Hava-Jack

The Hava-Jack is hybrid breed made up of a combination of a Havanese and a Jack Russell Terrier. The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese were bred as companion dogs and much loved for their silky long hair and cute looks. They are believed to have arrived in Cuba aboard ships from Tenerife and the early colonists soon took a liking to the breed and kept them as companion dogs in their homes. Travellers from Europe who saw the dogs also became fond of them and took some back to England, Spain and France when the breed thrived in the mid-1800s. Even royalty took a shine to them and it was said Queen Victoria owned two while Charles Dickens had a Havanese called Tim. During the Cuban Revolution in 1959 the breed almost died out. With people fleeing and having to leave everything behind just 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. The Jack Russell Terrier takes it name from the Reverend John Russell who bred these feisty terriers to hunt foxes in the mid-to-late 1800's. A female Jack named Trump who he bought from a local milkman was the basis for his breeding program with the aim of creating a terrier with stamina for the hunt. In England, the longer legged dogs are called Parson Jack Russell Terriers and the shorter legged dogs are called Jack Russell Terriers. They are intelligent, fearless dogs who have boundless energy and are prized by horse owners and animal trainers although they can be tough to train as are easily distracted. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Parson Russell Terrier in 1997.