We’ve have always had a huge soft spot for cute, little pets that we treat as one of our own.
For something so small that could fit inside your pocket, they’ve got a big heart that just fills up the space in ours.
One of the new generation’s favorite breed is a mix of two kinds you wouldn’t expect – the Chihuahua Terrier Mix.
Chihuahuas, specifically, are one of the smallest dogs in the world, but don’t underestimate them because these little agile and lively dogs are no minor feat.
Terriers, on the other hand, are intelligent, hardy and were trained as hunters.
Representing the best qualities of these breeds, a Chihuahua Terrier is a mix of the best of both worlds, and it’s a wonderful cross for anyone who wants to spice up their home with a frisky yet well-rounded dog.
They are also called:
- Rat-cha
- Rat terriers
- Rat terrier chihuahua mix
- Rat-chi
- Ratchi
Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breed Info
1. Size
How big do they get? Their height can range from 12 to 18 inches when they become full grown sized adults. When they are born, they can be as small as 5-8 inches.
They grow quickly from the first to third month and will slowly reach their adult length and height by the sixth month.
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2. Weight
Full grown adults can weigh about 12 to 15 pounds, depending on their diet. It is important to keep them within this range so that they will not become underweight or overweight.
Either status can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
3. Average Lifespan
The average life expectancy of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix is 15 years.
They can live as long as 18 years. When caring for Chihuahua Terrier Mixes, you should help them be as healthy as possible so they can grow as old as 13 to 18 years of age.
4. Color
Chihuahua Terrier Mixes can range in various colors like black, black and tan, black and white, brown, grey, white and brown, black and brown, blonde, and so much more.
Because of their mixed breed status, you never know what color they will have when they are delivered by a Terrier breed dam or a Chihuahua dam.
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What Does a Chihuahua Terrier Mix Look Like?
Depending on the terrier breed they crossed with, the Chihuahua Terrier Mix can look very different after every birth.
Even though they are mutts, they are very cute and adorable mutts regardless of the terrier mix.
If you want to know what some of them look like, these are the different Chihuahua mixes that you can get:
Chihuahua and Rat Terrier Mix
This mix is the one better suited to families with young children. Having inherited a terrier’s instinct to hunt, they’re bred to be determined and focused.
While this comes off as having the tendency to be snappy, on the contrary, Rat Terriers also known as a Toy Fox Terrier, are the ones that are the most disciplined and eager to please.
They’re high on energy and needs a fair game of mental stimulation, making them fun to be around with.
Chihuahua and Fox Terrier Mix
via dogbreedslist.info
One of the oldest breed recognized by the AKC, these “taco terriers” are just as spirited as the Rat Terrier mix, sometimes even more so with a demanding need for mental exercise.
They’re known to be good dogs that are friendly with children and are loyal to their family.
Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier Mix
Jack Russel types can be quite a challenge to have, and they’re not suited for a rookie owner. Although intelligent, they can be stubborn and may have the tendency to resist training.
A dog that is meant to stand equally with their companions, they need someone who can have a firm yet kind hand that would guide them to being a well-behaved and athletic buddy.
Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
If dogs could have cliques, this Chihuahua Yorkie mix would be the queen bee as they’re popular for being irresistibly cute.
With their long, flowing coats and adorable expressions, these little prince or princesses would have anyone wrapped in their little paw.
But with their sweet face comes with a tougher attitude, and they were once highly prized for their ability to chase down pests.
Despite their appearance, they’re one of the least friendly to younger children.
Chihuahua and Bull Terrier Mix
via pinterest.co.uk
The Bull Terrier is the least popular of the litter as they have the tendency to be quite stubborn and may be a challenge to train.
While we think their physical appearance is the one that stands out the most, with them being the biggest crossbreed of the bunch, their tenacious attitude is not suited for novice owners.
They’re definitely a tough cookie, so if you’re planning to adopt one of them, be adamant on meeting both their parents and observe any traits that you may want to avoid.
Here are other Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breeds you may want to look into:
- Chihuahua Boston Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua Cairn Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua Irish Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua Pitbull Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua Scottish Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua Welsh Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua West Highland Terrier Mix
What’s Makes These Pint-sized Dogs Have a Big Reputation?
1. They’re Your Perfect Lap-dogs
Their cuteness goes well beyond their size, and crosses allow them to inherit a canine palette of interesting personalities.
