Here at Terrier Owner, Jack Russell Terriers and West Highland Terriers are two of our favorite dog breeds. So, what could be better than a Jack Russell Terrier West Highland Terrier mixed breed?
The Jack Russell Westie mix, also known as the Westie Jack or Jack Highland Terrier, is one of the most popular Jack Russell Terrier cross breeds, but they might not be right for every family.
If you are thinking about adopting a Westie Jack, here is what you need to know about the breed.
| Breed Names | Westie Jack, Jack Highland Terrier, Jack Russell Westie, Westie Jack Russell, Westie Russell Terrier |
| Height (inches) | 10″ to 13″ |
| Weight (pounds) | 15 to 20 pounds |
| Color | White, Black, Wheaten, sometimes with tan markings |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Cost | $500 to $1,500 |
1. Names of the Breed
The Jack Russell Terrier West Highland White Terrier mixed breed is most commonly referred to as the Westie Jack or Jack Highland Terrier.
Other names used for the breed include Jack Russell Westie, Westie Jack Russell, and Westie Russell Terrier. All of these names refer to the same dog breed and may be used interchangeably in the rest of this blog post.
2. Size
The average size of a Jack Russell Terrier is between 10 and 15 inches tall, and 12 to 17 pounds.
West Highland Terriers are a similar size, usually just a little shorter and heavier. Westies are typically 11 or 12 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds.
As you would expect, the size of Jack Highland Terriers falls right in line. Westie Jacks are usually 10 to 13 inches tall, and weigh in at 15 to 20 pounds.
3. Colors
Westies are always all white and Jack Russell Terriers are mostly white with markings of black, brown, and tan.
Because both parent breeds are white, you would think that Westie Jacks would be mostly white, maybe with some markings. Interestingly, that is not always the case.
Westie Jacks can be a wide range of colors ranging from almost completely white to almost completely black, and everything in between. Sometimes they have tan markings, sometimes they don’t, and some are even tri-colored – white, black, and tan.
4. Coat
Westies have a unique double coat that consists of a short soft undercoat with a harder topcoat. The hard topcoat protects them from the rain and little claws of the small animals they like to hunt.
Jack Russell Terriers may have one of three different coats: smooth coat, broken coat, or rough coat.
Because of the unique coats of West Highland Terriers and Jack Russells, the the type of coat a Jack Highland Terrier will have is very much dependent on the parents.
5. Are Westie Jacks Hypoallergenic?
The double coat of West Highland Terriers is low-shedding and therefore they are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed.
And while the Jack Russell breed has three different types of coats, they all shed.
Unfortunately, if you are looking for a Jack Russell mix breed that is hypoallergenic, the Westie Jack may not be right for you. While they may shed less than purebred Jack Russells, the Jack Russell Westie mix is not hypoallergenic.
6. Westie Jack Lifespan
Both Jack Russell Terriers and West Highland White Terriers have long lifespans when compared to other dog breeds. Jack Russells live on average between 13 and 16 years. Westies live on average between 12 and 17 years. The Westie I had growing up lived to be 16 years old.
The Jack Russell Westie mix breed also has a long life expectancy. Westie Jacks generally live to be between 12 and 16 years old.
7. Personality and Temperament
Jack Highland Terriers are sure to bring loads of fun and cheer with their unique mix of personality traits. From gentle, loyal companionship to brave protectiveness, they are a part-time couch companion with a streak of independence.
The Jack Russell Westie mix will also be sure to put a smile on your face from time to time with their goofiness.
Both Jack Russell Terriers and West Highland Terriers are known for their strong-willed nature, which can sometimes make them appear stubborn. This is a trait often seen in Westie Jacks as well.
In addition, both Jack Russells and Westies are best suited for families with older children. It’s definitely not the case that Westie Jacks can’t be in a home with young children, but it is important to socialize them and train them to be good family dogs.
With early socialization and training, this breed can be a loyal and loving companion for the whole family.
8. Prey Drive
Westies and Jack Russells were both originally bred to hunt small game and rodents. As such, the Westie Jack also has an innate prey drive.
This tendency should be taken into consideration when training and socializing Jack Highland Terriers, especially when around smaller pets or wildlife.
9. Exercise Needs
The Westie Jack is a high energy breed that requires about one hour of exercise every day. Whether it is going for walks, playing fetch, or just running around the yard; helping your Westie Jack get out their energy is key to having a well behaved dog.
Check out 9 Ways to Tire Out a Westie and How To Tire Out Your Jack Russell Terrier for some ideas on getting your Jack Highland Terrier some exercise.
10. Watch Dog
If you are looking for a big scary guard dog, obviously a 15 pound Westie Jack is not what you are looking for.
However, if you want a watch dog that will alert you when someone is approaching your house, the Jack Highland Terrier will do just that, as they always seem to be on high alert.
Westies are known to be one of the barkiest dogs and Jack Russell Terriers and not far behind.
11. Health
While mixed breed dogs like the Jack Highland Terrier are generally considered to be healthier overall than purebred dogs, they of course have their own health issues just like every dog breed.
I have written about health concerns of the Jack Russell Terrier as well as West Highland Terriers, and they have a few known health problems in common including allergies and obesity, as well as dental, vision, and joint issues.
Most of these health issues are minor, however, there are two more serious neurological health problems that may be inherited – one from each side.
It is possible that White Shaker Dog Syndrome could be inherited from the Westie side. The cause of the disease is unknown, but it causes tremors and seizures.
Epilepsy is a hereditary disease that is more common among Jack Russells than other breeds. Like White Shaker Dog Syndrome, it is also a neurological disorder that can cause seizures.
12. Is The Westie Jack a Designer Dog Breed?
The American Kennel Club and The Kennel Club in the UK are the two most well known organizations that recognize purebred dog breeds.
But did you know there are mixed breed organizations that recognize certain crosses as designer breeds? The American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) recognize dozens of Jack Russell mix breeds and dozens more West Highland Terrier mix breeds.
Surprisingly, unlike other Jack Russell mixes like the the Jack-A-Ranian and Jack-A-Poo, the Westie Jack is not listed as a recognized breed by either the ACHC or IDCR.
On the other hand, there are some breeders who specialize in Jack Russell Westie hybrids.
Ultimately, there is not strict definition on what constitutes a designer dog breed.
Jack Russell Terrier West Highland Terrier Mix Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a loyal, loving companion, the Westie Jack may be just what you are looking for.
An appealing union of two hardworking breeds, the Jack Russell Terrier and the West Highland Terrier, Westie Jacks are spunky little dogs with charming personalities.
And while the Jack Highland Terrier truly is a great dog breed, it is important to do your research to make sure that they are right for you and your family.
These high energy dogs with a strong prey drive can be difficult at times – especially for first time dog owners. But if you are up to the task of training, a Westie Jack may just be your new best friend.
Similar Mixed Breed
- Boston Terrier Westie Mix (Bostie): The Boston Terrier Westie Mix, also called the Bostie, is a small, energetic hybrid dog that combines the friendly personality of the Boston Terrier with the lively spirit of the West Highland White Terrier.
- Jack Russell Terrier Cairn Terrier Mix (Jacairn): The Jacairn is a hybrid dog that melds the high energy of the Jack Russell Terrier with the sturdy, alert nature of the Cairn Terrier.