Chihuahua Terrier Mix - Everything You Need To Know

Chihuahua Terrier Mix is a mixed breed of Chihuahua dog and one of the Terriers breeds, namely:

Rat Terrier
Jack Russel Terrier
Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Bull Terrier
Maltese Terrier
Boston Terrier
American Bull Terrier

The characteristics of the mixed offspring will be unique owing to the parent chosen from the Terrier breed. These canines combine the most outstanding qualities of the Terrier and Chihuahua breeds. They are sturdy, courageous, and elevated as Terriers, while Chihuahuas are intelligent, amiable, and energetic. These dogs can be rambunctious and boisterous, and their bond with their owners is frequently quite strong. They can also serve as good alert dogs, as most will bark and notify you about visitors.

Table of Contents

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Loyal dogs	Not hypoallergenic
Companion dogs	Maybe stubborn
Family dogs	Separation anxiety
Watchdogs	Has a range of health issues

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Basic Information

Name: Chihuahua Terrier
Height: 10 – 28 inches
Weight: 6 – 25 pounds
Size: Small
Group: Mixed breed
Coat: Long/short and smooth/wired coat
Color: White, brown, black, tan, white and brown, black and white
Barking level: Medium
Shedding level: Medium
Hypoallergenic: No
Activities: Fox hunting, rat hunting, farm pest hunting, fighting, show dogs, family dogs, companion dogs
Energy: Medium to high
Litter size: 5 – 10 puppies
Life span: 12 – 20 years

Chihuahua Vs. Terrier: A Comparison

Features	Chihuahua	Rat Terrier	Jack Russel Terrier	Fox Terrier	Yorkshire Terrier	Bull Terrier	Maltese Terrier	Boston Terrier	American Pitbull Terrier
Image
Origin	Mexico	The United States	England	England	England	England	South-Central Europe	Boston	United Kingdom
Height	6 – 9 inches	13 – 16 inches	10-15 inches	Up to 15 inches	8 – 9 inches	21 – 22 inches	8 – 10 inches	12 – 15 inches	17 to 19 inches
Weight	3 – 6 pounds	10 – 25 pounds	13- 17 pounds	15 – 19 pounds	4 – 6 pounds	35 – 75 pounds	Upto 6 pounds	10 – 25 pounds	30 to 85 pounds
Size	Small	Small	Small	Small to medium	Small	Small to medium	Small	Small to medium	Medium
Group	Companion dogs	Terrier dogs	Terrier groups	Terrier dogs	Companion dogs	Terrier dogs	Companion dogs	Companion dogs	Terrier groups
Children compatibility	Yes	High	High	Medium to high	Low to medium	High	Medium	High	High
Family compatibility	Yes	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	High	High	Low to high	High
Pet compatibility	Yes	Medium	High	Medium	Medium	Medium to high	Medium to High	High	Low
Barking level	Medium	Medium to high	High	Medium	Medium	Low	Medium to high	Medium	Medium
Shedding level	Low to medium	Medium to high	Medium	Low to medium	Low to medium	Medium	Low to medium	Low to medium	Medium to High
Hypoallergenic	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Grooming needs	High	Medium	Medium	Low to medium	Low to medium	Medium	Low to medium	High	Low
Overall health	Low to medium	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium	Medium to high	Medium to High
Energy	Medium	High	High	High	High	Medium to high	Medium	Medium to high	Medium to High
Exercise	Low	Medium to high	High	High	Medium to high	High	Low to medium	Medium to high	Medium to High
Trainability	Medium	Medium to high	Low to medium	Medium to high	Medium	Medium to high	Medium	Medium	Medium to High
Activities	Watchdogs, companion dogs	Eliminate rat, farm pest, rabbit	Fetch, tug of war, chase, hide and seek, swimming, camping, traveling	Fox hunting, show dogs, companion dogs	Family dog, companion dogs	Fighting dog, companion dog, family dog, show dog	Companion dogs, family dogs, therapy dogs, sports	Companion dogs, family dogs, fighting dogs	Watch dogs, Companion dogs
Complication in breeding	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Litter size	1 – 3 puppies	5 puppies	8-10 Puppies	3 – 6 puppies	1 – 5 puppies	5 puppies	2 – 5 puppies	3 – 4 puppies	5 puppies
Life span	10-18 years	13 – 18 years	10-15 years	10 – 15 years	12 – 15 years	10 – 15 years	12 – 15 years	13 – 15 years	12 – 16 years
Other names	–	American Rat Terrier, Decker Giant, Ratting Terrier	Jack Russell, JRT, Jack	Wire Fox Terrier	Yorkie	English Bulldog Terrier Bully	–	Boston Bull, American Gentlemen, Terrier Boxwood	Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Chihuahua Terrier Personality

