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
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.
I have not researched the interesting problem our little Chi terrior has. At least it is a problem for us. On certain triggers he will explode into the most awful, terrifying screaming noises and has to be let outside. Nothing settles him down. It sounds like he is being attacked by a coyote. We hadn’t been able to pin point the trigger until the other night when we were watching an Alaska special on TV and two bald eagles were fighting and diving and screeching at each other. He normally does not watch TV but this activity got his attention. We have many bald eagles that nest nearby and fly around all the time. We never hear them, but, apparently the dog does and there definitely seems to be a correlation between them flying over and setting him off. I know these dogs do have very acute hearing. Need to investigate further to see if there is a way of curbing these explosive outbursts which about deafen us.
My mix is very strong willed to the point he will bite me if he doesn’t like what you are doing with him. Also will not come back in the house until he is ready to. Will come when called but will run the other way if he needs to come in. Help
This explains my chi/rat terrier mix. If he gets out of the fence, he will wander all over the neighborhood and only return when he is good and ready, unless I do one of two things. 1) I get my car keys and jiggle them while yelling, “Let’s go bye bye”! then he will come running and get in the car. I keep a leash in the car at all times to hook him up to so I can get him back inside safely. 2) I yell, “Want a treat”? He comes indoors for that. He will bite me if I try to trim his nails and sometimes when I am petting him. He’s a great snuggler and besides the running off, he minds really well.
We have had our rat terr. Chi mix for,2 months he was a baby when we got him 6 weeks. Hes very very smart. But he also ornary. He sleeps with me and my husband this is his bed. My grandson was over and I was holding and playing with him and our puppy Drogon got so mad. He started snatching his toys away from the baby. Trying to bite the baby . I will admit we do play with Drogon and let him bite chew on toys he loves just chewing our hand or feet. He likes to bite and nibble. He has a lot of energy that’s how my husband tires him out. While it’s not a problem with our children they play with him as well . I’m afraid to let him around strangers he tries to play with outsiders like that too.i don’t want him to hurt anyone. Drogon was very mad that the baby was in our room in our bed . We have a cat shes bigger then Drogon he’s 3lbs 12 oz. She’s 13 lbs she stay to herself I’ve noticed recently he’s been messing with her and she chases him. Idk if it’s a game or have they became comfortable with each other. He runs to 1 of us and she stops chasing him. He does mess with her a lot. She is a very cool and relaxed cat. Hes a little bundle of joy hes very affectionate. He cries when we leave more like barking like hes dying. He has done ok with potty training. We are trying to pad train him. Sometimes he will not use the pad he will look right at us and go on the floor. Hes smart but I wonder if he’s testing us. I adore him. And I’ve never been a dog person but he’s 1 of my babies now.
I just recently got my ratchi!!
She is the cutest thing ever in life, her mother being a full blooded mini rat terrier and her daddy being a full blooded short haired chihuahua, she is the paintings of a rat terrier with the body of a chihuahua.
She is only 7 weeks old but I have been in her life since the day she was born. (My aunt ls dogs are her parents) she was the last born, the smallest and the only female. She has an exceptionally high energy level and she is also super protective over me (ALREADY) She also screams bloody murder when she thinks she is being left behind. Maybe that is just something with the breed. She sleeps with me and so far I have seen aggressive behavior towards other animals. (Mostly just one other dog that is for a friend of mine)
Any tips on how to break the of that aggression towards other animals? I dont want her to accidentally be hurt by being snappy with a larger animal or something like that. I also dont want a mean little dog. So any info on how to go about teaching her would be greatly appreciated!
I have a 9 year-old Rat-Terrier and he is the sweetest dog I have known. We have not been able to teach him to fetch but we taught him to shake his head sideways indicating no when asked if he wants to potty. He also, learned to tap a service bell with his paw when he wants attention, a treat or go out to potty. From day one we told him one time “no” on jumping on to the sofa and he has not since. He will also do other tricks including bowing head to pray for his treat. In july he had to have his gallbladder removed and I was a reck – thought I was going to loose my baby but he survived. Since the surgery he is more clingy, hardly barks and back legs are shaky and weak but he may still be recovering. We get stopped a lot by people wanting to know what breed he is. He has a chihuahua’s head on very long legs which confuses people. Love my baby.
Hiii
My chihuahua just had a litter of 3 beautiful puppies from a westie poo. I call them Chestie Poo’s. 2xgirls, grey and jet black, miniatures. 1x brindle boy, proper Scottie dog 🤩 All are adorable. Approx 4 months old now.
We had a female Chichua, jack Russell, Rat Terrier who lived to be 16 years old. Now we have a 6 year old rescued Chi- Terrier mix. We found she was a rescue from Romania as a pup, than California as a adult. After we got her we found out she had a trick hip. Now she has a fur ever home.
I have a 9year old taco terrier,he developed a quarter size lump on his right rear hip. I took him to vet gave him an antibiotic shot it went away completely, then a week later it came back, dog has no pain, eat normal. I have taken him to 2 vets and all they can say after $700 dollar he need it removed can’t say way.. anyone else seen this on this breed,thanks
someone who works at a vet here, I can tell you that this can happen to any animal at anytime, Typically (not always) an intact animal. The different types of “flesh” that the lump could be made out of determines the classification of the lump which can only be found out once the lump is sent out for testing and the results inturpreted by a medical proffesional. Never forget the 8 years of medical school behond ever Doctor. Even if you do not personally understand it, the DOCTOR does.
Hello,
I’m trying to figure out if I can find the person that took the photo of the puppy under the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier Mix section of this article. I just have a feeling that I own this dog in this photo. It looks exactly like my little doggy. I would love to try and figure out if this is a puppy photo of my dog.
Thanks for any information that anyone can give!
Kiah
Got my chi Rat terrier from Humane society years ago. He has become part of my heart. He is now up there in age. May be near 17 to 18 years old but I baby him as much as he will let me! lol I let him be head of household. His health is bad hip and allergys.
My advice is if you get one of these make sure you are ready to spend many years with him!!!! He loves to sleep on the bed and you will not have much options in this! They are sun worshipers and I mean for real and you need to keep and eye on them so they dont overheat.
I have 2 chi-terriers the female is very cuddly and likes to be held while the male does not. I have had them since they were 6 weeks old. They are nie 6 months old. I have to chase the male down so i can show him affection. Why is this. They are from the same litter.
I was wondering if anyone else’s Chi terrier had seizures earlier on? The vet tried to say they know why, but I honestly don’t think they ran the necessary tests to see. Also, could heart disease cause seizures being that the correct amount of oxygen isn’t getting to the brain? Granted she was a stray puppy and I took her in/got her shots. Can anyone help?
-First Time Dog Owner