The cute and perky Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix, also known as Rat-Cha, is a crossbreed that combines the affectionate playfulness of the American Rat Terrier and the cuteness of the Chihuahua breed. These small breeds are low-maintenance lap dogs perfect for single apartment dwellers but can be prone to aggression and other behavioral issues. Fortunately, you can mitigate their aggressiveness with proper socialization and training. Rat-Chas adores people of all ages, including small children, as long as they are willing to play. These small, unique, lively, agile, and loyal breeds have big spirits and will keep you busy with their endless energy.
Other Names: Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix, Rat-Cha, Rat-Chi, Chirat, Ratchua.
Breed Recognition: ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club, DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club, DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc., IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®
Rat Terrier vs. Chihuahua: A Comparison
Features
Rat Terrier
Chihuahua
Image
Origin
USA
Mexico
Height
10 – 18 inches
6 – 9 inches
Weight
10 – 25 pounds
3 – 6 pounds
Size
Medium
Small
Group
Companion dogs
Companion dogs
Family-friendly
Medium to high
High
Kid-friendly
High
High
Pet-friendly
Medium
Medium to high
Barking level
Medium to high
Medium
Shedding level
Medium to high
Low to Medium
Hypoallergenic
No
No
Grooming needs
Medium
High
Overall health
Medium to High
Low to Medium
Energy
High
Medium
Exercise needs
Medium to High
Low
Trainability
High
Medium
Activities
Agility, obedience, companion dogs
Watch dogs, companion dogs
Complications in breeding
No
No
Litter size
1 – 6 puppies
1 – 3 puppies
Life span
13 – 18 years
10 – 18 years
Other names
American Rat Terrier, Ratting Terrier, Decker Giant
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Rat Terrier Chihuahua MixPersonality
Rat Terrier Chihuahuas are tiny, big-spirited lap dogs who enjoy playing with their human family and even other canines and animals like cats. Both their parent breeds are of small stature, but they are very defensive and quick to alert you to strange goings-on around your residence.
Rat-Chas have large, erect triangular-shaped ears, small heads, black noses, dark round eyes, strong legs, a long compact body with thin legs, and a wiry short-length tail. Many Rat-Chas are found to be tricolor, bringing in the hues of brown, white, and black. Depending on their genetic make-up, others may have one color like black, white, or tan with a short or long coat.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
High
Pet-friendly
Medium to high
Stranger-friendly
Medium to high
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good for new owners
Medium
Sensitivity level
Medium
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold tolerance
Low
Heat tolerance
Medium
Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Temperament
Rat-Chas are lively, spunky, delighted, and attention-seeking energetic dogs who are relatively quick and spry with their tiny bodies. As a result of their defensive personalities and potential aggression, they may not be best suited for kids. They may be caught off guard by impulsive movements and react negatively. Always remember, Rat-Chas are half terriers. Terriers are innately territorial and aggressive. Luckily, this is where Chihuahua’s cute, laid-back trait shines through and balances everything out.
Rat-Chas manifest a bit of aggression towards strangers or can be reserved. They would also be destructive when bored, so you must engage them consistently in various activities. The main characteristic is that they connect with a single person. Chihuahua lineage tends to dedicate their lives to their owners, so expect your Rat-Cha to manifest this trait. With early and proper socialization, Rat-Chas can learn to live harmoniously with other dogs.
Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Training
Rat-Chas can take obedience training to a higher level. Without this, they can become destructive, aggressive, and challenging to manage. However, they have stubborn traits, so successful training depends on finding a skilled trainer to boost them with enthusiasm. It is essential to use positive training methods, and an excellent way is to break their routine training into shorter daily sessions to elevate their attention span. Enrolling your Rat-Chas in training activities at a very young age is advised to challenge their minds to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Rat Terrier Chihuahua mixlearns tricks quickly but instruct them using the following methods.
Positive reinforcement
Train them at a very early age
Be consistent while training
Start training at home
Rat-Cha is a sensitive dog, so you must avoid punishments, yelling, and harsh treatment, which will make them more stubborn. These are some of the training activities that you need to do with your Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix:
Rat-Chas are highly active and lively dogs like their parents. Always make sure they get access to routine walks outside and have the capability to jump and play inside, too. Various activities are suitable for their mental health in preventing boredom and depression. Also, it can support their physical health by aiding them in burning off energy and preventing obesity. If you fail to allow them to release their energy positively, Rat-Chas will exhibit anxious and destructive demeanors. Thus, always ensure to utilize toys or equipment to keep them engaged.