The physical appearance of the Terrier Chihuahua mix is a surprise because the Terrier parent breed might vary. This combination has no defined size, color, or coat. This hybrid can resemble a Chihuahua or a Terrier or a combination of the two. The mixed-breed can grow up to 10 to 28 inches tall and weigh 6 to 25 pounds (except Bull Terrier and American Pitbull Terrier mixes).

The Rat-Cha has a small, spherical head with huge, diamond-shaped ears that stand upright. The eyes are brown, round, and noticeable, not quite as much as the eyes of a Chihuahua parent.

The Jack-Chi features a triangular head with a short neck, a vast but muscular body, and huge eyes. The Chihuahua parent’s ear will be erect, crumpled, or it will be coiled over like that of the Jack Russell parent’s, apart from this the Jack Russell parent’s contributions can be seen in the nose, body build, and color. The profile will be alert and curious, with wide dark brown eyes and a black nose. With the robust, springing gait and athletic abilities from the Jack Russell side, the hindquarters will be solid and muscular, with paws that can be round, thickly padded, or tiny and delicate with decent padding, padding likely being pinkish or multicolor. Your adorable puppy will have a tail that resembles that of a Chihuahua.

Chitoxy’s face has a fox-like appearance, and his eyes are vigilant. Their eyes are generally brown, and their nose is black and brown.

The Chorkie has ears that are usually pierced but may also be plunged, and they have the classic apple-shaped head of a Chihuahua. Your Chorkie’s attractive face will be completed by suitable jaws that can develop an underbite, a little black nose, and huge, brilliant, and clear black or dark brown eyes.

The tail of the Bullhuahua Terrier is moderate in length, and the paws are round and compact. They have round and far-set eyes with a black nose.

Malchis can have short or long fur depending upon the traits of the dog breed he takes upon. They have brown eyes, which are partially hidden by the fur which comes down to the forehead. This breed mostly has floppy ears, similar to that of Maltese.

The Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is a small dog that stands between 9 and 17 inches tall. The body is strong, the head squared, the snout is wrinkled, and their ears are upright, like a bat. Their huge round eyes are mischievous, and their necks are broad but not lengthy. A white blaze is frequently seen on the chest, occasionally paired with white paws.

A Pitbull Chihuahua Mix’s appearance and size will vary depending on which parent gene the puppy inherits. The Chipit can reach a height of 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 20 pounds. Chipits’ bodies are typically short, comprehensive, and strong, with the Pitbull parent’s trademark short neck. In addition, many Chipits inherit the Chihuahua’s short feet, long ears, and thin nose. The Pitbull’s characteristic dome-shaped head is sometimes mistaken for the Chihuahua’s apple-shaped head. This can appear super-cute in some people, but the head may seem abnormally tiny or huge in others.

The color of this mix varies based on the Terrier’s breed. This mixture can be black, brown, white, tan, chocolate, or even bi-color. The parent breed determines their coat type. Chihuahuas can have a short or long coat, while Terriers can have a combination:

Rat Terrier: Short and smooth coat
Jack Russell Terrier: Short and coarse coat
Fox Terrier: Wire-haired coat
Yorkshire Terrier: Double coat
Bull Terrier: Short and smooth coat
Maltese Terrier: Straight and long
Boston Terrier: Short and smooth
Pitbull Terrier: Short and smooth

Friendliness Overview

	Chihuahua and Rat Terrier	Chihuahua and Jack Russel Terrier	Chihuahua and Fox Terrier	Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier	Chihuahua and Bull Terrier	Chihuahua and Maltese Terrier	Chihuahua and Boston Terrier	Chihuahua and Pitbull Terrier
Affectionate	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high
Family-friendly	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	High
Kid-friendly	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium	Medium to high	Medium to high	High	High
Pet-friendly	Low to medium	High	Low to medium	Low to medium	Medium	Medium to high	Medium	Medium
Stranger-friendly	Medium	Medium to high	Low to medium	Low to medium	Medium	Low to medium	Medium	Low to medium

