onto the laps of people all around the world. Therefore, if your Cav-A-Jack takes after their Cavalier parent, they could enjoy a cuddle with their pet owners. Jack Russell Terriers like to indulge in some quality time with their fellow family members, too.
This is a trait that Archibald’s parents believe is true of their Cav-A-Jack.
If you are near him you can guarantee he will be close to you trying to cuddle you. He will literally put both paws around your neck and push his face up against yours and give you a hug. He is like a teddy bear.
Similarly, Gwen is a cuddly little Cav-A-Jack, too.
She does love to relax with us. She is a very cuddly dog and loves chilling on the sofa with us.
Are Cav-A-Jack make great family pets?
Cav-A-Jack Archibald (Photo: @archibaldthejackalier / Instagram)
If you’re thinking about getting a Cav-A-Jack and you’ve got young children or elderly members of the household, you’re probably wondering if they’re great family pets.
Eddie’s parents believe Cav-A-Jacks make excellent family pets.
I think Cav-A-Jacks are great family pets because they’re easy to socialise, train, and are incredibly gentle with children but they still have a fun and cheeky side that adds a lot of character. Throughout his life, he’s interacted with a lot of small children that were both known and unknown to him, and even if they tug at him he doesn’t react and will patiently and quietly deal with it. He also enjoys playing with them, but seems to instinctively know to be gentle and never jumps up! He also enjoys being around people and has a very endearing character, so much so that even people who don’t like dogs love Eddie!
Are Cav-A-Jack easy to train?
Cav-A-Jack Gwen (Photo: @gwen_can_we_go_walkies / Instagram)
Cavaliers are ranked at 73rd in The Intelligence Of Dogs, so they weren’t considered the smartest dog breed by the author Stanley Coren. The Jack Russell Terrier is 11 places lower than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at 84th. While this mix is an unlikely to be a smart hybrid dog if we’re to believe The Intelligence of Dogs, our Cav-A-Jack owners tell a different story.
For instance, Emily says her Cav-A-Jack Gwen is extremely intelligent.
They are also very intelligent, so [training] is something that can be worked on!
How much exercise do Cav-A-Jack need?
Cav-A-Jack Archibald (Photo: @archibaldthejackalier / Instagram)
The exercise needs of the Cava-A-Jack can vary from dog to dog. These designer dogs can inherit the energy levels from either parent. The Cavalier parent will usually be a little more laid back than the Jack Russell parent. So you Cav-A-Jack could enjoy a lot of downtime and a couple of short walks a day like the Cavalier breed or they could have lots of energy like the Jack Russell Terrier.
Eddie is quite an active Cava-A-Jack so regular exercise is required.
Per day, a good amount of playtime and a one hour walk where he’s allowed to run around off-lead is perfect. On the odd day that’s not possible he’s perfectly happy with a longer period of play as long as he gets a good walk the next day. Aside from this he settles down very well in the house, and you’ll often find him taking a nap on one of the beds or the sofa!
Are Cav-A-Jack hypoallergenic?
Cav-A-Jack Gwen (Photo: @gwen_can_we_go_walkies / Instagram)
A lot of potential pet owners are looking for a hypoallergenic dog. If a dog lover has got an allergy to dogs, they’ll be looking to find a mixed breed that doesn’t shed a lot. Ideally, a cross that is part Poodle or another breed recognised by the American Kennel Club or the Kennel Club as being a hypoallergenic breed. Unfortunately for anyone looking to get a Cav-A-Jack with dog allergies, you’ll be disappointed to learn this designer breed is not hypoallergenic.
Do Cav-A-Jack shed?
Cav-A-Jack Archibald (Photo: @archibaldthejackalier / Instagram)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Jack Russell Terriers are both breeds that shed a lot. They’ll shed their hair a little all year round but they could shed a little more twice a year at the changing of the seasons. Let’s hear from Eddie’s parents to learn just how much their Cav-A-Jack sheds.
Eddie, at least, is a very heavy shedder as he has inherited a double-coat, so he’s constantly shedding the undercoat all year round and if you stroke him you can actually see it flying off! I’ve seen other Cav-A-Jacks with different coat types, though, so it’s likely that this is simply dependant on exactly what genes the individual has inherited from its parents.
Do Cav-A-Jack need regular grooming?
Cav-A-Jack Eddie (Photo: @the_world.of_eddie / Instagram)
While Cav-A-Jacks might not have the same grooming requirements as some cross breeds, they’ll still benefit from a regular brush every week to get rid of dead hair or debris in their coat. If they’ve got long hair on their ears, you’ll want to check to make sure there are no infections.
Gwen, for example, doesn’t require a lot of grooming.
It can vary, our Cav-A-Jack is short haired and so doesn’t need much grooming, but if they took more after the cavalier parent I could image they would need a bit more grooming!
