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Today’s post adds to my series about Whippet mixes. I’m focusing on the Whippet Jack Russell mix: a cross between two very popular dog breeds.
Like the Whippet, the Jack Russell Terrier has its origins in my home country, England. They too were bred to lend a helping hand and work for their keep.
The Jack Russell is an intelligent, feisty and fearless dog breed much loved by many. By contrast the Whippet temperament can be a little more reserved.
In this post I’m going to look at the Whippet Jack Russel mix to explain what you might expect from this cross breed dog. I’ll be looking at the following areas…
Table of Contents
- Whippet Jack Russell Mix Appearance
- Temperament
- Health
- Exercise & Care
- Whippet Jack Russell Mix Images from Instagram
- Summary
Whippet Jack Russell Mix Appearance
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, muscular dog while the Whippet is classed as medium-sized. It’s possible that due to the sizes of its parents, a Whippet Jack Russell mix will possibly fall within a height range of 12″ to 18″ (30.cms to 45cms) and have a weight between 14lbs to 40lbs (6.3 kg to 18.1kg).
It should be noted that Whippet Jack Russell mix sizes can vary considerably. It may be that a Jackawhip has the same size as either a purebred Jack Russell or a purebred Whippet.
Since the Jack Russell can have three different coat varieties (smooth, broken and rough), the coat of a Whippet Jack Russell mix may vary considerably too. Whippets have short, smooth coats so a cross with a Jack Russell might produce a smooth or wiry short coat.
In terms of coloration, Jackawhips can be varied too. Whippets come in a range of colours from white, blue, black, bridle to mixes in between. Jack Russells tend to be white with black or tan marks.lack
A Whippets Jack Russell mix may well be born with various colours and markings.
Jackawhip Temperament
Like most terriers, the Jack Russell is feisty, confident and full of beans. They were bred for hunting and so they have a strong prey drive, which means they like to chase things. Whippets too have a strong drive to chase.
As a consequence, Whippet Jack Russell mixes will have a strong urge to run after things that look like sport. This might make it difficult for those with other smaller pets in the home.
We found that our purebred Whippet could not live with a cat, and this could definitely be the same for a Jackawhip. Maybe not impossible, but difficult.
Whippets and Jack Rusells generally make good family pets and are great with children but early socialisation will likely be beneficial for mixes of the two.
Whippets are not known to be very vocal dogs (though mine is a barker!) whereas Jack Russells have a reputation for being yappy. That said, I know someone who owns a Whippet Jack Russell mix and he’s quite gentle and not at all “yappy”… he is very playful though and full of energy!
I’ll say here that it’s important to ensure Jack Russell Whippet crosses get the exercise they need to keep them happy (see below).
Interested in making your little friend more sociable? Learn these 10 tips to socialise you dog.
Whippet Jack Russell Mix Health
It’s always difficult to predict specific health issues that might affect crossbred dogs. Like all breeds, Whippets and Jack Russells are predisposed to certain health problems, which may or may pass onto a Whippet Jack Russell mix.
The following shows the health problems associated with both purebred parent breeds.
Jack Russells
- Spinocerebellar Ataxia
- Luxating Patellas
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Leggs Perthes Disease
- Pancreatitis
- Gum disease
Whippets
- Canine Hemangiosarcoma
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Canine von Willebrand’s Disease
- Orthopaedic Injuries
- Sensitivity to Anaesthesia
- Sensitivity to Cold
- Deafness
As with any dog, screening your Jackawhip for health issues early on will enable you to prepare for or prevent certain health problems before they arise. It will also be worth understanding the health of both parents in advance.
Assuming a Whippet Jack Russell cross is given the exercise it requires and see a veterinary professional regularly, it may live between to 12 to 16 years.
Find out about more about Whippet health problems.
Jackawhip Exercise & Care
Jack Russells and Whippets are not low-maintenance dogs and require daily exercise and play.
Jack Russells were bred for hunting and they have great endurance. Whippets are speed merchants also bred for chasing and catching.
Put these two together and you’ll have a dog that needs up to an hour of exercise each day in a place where they can be let off the leash safely. An enclosed area would probably be best for them, since any dog with a strong urge to chase can get itself into trouble when the prey drive kicks in.
As such, you should always keep a Whippet Jack Russell mix on a leash if you’re walking together near roads or other places where running free might cause them or others a danger.
You’ll also need to be prepared to play together at home. Whippets and Jack Russells need mental stimulation too, like most other dog breeds
A lack of sufficient daily exercise and play may result in destructive or anti-social behaviours. However, a properly exercised Jackawhip that enjoys play with it’s family on top will help to keep it happy and healthy.
All dog breeds shed and no dog is completely hypoallergenic. A Whippet Jack Russell mix will require regular grooming to keep fur and dander down to low levels in your home.