Adaptability Overview

	Chihuahua and Rat Terrier	Chihuahua and Jack Russel Terrier	Chihuahua and Fox Terrier	Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier	Chihuahua and Bull Terrier	Chihuahua and Maltese Terrier	Chihuahua and Boston Terrier	Chihuahua and Pitbull Terrier
Good for apartment	High	High	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	High	High	Medium
Good for new owners	Medium to high	Low	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium to high
Sensitivity level	Medium to high	Medium	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	High	Medium to high
Tolerates being alone	Low to medium	Medium	Low to medium	Low to medium	Low to medium	Low	Low to medium	Low
Cold tolerance	Low	Low	Low to medium	Low to medium	Low to medium	Low to medium	Low to medium	Low to medium
Heat tolerance	Medium	High	Medium	Low to medium	Medium	Low	Low to medium	Low to medium

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Temperament

To have a decent picture of what your Mix would be like, we ought to glance at the distinct parent breed qualities. One thing seems inevitable: the Chihuahua genes will significantly affect the behavior of your mix. They’re small, but they’re loud. They are not shy and have a solid tendency to yap. They can be uneasy, much like other little dogs, and will want more attention than larger dogs.

Let’s take a look at each combination:

Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix is a regular worker dog, desperate to impress and sociable. The Chi Rat Terrier was developed to hunt and kill rats, hence it can have a tremendous prey drive and like chasing things! They are self-assured and work well with older children.

Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua Mix is a busy creature who can be obstinate and isn’t particularly intelligent. They can focus only on one thing at a time. They are incredibly loyal to their families and adore their owners. Most importantly, the Jack Russell Chi requires a patient owner who will accept the breed’s flaws.

Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix are intelligent, enthusiastic, and devoted. They will form a strong bond with one person in particular, but they will adore all household members.

Yorkshire Terrier Chihuahua Mix have high motivation and like chasing mice. They do not get along with tiny children. They are intelligent, love to play but can be bossy sometimes.

Bull Terrier Chihuahua Mix may appear scary, yet they have a giant spirit and a soft heart! Though Bull Terriers were developed for fighting, they are affectionate and playful if adequately trained.

Maltese Terrier Chihuahua Mix are adorable and affectionate dogs however, they can be loud several times. They shy away around unknown people and can be very close with kids and other pets in the home. Proper supervision is mandatory while mingling with kids and other pets, as Malchis are toy-sized dogs susceptible to injuries. Malchi can display their stubbornness if they inherit the temperament of the Chihuahua parent.

Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is an inquisitive, amiable, lovable dog with a loving personality. The Boston Huahua can acquire a dash of stubbornness from its Boston Terrier parent or aggressive towards children and other pets from the Chihuahua side but he is entirely devoted to his owner. He is comfortable with new people, and would always wait to seek the attention of his owner. A well-socialized Boston Huahua is an excellent family dog, providing excellent company and unwavering loyalty.

Pitbull Chihuahua Mix or the Chipit is a powerhouse! These dogs enjoy living an active existence, especially alongside their human family. The Pitbull Chihuahua mix may suit you if you have a family with active children who enjoy spending time outdoors. Chipits are devoted to their owners and might become too defensive when outsiders approach and pose a threat. As a result, you must begin socializing and teaching your Pitbull and Chihuahua mix as soon as possible.

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Training

Positive reinforcement, such as giving them a reward, applause, or a dog toy when they obey your instruction, is the most excellent dog training strategy for a Chihuahua Terrier. When parenting your Chihuahua terrier mix, consider that Chihuahuas are notoriously obstinate. The goal is to avoid coddling or spoiling them. You can offer them quite as many gifts as you want, but don’t let them get away with misbehaving. They are prone to ‘small dog syndrome,’ hence coach this mix as you would a large dog. Yapping is a common problem with these small dogs, so practicing the talk command can help! Encourage your Chi Terrier to communicate, then tell them to be quiet and give them a treat.