Do Cav-A-Jack have any health problems?
Cav-A-Jack Archibald (Photo: @archibaldthejackalier / Instagram)
Usually Cav-A-Jacks are a healthy breed like a lot of mixed breeds. These cross breeds are in theory thought to be healthier dogs but they can still be prone to some health problems. Here are some conditions to be aware of: Patellar Luxation, Lens Luxation, Mitral Valve Disease Degenerative, Myelopathy, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Fortunately Eddie hasn’t experienced any health problems apart from some weepy eyes.
Not that I know of… Yet. His eyes do weep a lot though as he has the cavalier blood in him so they bulge a bit.
Are Cav-A-Jack fussy eaters?
Cav-A-Jack Gwen (Photo: @gwen_can_we_go_walkies / Instagram)
Some dogs can be fussy eaters like my Alaskan Klee Kai Skye and Copper. Some Cavaliers and Jack Russell Terriers can be picky but other members of these breeds will wolf down their meals. Cav-A-Jack are no different. However, if you have experienced this problem you should consider a dog food delivery company. We’ve reviewed the best dog food delivery in the USA and the best dog food delivery in the UK.
For instance, Rachel hasn’t experienced this issue with Archibald.
No, he will eat anything! He loves his biscuits from Vetalogica that we have him on and he is so healthy so we are trying to keep him stick to that. He loves to eat so we have to watch our portions with him so he does not overeat. He will eat anything that is in front of him too so we have to watch him with weird things like possum poo and bark that makes him sick.
Do Cav-A-Jack get along with other dogs?
Cav-A-Jack Archibald (Photo: @archibaldthejackalier / Instagram)
Cavaliers are usually a social breed but some Jack Russell Terriers can be funny around other dogs. Like we’ve said all along, Cav-A-Jacks can inherit personality traits from either of their parents. These mixed dogs will usually get along fine with other dogs, too.
Cav-A-Jack price
Cav-A-Jack Eddie (Photo: @the_world.of_eddie / Instagram)
Cav-A-Jack can vary in price depending on where you find your little dog. You may want to start by heading to a rescue shelter to see if there’s a member of this mixed breed that needs to be rehomed. Alternatively, if you find a Cav-A-Jack breeder, you can expect to pay between £500 and £1,000 but in some cases more.
For example, Archibald cost $2,200.
We paid $2200 for him as a puppy. His mother was half Jack Russell and half cavalier and his father was full Cavalier.
Are Cav-A-Jack expensive?
Cav-A-Jack Archibald (Photo: @archibaldthejackalier / Instagram)
While you’ll save up for the initial price of bringing home your Cav-A-Jack, you will also have to consider costs such as the initial necessities that your dog will need. There is also vet costs, pet insurance, dog food and more. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK
Archibald’s mom Rachel gave an insight into some of the other costs.
On top of that we spent about $500 initially getting him set up with a good harness, collar, bed, food, toys, seatbelt harnesses for travel, blankets, pee pads, wormers and flea treatment and a pen for him while he was still small.
Do Cav-A-Jack make great first-time pets for new owners?
Cav-A-Jack Eddie (Photo: @the_world.of_eddie / Instagram)
If you’ve never owned a dog before and you’re thinking about getting a Cav-A-Jack, you’re probably wondering if they’re a good fit for you as a first-time dog owner.
Gwen’s mom Emily would recommend the breed for those with limited experience of owning a dog.
Yes, if they are willing to put in the effort they are wonderful pets! They are very smart, happy go lucky, loving dogs and will always make you smile!
Eddie’s mom Kristina also spoke highly of the cross breed.
In my experience with Eddie, Cavajacks are very friendly and gentle with a unique personality. However, they also have an independent streak and quite a high prey drive, so they definitely have their own opinions and can be quite vocal and cheeky if they don’t want to do something – luckily they’re quite easily bribed with food!
Rachel, who is Archibald’s mom, was also thrilled with her decision.
We walked past him at a pet store and immediately knew we had to have him. A Jack Russell was the last dog I personally would have chosen as they are known to have an aggressive side but combined with the Cavalier he is smart and non-aggressive, the perfect dog breed!
Cav-A-Jack to follow on Instagram
We often find a great day to learn more about the Cav-A-Jack is speaking to current owners of the breed. We’d recommend checking out these Instagram pages.
• Gwen (@gwen_can_we_go_walkies)
• Archibald (@archibaldthejackalier)
• Eddie (@the_world.of_eddie) to learn more about the Cav-A-Jack.
In conclusion
We’ve reached the end of our feature on the Cav-A-Jack cross breed.
We’ve gone through an array of different subjects such as the Cav-A-Jack appearance, Cav-A-Jack size, Cav-A-Jack temperament, Cav-A-Jack exercise requirements and much more.
Hopefully you’ve now got a better idea about the Cav-A-Jack designer breed.