Find out how to groom short haired dogs.
Whippet Jack Russell Mix Images from Instagram
Summary
The Whippet Jack Russell mix results in a playful, intelligent and perhaps independent dog as you might expect it’s parent breeds.
As a general rule, a Jackawhip will likely be smaller than a purebred Whippet and larger than a Jack Russel, though the size of any mixed breed dog can of course vary.
Here’s a snapshot of the Jackawhip:
- Weight: 14lbs to 40lbs (6.3 kg to 18.1kg)
- Height: 12″ to 18″ (30.cms to 45cms)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Temperament: Playful, loving and possibly independent (training may be advantageous)
- Exercise Requirement: High… up to 1 hour a day + additional play
- Suitable for Families: Yes… the Jackawhip’s size makes it suitable for apartment living
See all my posts about Whippet cross breeds.
Do you own a Whippet Jack Russell mix? What’s been your experience? Please leave a comment below to let me know.
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Alexander says
I’ve always been a huge fan of Jack Russells and had wanted one or a cross for the longest time. And I’d had dogs from adulthood before, but never had the opportunity to raise a puppy. 11 months ago, my father died and my mother and I have been pretty lost without him. Fast forward to April this year and we saw an advert for Jackawhip puppies not far away from where we lived. We went and picked up an 11 week old Tenzin a few days later and he’s brought us so much joy and purpose already.
Tenzin has the coat colouring of a Jack Russell, beautiful black and white with some tan on his face and one leg, but it’s thin and short fur ala Whippet. And whilst he’s definitely got a Jack Russell head and ears, he’s got a somewhat deep chest and the longest, spindliest legs in the world. He’s forever bouncing around like he’s on a trampoline. And I know some people argue that dogs don’t like being held and cuddled, but he adores it. He’s still too early in his vaccinations to go on walks yet, but I can’t wait to take him out into the world. The amount that he’s grown in the 5-or-so weeks I’ve had him is incredible.
He’s absolutely wonderful. A total love changer for myself and my mother.
paulf says
Sorry to hear about your father but it sounds like Tenzin (great name btw!) is helping you both. Thank you for telling us about him… he sounds a total character!
Alexander says
Wish I could share some pictures, because it seems like the selection online is actually a bit limited because Jackawhips aren’t a common cross.
And yes, he is helping us both. The first couple of weeks I was starting to think “oh no, what have I gotten myself in to?”, but that’s a thing of the past now. Yes he still chews things (and people) that he shouldn’t, yes he’s inconsistent with his toilet training and yes he’s very annoying when you just want to chill. But man, I wouldn’t change him for the world. Looking after him gives me a sense of purpose. And teaching him to sit? I actually feel PRIDE. Like I keep saying, he’s just fantastic to have seeing.
Oh and I finally have started walking him now. At 17 weeks, was overdue his first walk but it was necessary to wait of his course of vaccinations. He’s been much more manageable this weekend because he’s had the opportunity to burn off some of his excess energy. It’s a win for me and a win for him.
Wendi C. says
Hello!! We found our Eddie at the local Humane Society a few years ago. He was only 6 months old when we got him, but his previous owner couldn’t handle the energetic pup he was. He is a true Jackawhip! Loves to run, bounces when he gets excited and loves his family! He looks like a sleek Jack Russell with a longer nose. He has the brown spots just like a Jack Russell. We are so happy to have Eddie in our lives!
paulf says
Hi Wendi! Eddie sounds a lot of fun… and what a great name!
Scott says
We just picked up what the shelter we rescued him from says they believe he is a jack/whippet mix although his paperwork says chihuahua terrier mix. He came from a Texas kill shelter so that’s the only thing we have to go on. He definitely has jack russell colors and maybe the whippet body/face. He’s very affectionate and loves to run and play… follows us all over the house and very treat motivative, so hoping to get some meat on his bones as his ribs are pretty visible but filling in even with us on having him a week. He cracks us up as he barks at his reflection in the glass fireplace screen and he can entertain himself with his toys which can be entertaining to us as well. So jackawhip is what we’re going with (never heard of whippet til now thanks for article).
paulf says
Hi Scott. I love hearing about dogs that have been saved and it sounds like he’s going to be a great friend! Best of luck to you all.
Terri says
We got our puppy about 10 months ago and he was advertised as a Jack Russel. As he grew, we knew he was not a normal Jack (We have had them before). The long legs and wiry body were a great giveaway. We did research and realized that we have a Jackawhip. I had never heard of this breed, but he is the best dog! He is intelligent, LOVES to play fetch or tug of war. He loves his two older brothers and like any good little brother, keeps them on their toes.
