How long does a Jack Russell Whippet Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years) and the Whippet (12–15 years).

Is a Jack Russell Whippet Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Home › Jack Russell Terrier › Jack Russell Whippet Mix

Jack Russell Whippet Mix

A Jack Russell Whippet mix is a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Whippet. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 20–30 lb and live 12–15 years.

Jack Russell Terrier, a purebred dog — Jack Russell TerrierPhoto: Plank, CC BY 3.0, source

Whippet, a purebred dog — WhippetPhoto: Sagaciousphil, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight20–30 lbcan be 13–40 lb

Height16–18 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–15 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Jack Russell Whippet Mix get?

Jack Russell Terrier13–17 lb

The mix20–30 lb

Whippet25–40 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Jack Russell Whippet Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 16–18 inches at the shoulder, against 13–14 in for the Jack Russell Terrier and 18–22 in for the Whippet.

Figures use the Parson Russell Terrier standard, the AKC breed closest to the Jack Russell.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Low

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

Moderate to very high

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Moderate

The Jack Russell Terrier rates moderate and the Whippet low; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The Jack Russell Terrier is usually described as friendly, clever, athletic. The Whippet as affectionate, playful, calm. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Jack Russell vs Whippet vs the mix

Trait	Jack Russell Terrier	Jack Russell Whippet Mix	Whippet
Weight	13–17 lb	20–30 lb	25–40 lb
Height	13–14 in	16–18 in	18–22 in
Lifespan	13–15 yr	12–15 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	low	low	low
Energy	very high	moderate to very high	moderate
Group	Terrier	mixed	Hound

Questions about the Jack Russell Whippet Mix

How big does a Jack Russell Whippet Mix get?: Most grow to 20–30 pounds and 16–18 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 13–40 pounds.
How long does a Jack Russell Whippet Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–15 years, the midpoint of the Jack Russell Terrier (13–15 years) and the Whippet (12–15 years).
Does a Jack Russell Whippet Mix shed?: Shedding is low. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Jack Russell Whippet Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Jack Russell mixes

Other Whippet mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.