When it comes to training a Terrier Chihuahua Mix, socialization is crucial. When they’re young, engage them with various dogs, people, and toddlers. It’s also essential to expose kids to loud sounds at home, such as a washing machine. All Chihuahua Terrier Mixes, especially the Rat Terrier, will want daily cognitive stimulation. You might get a puzzle feeder or conceal a treat in a corner and let your dog find it! When it comes to dog training, be patient. They can be tenacious, but yelling at your dog will only lead to unwanted and problematic habits.

Trainability Overview

	Chihuahua and Rat Terrier	Chihuahua and Jack Russel Terrier	Chihuahua and Fox Terrier	Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier	Chihuahua and Bull Terrier	Chihuahua and Maltese Terrier	Chihuahua and Boston Terrier	Chihuahua and Pitbull Terrier
Easy to train	Medium to high	Low	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high
Intelligence	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high
Prey drive	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Low to medium	Medium to high	Medium to high	Low to medium	Medium
Mouthiness tendencies	Low to medium	Low	Medium	Low to medium	Medium to high	Medium	Low to medium	Medium to high
Barking and Howling tendencies	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium	Low to medium	Medium to high	Medium	Medium
Wanderlust tendencies	Medium	High	Low to medium	Low to medium	Medium to high	Low	Medium	Medium to high

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Exercise Needs

Chihuahua Terriers are recognized for their high levels of activity and energy. Without the proper workout, they will begin to bounce off the walls. Allow them to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. The Terrier in them enjoys chasing, walking and fetching!

Exercise Needs Overview

	Chihuahua and Rat Terrier	Chihuahua and Jack Russel Terrier	Chihuahua and Fox Terrier	Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier	Chihuahua and Bull Terrier	Chihuahua and Maltese Terrier	Chihuahua and Boston Terrier	Chihuahua and Pitbull Terrier
Energy level	High	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Low	Medium to high	Medium
Intensity	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Low to medium	Medium	Medium
Exercise needs	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Low to medium	Medium	Medium to high
Playfulness	Medium to high	High	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium

Chihuahua Terrier Grooming

The sort of coat they have will determine how they should be groomed. Comb their coat twice or thrice a week, or more if they possess coarser fur, like the Yorkshire Terrier Chi. Bathe this mixed breed once every three weeks. Ensure that your dog’s ears are clean. Wax buildup can trigger ear infections. Trim nails once you start hearing the ticking sound. The Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix must be kept indoors during the cold season as they have a single coat and have lesser endurance to cooler temperatures.

Grooming Overview

	Chihuahua and Rat Terrier	Chihuahua and Jack Russel Terrier	Chihuahua and Fox Terrier	Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier	Chihuahua and Bull Terrier	Chihuahua and Maltese Terrier	Chihuahua and Boston Terrier	Chihuahua and Pitbull Terrier
Easy to groom	Medium to high	Low to medium	Medium	Medium to high	Medium to high	Medium to high	High	Medium
Drooling tendencies	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low
Amount of shedding	Medium to high	Low	Low to medium	Medium	Medium to high	Low to medium	Low	High

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Health

Generally mixed breeds are considered healthier. However, there is always a chance of inheriting the health issues of their purebred parents. Let us see what are the health conditions that Chihuahua Terriers are prone to:

Luxating Patella: When the dog patella (kneecap), which typically lies in the cleft of the femur (thighbone), slips out of position, it is known as luxating patella. Your dog may feel periodic hind limb “skipping,” lameness, or locking up the leg at an abnormal angle.

Hydrocephalus: This is a comparatively rare disease experienced by smaller canines. Dogs with this disease have cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside their heads that cannot drain. This puts a lot of pressure on the brain, leading to lousy vision or blindness, seizures, restlessness, trouble learning commands, and coma.

Brachycephalic Syndrome: A brachycephalic syndrome is a group of upper airway anomalies that cause a dog’s breathing to be partially obstructed. Several diseases are usually present at the same time in this illness.

Tracheal Collapse: A canine’s windpipe or trachea is a muscular tube supported by delicate cartilage rings. The trachea moves through the dog’s neck on its passage to the lungs. When they pull hard on a choke chain or collar, it can collapse the trachea.