They’re known to be alert and curious, and these little balls of energy matches well with a small family, especially since their sassy nature can fill up the whole room already.
Keep in mind that while they’re hyped up inside the comfort of your home, they tend to be more reserved with strangers and may have the tendency to be aggressive with other dogs.
Don’t coddle them when you see the signs!
Catch this early on and train them how to socialize with other people and dogs while they’re still puppies to avoid developing an aggressive behavior.
2. They Don’t Need Regular Grooming
These little guys don’t need much to stay fresh and clean because of their short hair or fur. This saves your wallet a few extra bucks as grooming is usually expensive, but one of the few concerns would have to be the persistent fur shedding during summer.
To help minimize excessive shedding, have them regularly groomed!
Don’t worry, it won’t leave a hole on your pocket.
3. They Can Be Your Companion for a Long Time
One of the famous mixes is the Rat Terrier and the Chihuahua.
While separately, these breeds may come in with their own health issues, their offspring tend to have fewer issues and can live for an average of 15-18 years.
They may be small, but they’ve got a long life ahead of them. Still, perfect health isn’t achieved overnight.
It’s best to be wary of the risks that may come along with both breeds and be extra vigilant about checking their parents as well as conducting an initial screening of any threats that may accompany this crossbreed.
What Are Some of the Health Risks?
1. Luxating Patella
Generally, both Terriers and the Chihuahua have luxating patella which is a condition that describes an improperly formed thigh bone, which can lead to a kneecap slipping in and out of its joint.
This may cause arthritis and lameness, and ultimately requires immediate attention plus surgery to repair the condition.
2. Leg Perthes Disease
Another condition that affects the thigh bone, in which it doesn’t properly fit with the hip joint.
Essentially, it can lead to the same symptoms as luxating patella, but is not as responsive to medication. Your dog will likely need surgery if he has this condition.
3. Heart Disease
Both breeds are prone to structural heart defects, specifically the Bull Terrier or Rat Terrier mix.
4. Hydrocephalus
Specifically directed to Chihuahuas, this condition is a build-up of the brain’s cerebrospinal fluid.
This may sound alarming, but rest assured, it’s usually easily diagnosed early on.
5. Atopy
This mostly affects Chihuahuas mixed with Yorkshire Terriers and Fox Terriers, and can be an alarming condition to have. It deals with a problem with the immune system that may lead to skin conditions, asthma and allergies.
This can be difficult to manage, so if you are considering to buy a Chihuahua Terrier of this mix, be vigilant with the initial screening to avoid future ill developments.
As stated, this mix usually crosses out the undesirable characteristics of their parents, and there’s no guarantee that your dog will inherit any of them.
At the end of the day, you play a big role in helping your dog lead a fit and healthy lifestyle!
Is a Chihuahua-Terrier Mix the Dog for You?
There’s always a lot to consider when choosing the best mix for your family. Despite their small stature, it takes some time to find the perfect one that’d fit right in your home.
They’re small-sized with a gigantic personality, and when you dive right into adopting them without understanding their background, they can be quite a handful!
Chihuahua Terriers usually have a tendency to bond to one member of the family only, and because of this, they’re not famous for being part of a big crowd.
There are some crosses that prove that notion wrong, such as the Rat Terrier and Fox Terrier, so it’s up to you to pick the right dog for you.
Summary
|
Characteristics
|
Chihuahua Terrier Mix
|
| Height at the Withers |
12-18 inches |
| Weight |
12-15 lbs |
| Lifespan |
13-18 years |
| Coat Length |
Short |
| Color |
Random |
| Hypoallergenic |
No |
| Personality |
High Intelligence, Loving, Possessive, Aggressive, Loyal |
| Good with Kids? |
Yes |
| Good with Pets? |
Yes (When trained) |
| Shedding |
Medium to Heavy Shedding |
| Climate Preference |
Humid to Mild Cold Weather Only |
Let us know if you have a Chihuahua Terrier mix ruling your home, and if you know any more about these little devils that we can include in our list!
We’d love to know more about your experiences with them in the comments section below.
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Hey there, I’m Ruby Smith, founder of Pet So Fun, and I’m here to provide you with useful information about your precious pet. All pets deserve the best care, don’t they? But not all pet owners have access to the right products and tips for their pets. And the central core of my work here is to change that.
