Do you desperately want a Rat Terrier but their size is a problem for you? Maybe you can only have a really small dogdue to the size of your living space. Well, then we have great news for you! There is actually a Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mixdog crossbreed. This is a wonderful cross for anyone who wants a frisky and kittenish dog that demands very little care, but a lot of attention and affection. The Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix really is the best of both worlds, small dogs with great personalities while being relatively low maintenance.
Basic Info
Claimed to be the best designer small size hybrid breed by almost every expert, the Rat-Cha was first introduced in the 1990s. The nineties are the time when most of today’s popular crossbreeds were revealed.
So, if you are looking for a designer dog breed that is not only cute and playful but also confident, look no more. The Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix, or Rat-Chas is the dog for you, being a single person or a family member.
The Rat-Cha is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC). As far as the personality traits of Ratchis are concerned, one could act more like a Chi, while the other acts more like a terrier. There are no set-in-stone characteristics. Just like with every other crossbreed, you never know what exactly you are getting.
Appearance
The appearance of this breed is quite interesting. The colors of the Rat-Cha can vary from combinations in tricolor, black, or sand-white to markings on the body in tanned colors. Both the parents of Rat-Cha have large, erect ears and an alert expression, projecting their intelligence and awareness of everything going on around them. However, the ears can again resemble either one of the parent breeds by the short hair.
The Chihuahua Terrier dog hair usually has a short coat. But in some cases they can also have a long coat. This is due to a gene found in some Chihuahuas. The average estimated weight of the mixed breed is between 12 – 25 pounds and stands 12 – 18 inches at the shoulder.
Personality
Chihuahuas are attentive, charming, curious, and clean. They get very clingy to those whom they consider family. But they can be quite shy with others. However, one thing sure about Chihuahuas is — they bark a lot!
On the other hand, Rat Terriers are incredibly intelligent but also affectionate. They are friendly, active, and playful. Both dogs are of small stature, but they are very protective and quick to alert you to unfamiliar goings-on around your house. Their crossbreed will inherit a mixture of their personality traits, always leaning more toward one parent breed.
Temperament
Once again: You could see any combination of the characteristics found in each parent dog. Even if these are not true Terriers, they can inhabit similar personalities. Hence, they can have the Terrier temperament, disbelieving towards strangers and indifferent to other dogs, but not so many aggression issues. So you can probably guess that they have a hard time communicating with larger dogs due to their size, sometimes even aggressive tendencies.
The Rat Terrier can be alarming; it is most likely to bark and let its owners know that someone is at the door, as a true best friend. However, this could get annoying by time. Kids need to stay away from them; this breed is scared of the kids’ hyperactive behavior. Also, barking of these lap dogs can create fear in kids towards the dogs.
Training and socializing play a vital role here, because how you raise this dog breed will determine how he turns out to be. Make them meet new people and other dogs while they are young, for them to get familiar with the experience and habits that they will obtain.
You will not need a huge ammount of time to learn them new commands. They are an easy dog to train, with a decent time commitment. They have their own challenges regarding their size, but they have so much brainpower and big spirits that they will overcome it with ease.
Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Puppies
Generally, 1 to 4 puppies are born in small clusters. You should be aware that females often have difficulty whelping. Warmth should be provided to puppies. Good news is that covering by a towel or blanket usually helps.
As with all toy breeds, puppies develop very rapidly, so prepare for a proper training for these smart dogs. Their short legs will not stand in their way to come wherever they want, just like larger dogs.
Lifestyle
Rat Terriers are very active dogs, as are Chihuahuas, but you’ll find Chihuahuas happy lying quietly on your lap, whereas the Rat Terrier would want to roam around and play hard. The best way is to find out how your dog wants it to be and by doing this you could possibly determine which type of personality your dog will have. These dogs need to be handled with care when picking them up. It’s perfect for an owner who has a lot of time.
The Rat-Cha really loves to nestle under the covers with their owners or anything that will keep them warm. The known facts are that they love to sleep in small spaces to feel safe and cozy. They are usually easy to train and maintain, but consistent training sessions are advisable. However, with gentle but firm training and proper care, you will enjoy your dynamic, responsive Chihuahua-Rat Terrier Mix for many years to come.
Health issues
Avoid feeding your dog with human food, it can increase his weight. Since they are really small, they can quickly gain weight – and this is something that you don’t want. Diabetes is another problem for dogs with Chihuahua bloodlines. Keep your Rat-Cha away from chocolates, which contain theobromine, a toxic chemical to dogs.
Put your food in a place where your little pup can’t reach – they are small, right? Also, be careful when you take your dog outdoors. Chihuahuas can fall into a coma if they get too cold, so don’t let them out for a long time in the cold weather end endanger their long lifespans. Covering them in dog sweaters or some kinda protection would be idea.
Dental problems are also a common health issue, as well as hip dysplasia .
Life expectancy
By the official statistics, the average estimated lifespan of a Chihuahua-Rat Terrier Mix is between 10 – 15 years.
If you are looking for an energetic companion dog and don’t have any young children or other dogs in your home, then a Chihuahua-Rat Terrier Mix will be the best bet. Their behavior will surprise you on an everyday basis, so you’ll never get bored with them.
While both breeds that constitute this cross are loving and devoted, the rat-killing nature of the Rat Terrier should be kept in mind around smaller pets. Get your Rat-Cha from a responsible breeder who has all the bloodlines documented. Give your puppy enough opportunities to meet and get comfy with other dogs and humans, especially small children. Train them properly, let them be familiar with others, avoid giving them chocolate or any sweets and your Rat-Cha will provide you enough love so you’ll rush to get another one in your cozy home.
You can check all about this and other common breeds at American Kennel Club.