Lens Luxating: This condition dislocates the dog’s eye lens from its correct position resulting in eyesight problems, swelling or reddening, and trembling of the lens or iris.

Obesity: Chihuahua Mix is prone to obesity, exacerbating hip and elbow dysplasia. This disorder negatively hits a dog’s health and durability. Obese canines exhibit an increased risk of heart disease, digestive disorders, diabetes, joint problems, and hypertension.

Legg-Perthes Disease: The blood supply of the femur is decreased, due to which the pelvis begins to disintegrate, and the hip becomes gradually weakened. Symptoms include limping and atrophies of the leg muscle. The diseased femur can be corrected with surgery.

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a disorder that affects dogs during their growing phase. It causes the hip joint to relax, resulting in discomfort and dysfunction. The cartilage and bones in the dog’s hip start to wear away as he develops. This leads to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility over time.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A cardiac abnormality known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occurs once the ductus arteriosus fails to seal properly at birth.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Many eye infections involve the retina’s slow deterioration. In the initial phases, puppies become night-blind. As it progresses, they lose their eyesight during the daytime as well. However, most canines slowly adapt to their slight or complete sight loss as long as their home surroundings remain the same.

Dental Issues: Dental issues like bleeding gums, gum inflammation, tartar buildup, bad breath, cavities are common in Chihuahuas. Regularly brushing their teeth can prevent oral infections, gum diseases, and other dental problems.

Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow gradually. Cataracts may develop at any age and often don’t damage vision, although in some cases, they cause vision loss. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist certifies the breeding dogs after testing them free of hereditary eye disease before breeding. Usually, cataracts can be removed surgically with good results.

Glaucoma: It is caused by increased pressure in the eye and is found in two forms: primary, which is hereditary, and secondary, which is caused by the decreased fluid in the eye. Symptoms include pain and loss of vision. Treatment includes surgery or eye drops.

Pulmonic Stenosis: One of the most frequent inherited cardiac disorders in dogs is pulmonic stenosis. It is caused by a distortion of the Pulmonic valve, which obstructs the blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

Hypoglycemia: Anorexia, excessive tiredness, poor coordination, shaking, muscular twitching, fatigue, convulsions, and skin and gum discoloration are all symptoms of hypoglycemia. When dogs are in low sugar shock, they will usually refuse to eat or drink.

Von Willebrand’s Disease: The most prevalent hereditary bleeding problem in dogs is Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD). It’s caused by a lack of a specific protein that helps platelets (blood cells that aid with clotting) adhere together and form clots to close damaged blood arteries. Von Willebrand factor is the name of the missing protein (VWF).

Health Overview

	Chihuahua and Rat Terrier	Chihuahua and Jack Russel Terrier	Chihuahua and Fox Terrier	Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier	Chihuahua and Bull Terrier	Chihuahua and Maltese Terrier	Chihuahua and Boston Terrier	Chihuahua and Pitbull Terrier
Overall health	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium to high	Medium	Low to medium	Medium	Medium
Weight gaining tendencies	Medium	Medium to high	Low to medium	Low to medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Size	Small	Small	Small	Small	Small	Toy size	Small to medium	Low to medium

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Diet and Nutrition

Chihuahua Terriers don’t require a lot of food as they are compact. They’ll only need around a cup of kibble every day. Every dog needs high-quality food and a well-balanced diet. They require nutrients and amino that they cannot make on their own. Raw meat is always a favorite because they love meals high in protein. Maintaining a healthy coat also requires a nutritious diet rich in fats and oils, such as omega-3 fatty acids.

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Living Conditions

Chihuahua Terrier Mixes are energetic, loyal, excellent watchdogs, family, and companion dogs. They require a family who can spend quantity and quality time with them and treat them when they perform something desired. They require daily physical and mental exercise.

Adding a Chihuahua Terrier Mix Puppy

Things to remember before adding a Chihuahua Terrier Mix puppy to your family

Before you get a Chihuahua Terrier Mix puppy for your family, remember to search for a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will provide you with the puppy’s vaccination certificate and gene testing certificate. They will deworm them before selling them to you. Reputable breeders will also help you meet the purebred parents to ensure their health and lineage. In addition, they will update their vaccination.