Jackawhip (Whippet Jack Russell Terrier Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
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The Jackawhip, sometimes known as the Whippet Jack, is the result of crossing a Jack Russell Terrier with a Whippet. Both breeds were originally bred as hunting dogs. The Whippet is agile, fast, and calm, while the Jack Russell Terrier is known for being energetic, fun, and quirky. So, what exactly happens when you mix the beautiful dogs? Let’s take a look!
| Height: | 12–18 inches |
| Weight: | 14–40 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Colors: | White, blue, black, bridle, with markings |
| Suitable for: | Active families, owners without other smaller pets, active owners |
| Temperament: | Loving, bubbly, playful, stubborn, intelligent, high prey drive |
It can be tricky figuring out what you’ll get with a mixed breed, but in some ways, the Whippet and Jack Russell Terrier aren’t so different. Both were bred for hunting, so you can rely on their puppies having a high prey drive. In other characteristics, it’ll be difficult to anticipate what you’re getting, like coloring or temperament. However, there are things you can do, like training and socialization, which will help shape them into confident, well-rounded adults.
Jackawhip Characteristics
Jackawhip Puppies
You can pay from $800 to $1,500 for a Jackawhip puppy, depending on the breeder and the bloodline of the parent dogs. They are affectionate, delightful dogs, but they are also intelligent and have a high prey drive which means that socialization and training as early as possible are crucial.
Failing to train and socialize your Jackawhip puppy will result in an adult without limitations, and if they catch sight of something they want to chase, the agile, fast dog will be difficult to track down. Additionally, the Jackawhip is a playful and loving dog, and the time you spend with them in their early stages will be invaluable for bonding.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Jackawhip 🧠
Jackawhips are playful, lively, and bubbly dogs that are curious and ready for adventure. Generally, they’re known for having the energetic, adventurous spirit of the Jack Russell Terrier and the calm, gentle demeanor of the Whippet. They will keep you company on long walks or hikes, and they love to dig.
They are intelligent, which means they respond well to training, but they can also be stubborn, thanks to the Jack Russell Terrier side, so proper socialization is crucial. They thrive when close to their favorite humans and establish strong family bonds.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Jack Russell Terriers and Whippets are known for being wonderful family pets, and the Jackawhip is no different. Of course, they are suitable for single-owner households as long as you have the time to take them out and train them. They are known for being affectionate and playful, making them a wonderful companion for any kid.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The Jackawhip can live alongside other pets with the proper training and socialization. However, this can be tricky when the animal is smaller because of the Jackawhip’s high prey drive. Many cannot live with rabbits and rodents but tolerate larger cats. If you take your time, make your introductions gradually, and supervise your Jackawhip, they might learn to live with a cat.
Things to Know When Owning a Jackawhip
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Jackawhip needs a high-quality, balanced diet to ensure they are at their optimal weight and are healthy. It’s best to purchase high-quality dog food formulated for your dog’s size, age, and activity level. If you are unsure where to start, ask your veterinarian for advice.
Ensure you always provide them with water; the Jackawhip is such an active dog that you might have to refill their bowl more than expected.
Exercise 🐕
Your Jackawhip will require plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them mentally and physically healthy. They need at least an hour of exercise a day; ideally, they need a large fenced-in yard to burn off all their energy.
They will also appreciate playtime in the yard, and you can invest in frisbees, balls, and other toys to entertain them. If you fail to provide sufficient exercise, the Jackawhip might exhibit undesirable or destructive behaviors. Jack Russell Terriers, for example, can dig up the yard if they are bored or stressed.
Training 🎾
Training requires consistency and patience on your part. The Jackawhip will not respond well to harsh correction; instead, use positive reinforcement techniques and keep training sessions short to keep your dog motivated and interested.
The Jackawhip is an eager-to-please and intelligent canine, but they also have stubborn tendencies, so they have the potential to excel at obedience training, but only if you employ the proper techniques. Early socialization is also incredibly important while training.
Grooming ✂️
The Jackawhip is a high-maintenance pet in some ways, such as their exercise needs. But when it comes to their grooming requirements, they have a low-maintenance coat. They require minimal grooming and weekly brushing to remove loose hair.
Bathing them frequently is unnecessary, but they’ll need a bath if they get dirty playing outside. Make sure to check their ears for signs of inflammation or irritation, have their nails trimmed regularly, and brush their teeth—ideally twice a day or at least three times a week. Their dental health can affect their overall health if neglected.
Health and Conditions ❤️
The Jackawhip is prone to conditions they might inherit from their parents. While some researchers think mixed breeds are healthier than their purebred parents, it’s still important to be aware of what could develop. While you don’t have any control over genetic problems, keeping up with scheduled vet visits makes a difference by catching and treating a problem early. You can also prevent problems by keeping your dog fit and healthy since obesity can lead to many other issues.
- Eye problems
- Deafness
- Patellar luxation
- Lens luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Von Willebrand’s disease
Male vs Female
There aren’t many differences between the sexes in this breed except for their size; females tend to be smaller. If your dog takes after the Whippet side, you might find that a female is more stubborn and independent, while the male is loyal. Your female will be slightly calmer if they take after the Jack Russell Terrier side.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Jackawhip
1. They Don’t Shed Much but Are Unsuitable for Allergy Sufferers
Sometimes people mistakenly assume that low-shedding dogs are hypoallergenic, but that isn’t the case. No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, but some cause fewer symptoms than others. Unfortunately, the Jackawhip won’t be suitable for owners with dog allergies.
2. They’re Fast
This won’t be all that surprising if you know anything about Whippets, which were referred to as the “poor man’s Greyhound.” Despite their short stature, the Jack Russell Terrier is also a speedy dog. The Jackawhip is muscular and lean, with the shape of a Whippet and the compact sturdiness of the Jack Russell Terrier.
3. They Are Multi-talented
They come from talented parents, so it won’t be surprising that the Jackawhip excels at several canine activities and sports due to their agility and intelligence. They are skilled at obedience training, agility trials, and flyball competitions.
Conclusion
Jackawhips are loving, playful, energetic dogs that make wonderful additions to the family. Since both parents were bred for hunting, they have a high prey drive, which means they’re dangerous to small pets even with the proper socialization and training.
They need plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy and require an active family that enjoys outdoor activities. You need plenty of time to train and socialize with this breed, and there are a few inherited health conditions to be aware of. On average, the Jackawhip can live a long, exciting life with the proper care!
See Also:
- Whippet Pitbull Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
- 12 Whippet Colors & Markings (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Left – S J, Unsplash | Right – Dave Swain, Unsplash