You can meet your Rat-Cha’s daily exercise needs by:
Rat Terrier Chihuahua mixes are healthy dogs if you take proper care of them. However, they are inclined to the same health issues their parent breeds face. So, planning routine health check-ups and visiting the veterinarian is essential.
Health Overview
General health
Medium to high
Weight gain possibilities
Medium to high
Size
Medium
Major Health Concerns
Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy): This condition occurs when your dog is exposed to a substance in the environment, leading to an allergic reaction.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A cardiac abnormality known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) occurs once the ductus arteriosus fails to seal properly at birth.
Hydrocephalus: Dogs with this disorder 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, restlessness, seizures, trouble learning commands, and coma.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Avascular or aseptic necrosis of the femoral head is another name for Legg-Calve-Perthes syndrome. This is a condition in which the femoral head degenerates on its own. This deterioration will eventually lead to hip collapse and arthritis.
Color Dilution Alopecia: The coat’s black dilution occurs due to Color Dilution Alopecia, a disorder in which your dog might develop hair thinning slowly on their skin, resulting in hair loss forever. This disorder is set in some but not all canines that have been bred for unique coat colors.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that can affect both puppies and people and requires medical attention. Symptoms such as pain, squinting, watery eyes, and redness can indicate glaucoma, leading to blindness. Regular health tests can help in identifying and curing glaucoma at an early stage.
Cataracts: This condition is caused due to the eye lens thickening, leading to cloudy vision. You can treat this condition either with surgery or medication.
Collapsed Trachea: A dog’s trachea or windpipe is a muscular tube supported by soft cartilage coils. The trachea moves through the dog’s neck on its passage to the lungs. When they pull forcefully on a choke chain or collar, it can result in tracheal collapse.
Dental Issues: Dental issues like bleeding gums, cavities, and gum inflammation are common in Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: PRA is a malfunctioning retina that fails to absorb, reflect, and perceive light and causes complete blindness.
Patellar Luxation is a common disorder seen in small-sized dogs. The kneecap’s anatomy lets it slip to one side when it steps out, causing a skipping gait on the back leg.
Hypothyroidism: Rat Terrier Chihuahuas’ parents are predisposed to underactive thyroid glands. The thyroid hormone controls how rapidly the dog ignites calories, and when this hormone’s levels are too low, the dog lacks energy, is sluggish, and gains weight instantly.
Obesity: A significant health condition causing digestive disorders, joint problems, back pain, and heart diseases. An ideal way to control this disease is by following a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
Elbow Dysplasia: A progressive disorder in Rat-Chas causing developmental elbow malformation. Dogs with this condition exhibit pain and forelimb lameness.
Hip dysplasia: Rat Terriers and Chihuahuas commonly struggle with this disorder, passing it on to their heirs.
Causes:
Wrong exercises
Excessive weight gain
Injuries
Symptoms:
Reluctance to rise, jump, run, or climb
Enlarging shoulders
Pain
Stiffness
Reduced activity and movements
Reducing thigh muscle mass
Grating in the joint during movement
Lameness in the hind limbs
Diabetes: A disorder that can be seen in any dog breed. However, some canines are more inclined to develop diabetes than others. For example, dogs withhigh body weight and a high-fat dietare the most likely to develop diabetes, while those fed a low-calorie diet are less likely to form it.
Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Diet and Nutrition
It is essential to choose dog food wisely, and you must avoid feeding Rat-Chas human food and grained food as it is hazardous to them. These breeds require a nutritious, high-quality protein-dense, preferably raw small-sized food in moderation as per their regular diet; else, they become obese quickly.
Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Living Conditions
Rat-Chas cannot tolerate extreme temperatures as their coats are short and easy to groom. You can protect them with sunscreen in summers and dog jackets in winters. Also, they want a loving residence for proper growth. Therefore, a yard with appropriate fencing is the most suitable place for them to play around.
Things to remember before adding a Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix
Get a Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix from a reputed breeder to avoid inevitable circumstances like health diseases and who can provide you with vaccination credentials. Also, checking with the pup’s parents is best to ensure their health and happiness.
Cost of a Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix puppy
On average, a Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix puppy may cost around $400 to $700, not including miscellaneous costs.
