Hava-Jack
The Hava-Jack is a cross between the Havanese and the Jack Russell Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Hava-Jack. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small, sturdy toy breed standing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder, with the ideal height ranging from 9 to 10.5 inches. These dogs typically weigh between 7 and 13 pounds, though the breed standard allows weights up to 18 pounds. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, creating a rectangular silhouette that distinguishes the breed. The topline is characteristically level but rises slightly from the withers to the croup, giving the Havanese its distinctive outline and contributing to its springy, lively gait. The chest is moderately deep with well-sprung ribs, providing ample lung capacity for the breed's active nature. The breed's most notable feature is its magnificent double coat, which is long, soft, and silky to the touch. Unlike many other long-coated breeds, the Havanese coat can be either straight or wavy, with both varieties equally acceptable in the show ring. The outer coat is lightweight and flowing, while the undercoat is sometimes minimal or absent entirely. This unique coat texture has earned the breed the nickname "Havana Silk Dog." All colors and patterns are acceptable, including solid shades, parti-colors, and various combinations of white, cream, fawn, gold, black, blue, silver, chocolate, and red. The coat does not shed heavily but requires regular grooming to prevent matting. The Havanese head is broad and slightly rounded, with a moderate stop and a full muzzle that tapers slightly toward the nose. The large, almond-shaped eyes are dark brown and convey an intelligent, mischievous expression that perfectly captures the breed's playful personality. Drop ears are set high on the head and covered with long, silky hair that blends seamlessly into the body coat. The plumed tail is carried arched forward over the back when the dog is alert, adding to the breed's elegant appearance. The legs are straight and well-boned, and the feet are compact with well-arched toes and thick pads, adapted for the breed's characteristic springy, effortless movement.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament While the Havanese is generally friendly with strangers after proper introductions, they make excellent watchdogs and will alert their families to visitors or unusual sounds. This watchful nature rarely crosses into aggression, as the breed is fundamentally gentle and sociable. The Havanese typically gets along wonderfully with children, other dogs, and even cats when properly socialized. One important consideration is the breed's tendency toward separation anxiety. These devoted companions do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and may develop destructive behaviors or excessive barking if isolated from their families for too long.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Legg-Calve-Perthes disease affects some Havanese, causing degeneration of the femoral head and resulting in pain and lameness. Hip dysplasia, though more commonly associated with larger breeds, can also occur in Havanese and should be screened for in breeding dogs. Liver shunts, also called portosystemic shunts, are congenital abnormalities where blood bypasses the liver, leading to toxin buildup and various symptoms including stunted growth and neurological issues. Heart murmurs and other cardiac conditions have been documented in the breed, as have hypothyroidism and various allergies. Dental disease is particularly prevalent in small breeds like the Havanese, making regular dental care and professional cleanings essential components of their health maintenance program.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, athletic working terrier that was developed for fox hunting in 19th-century England. The breed presents a compact, balanced appearance with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall, creating a rectangular outline suited for its original purpose of going to ground after quarry. Height standards vary depending on the registry, with the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America allowing dogs from 10 to 15 inches, while other organizations specify narrower ranges. Weight is proportionate to height, typically ranging from 11 to 18 pounds, with the ideal being approximately one kilogram for every five centimeters of height. The Jack Russell Terrier comes in three distinct coat types: smooth, broken, and rough. The smooth coat is short and flat-lying, while the broken coat features longer hair on some areas of the body, and the rough coat is longer and coarser throughout. All coat types are dense and weatherproof, protecting the dog during outdoor work. The breed's coloring is predominantly white, which must make up at least 51 percent of the coat, with markings in black, tan, or a combination of these colors. The white coloring was intentionally selected to distinguish the dog from its quarry when emerging from underground dens. The head of the Jack Russell Terrier is strong and proportionate to the body, with a flat skull of moderate width that narrows gradually toward the eyes. The stop is well-defined but not overly pronounced, and the muzzle is strong and powerful, housing a complete set of teeth in a scissor bite. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark, conveying an alert, intelligent expression that reflects the breed's keen nature. The ears are small, V-shaped, and fold forward close to the head. A distinctive feature is the requirement that the chest be spannable by average-sized hands, ensuring the dog can compress its body to follow quarry into narrow underground passages. The tail is set high and may be docked or natural, carried upright when alert.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The Jack Russell Terrier's strong hunting instinct is deeply embedded and cannot be trained away. These dogs have a powerful prey drive and will instinctively chase small animals, including cats, rabbits, and rodents. This makes them potentially unsuitable for homes with small pets unless extensively socialized from puppyhood. They can be assertive with other dogs and may not back down from confrontations, regardless of the other dog's size. Jack Russells are vocal dogs that will bark to alert their families, pursue prey, or simply express themselves. They require significant daily exercise and mental stimulation; a bored Jack Russell can become destructive, digging holes, chewing furniture, or finding creative escape routes from yards. Despite their independent streak, they are devoted to their families and thrive on human companionship.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Lens luxation is a significant eye condition in Jack Russell Terriers, where the lens of the eye becomes displaced from its normal position. This condition is inherited and can lead to glaucoma and blindness if not treated promptly. Genetic testing is available to identify dogs carrying the mutation responsible for primary lens luxation. Other eye conditions, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, have been documented in the breed. Congenital deafness occurs in some Jack Russells, particularly those with predominantly white heads. The breed may also be affected by various skin allergies. Hip dysplasia, while less common than in larger breeds, can occur and should be screened for in breeding dogs. Overall, the Jack Russell's robust constitution and active lifestyle contribute to its generally excellent health when properly cared for.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Hava-Jack may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Havanese and Jack Russell Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.