He loves to play fetch in the yard or jump in the pool. At night, he loves to cuddle. He has a small Knot – Teddy Bear from KONG toys that is his pacifier and when he gets sleepy, he will find his teddy and bring it to bed. His name is Jax and he is proof that the Jackawhip is a great breed!
paulf says
Hi Terri. Jax is clearly a great addition to your family! He sounds absolutely gorgeous.
Chrissy says
Hi. I have just come across your blog and found a picture of our Jackawhip (Jack Rippet?), Frankie on your images 😁
She’s also got a touch of Bedlington in her. Looks-wise she is all Whippet, although frequently gets mistaken for a puppy as she less ‘pointy’ (sometimes useful as it helps excuse her craziness!). Brain-wise she is 100% Terrier – completely stubborn, very territorial, tends to bark, always on the go.
We’ve only had beagles before so this mix has taken some getting used to. She has more ‘personality’ than any other dog we’ve owned, doesn’t shed, doesn’t steal food, normally comes back when called and gives the best cuddles (especially when she’s cold) so we overlook the difficult parts!
From Frankie’s Slaves!
paulf says
Hi Chrissy and thanks for taking the time to tell us about Frankie… she sounds a real personality!
I’d love to interview you about your experiences with her in little more detail if you’d be interested?
Shola says
I’ve a 10mth jackawhip, Shola, she’s amazingly friendly with all dogs & children, prefers womento men. She’s funny, clever & really loyal & loving.
Alycia Monroe says
We adopted a beautiful brindle “Jackawhip” rescue 4 years ago, named Loon by the rescue and we kept her name. She is lean and has long spindly legs and loves to chase squirrels and rabbits. She also loves to cuddle, acts all brave but cowers when challenged, gets along fine with our cats. We love her Loony personality!
paulf says
Loon is such a great name Alycia… and she sounds lovely and happy!
Cathleen says
Have I replied before? Sorry I don’t remember but COOKIE is our dream dog come true. We love that she needs exercise because so do we! Our best “tool” is a small orange and blue ball that she retrieves and actually comes back with it (treat driven: not sorry). And yes, a cuddler as well, a little baby at times with gangly long Whippet legs!
paulf says
Cookie sounds lovely Cathleen!
Julie horton says
We got Willow, 4 and half months ago from Romania. She’s 8 and half months now. She’s quite a character, she’s very clever and loves enrichment puzzles. She plays most of day and loves to go out for walks everyday. Although she’s back on her lead as ran home alone the other day, found her sat at our gate.
She nips and barks like a Jack, but definitely has the lean body and long legs of a whippet. She can be very loving and follows me everywhere. She’s not keen on kids, but tries to dominate them. As a rescue we don’t know what her first 4 months were like so we expect a few hiccups.
We love her to bits and she came into our life at a time we needed her. Although she doesn’t always listen and can play up, I wouldn’t be without her.
paulf says
Hi Julie. Willow sounds like a real character and I’m sure she’ll settle now she has you to take care of her.
Magda says
Hi I have a 8 month old Jackawhip from a rescue centre. When she was 8 weeks old they told us she was a Jack Russell, but as time went by she grew taller and taller. And then I found your article and Trish fits the bill one hundred percent! She is thin and white and out runs any other dog in the park… and beware, if she gets a shoe etc in her mouth! Not only does she get good exercise but also she out runs everybody in the house!
The only thing is that her teeth and nails are very sharp and we all look as if we’ve been to war! Actually she is extremely clever… you only have to tell her something once and she will do it time and again. Like… we are going to the park today and she always takes the correct route. She loves her swim in the pool also.
Some advice I can give… talk calmly to Jackawhips. She ❤ all other dogs and people.
Thanks for all the information. We just love our Trish to bits!
paulf says
Hi Magda… thanks so much for taking ime to tell us about Trish… she sounds like a real character!
Mick says
They sound like great dogs. I’ve had a few jacks & I love them!
Donna Call says
I have a dog that was advertised as a stray and I believe him to be a Whippet and Jack Russell. He is around 12 now. He will chase anything that runs inside or outside of the house, not especially good with a cat that runs. If left outside in my yard he has jumped my 4 foot chain link fence to chase a critter. Gets along great with my female dog. He does ok with other males but will go after unneutered males. He goes to the dog park daily and loves his people friends but will go after anyone who comes into the park without a dog, including the ACO. He loves to snuggle and give kisses. He has so many characteristics of both breeds and is about 20 inches and weighs 27 lbs and has no health issues. I don’t care what breed I just love him no matter what.
paulf says
Hi Donna. Thanks so much for your comment on this post… it’s so helpful for my readers to hear from an owner of a Jackawhip!
Tom says
We have a rescue Jackawhip we named Izzie. She is a cuddler, chaser and an amazing companion. We have had many dog breeds through the years and we are sold on our little Izzie. I think it is the perfect canine mix. I have pheasant hunted her and she has caught two squirrels on our walks and of course wanted to bring them home.😊 She also loves fly fishing with us and loves the water too.
Dee says
I have just found your post – thanks for the great summary of these two breeds!
I have a 15.5 year old named Roxy and she has been an absolute breath of fresh air in our home. We got her as a rescue when she was 5, and have been delighted by her energetic and affectionate nature. She certainly has that chase instinct you’ve mentioned and thrives on all the exercise and play time and mental stimulation we can give her. She has proudly delivered blue tongue lizards and birds to our dinner table (much to my dismay! but the look on her face was sooo proud!)
She’s got facial expressions that show clear resemblance to both breeds, she’s our little security dog, our nurse, our best friend, and our most loyal companion.
Healthwise, she does suffer from frequent ear infections and pancreatitis (has done since before we got her) and despite going deaf and blind in her old age along with her arthritis she is still as effervescent as ever! (to quote our vet, she still acts like a 3 year old). In fact, considering she’s almost 16 and showing no signs of slowing down, It’s an ongoing discussion in our family that she will probably outlive all of us!
We love her to pieces and would definitely consider another mix of these two beautiful breeds!
paulf says
Hello Dee!
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your lovely Jackawhip. It really sounds like she’s very specia and she was clearly so lucky to find you!
Jeffrey M says
I rescued a 3 month old puppy from a county shelter 12 years ago, which I thought was more than likely purebred Jack Russell. Over the years she had pancreatitis, a torn crucial ligament, and some minor skin growths.
I never considered DNA testing, as I love her unconditionally no matter her breed. On Amazon Prime Day, I saw a QVC style flash sale for a well known DNA kit, as the presentation was phenomenal.
The results were completely erroneous, mother being a poodle and father a dachsund mix. I love poodles and had one as a child; however, my girl was definitely not poodle. The company was so arrogant claiming they do not make mistakes and would not send a new swab for a second test, in case of an innocent lab mix up.
I invested in a lessor known, but popular DNA kit. What a pleasant surprise to know I have a Jackawhip, although I never even thought she was part Whippet. It answered some questions which I pondered over years.
1. Why is she a few inches than a Jack?
2. Why is she a few pounds heavier, although lean?
3. Why do her tri-fold ears at times go back like a Whippet?
4. Why at times she is very emotionally needy or enjoy just lounging on the sofa?
Well I found out the answers which only allows me to understand her needs better, although I rightfully so, spoil her rotten anyway.
paulf says
Hi Jeffrey. Thanks for sharing your story. It’s so interesting that you knew she wasn’t what the first test claimed… you could just tell from looking at her.
It certainly sounds like the Whippet has come through in her from your description!
Megan says
Could you name the better DNA test company? I’d like to do one on my pup as I suspect she is a Jackawhip also!
Daniel Schneider says
Thanks for your information. Are their breeders that specialize in Jackawhips? I’m thinking of getting one. In the past 8 months, I have lost all 3 of my pups. A brother and sister Jack Russell terriers (17yrs old) and an Italian Greyhound (12yrs old). I have been thinking that a Jackawhip would be a nice mix between the 2 breeds that I so dearly loved.
paulf says
Hi Daniel. I don’t know of specific breeders I’m afraid. Just be sure to do your homework on any breeder you find though. Make sure they care about their litters and are not running a puppy mill. Alternatively you could try to find one in a rescue centre.
Daniel Schneider says
Thanks for your reply!
paulf says
My pleasure Daniel… let me know how it goes.
Mike says
I have a 1 year old JackWhip named Zeus. he is the most fun and loving dog ever!!! He out runs my fathers beagle and his wired hair fox terriers by far and in the same breath he loves the play time. At night he comes and cuddles while we fall asleep. He truly is an amazing breed and an even better companion!!!
paulf says
Hi Mike… thanks for visiting and leaving your comment. Zeus really sounds like a barrel of fun… as well as a very loving friend!
Kate Townsend says
I have an 11 year old Parsons Jack Russell/Whippet… I like to call her a parsnip. She is a friendly, affectionate and loyal dog. Has the typical terrier attitude but absolutely adores cuddles. Lives very happily with 2 cats and a rescue lurcher.
paulf says
She sounds lovely, Kate… and I love the parsnip “reference”!
Graham Koster says
We are about to collect a white/black Jackwhip puppy which is to be named Luna. We are hoping she will settle with our 13 year old Portuguese Podengo, Freddie, who needs some female company as he gets a little older.
paulf says
That’s so exciting Graham! I’d love to know how Luna settles in with you.