The Chihuahua Terrier mix is a highly popular designer hybrid developed by crossing a Chihuahua with any one of the different Terrier breeds. This means that each mix has a different appearance and temperament depending on the Terrier parent.
Is a Chihuahua Terrier mix a good dog? Regardless of the type, the Chihuahua Terrier mix is a great companion dog. Chihuahua Terriers make amazing pets to adults or families with older kids. Friendly, devoted, and affectionate, they seek constant companionship and prefer to be the only pet in the household.
The Chihuahua Terrier mix comes in many different shapes and sizes, and there are several different types! Continue reading to learn the main differences between each Chihuahua Terrier mix and to find the right one for you!
What Is a Chihuahua Terrier Mix?
Developed by crossing a purebred Chihuahua and one of the Terrier breeds, the Chihuahua Terrier mix has many faces. There are more than 30 different types of Terrier dog breeds, but the ones that are often crossed with Chihuahuas are:
- Rat Terriers
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Yorkshire terriers
- Fox Terriers
- Bull Terriers
Essentially, a cross between a Chihuahua and any one of these Terrier breeds is called a Chihuahua Terrier mix.
Brief History
There is a big chance that Chihuahuas and Terriers mixed naturally over time, however, designer breeders started crossing them intentionally a few decades ago. As the demand for designer dogs climbed, the breeders started mixing different types of Terriers with Chihuahuas.
Chihuahua
Originally from Mexico, Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and a member of the toy dog group (source). But don’t let their size fool you, Chihuahuas are feisty and brave, and can be great guard dogs.
Terrier
There are more than 30 different types of Terriers and all were bred to hunt, kill vermin, and serve as guard dogs (source). Terriers range in size from fairly small to large and are best known for their high energy levels and feisty natures.
Both – Mixed Breed – Chihuahua Terrier Mix
When you cross a Chihuahua with one of the many Terrier breeds, you get a Chihuahua Terrier mix. The appearance and personality of this mix will largely depend on the type of Terrier that is crossed with a Chihuahua.
However, it’s safe to say that a Terrier Chihuahua mix will be highly energetic, stubborn, smart, fearless, and spunky. This mix-breed is a great apartment dweller and best suited for active and experienced owners.
Characteristics of Chihuahua Terrier Mix
It’s hard to predict anything about this mix unless you meet both parents and know exactly what type of Terrier is crossed with a Chihuahua. So, do your research and meet both parents before you bring a Terrier Chihuahua mix puppy home.
Terrier Chihuahua Mix Highlights:
| Size | Small size |
| Weight | 6-25 pounds |
| Height | 10-25 inches |
| Coat Type | Usually short, but varies |
| Shedding | Low to moderate shedding |
| Energy Level | Highly energetic |
| Overall Health | Good |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Height
Since the size of a Terrier parent breed can vary, there is no set standard when it comes to the height of the Chihuahua Terrier mix. Most are from 10 to 25 inches tall, but some can be shorter or slightly taller.
Weight
The weight of your mix will also largely depend on the weight of the parent Terrier. Keeping that in mind, most Chihuahua Terrier mixes weigh from 6 to 25 pounds.
Coat Color
The Terrier Chihuahua mix can sport a variety of different coat colors or even a combination of colors seen in both parent breeds. Most commonly seen colors are:
- Black
- Brown
- White
- Tan
- Chocolate
When it comes to the length and the texture of the coat, this mix can have it all! Chihuahuas have either smooth short hair, or silky long hair, but depending on the breed, Terries can have:
- Rat Terriers have smooth short coats
- Jack Russel Terriers have coarse short coats
- Yorkshire Terriers have long silky coats
- Fox Terriers have thick wire-haired coats
- Bull Terriers have smooth short coats
Shedding
Depending on the Terrier parent, you can expect your mix to be a low or moderate shedder. In either case, this hybrid is a good choice if you hate the idea of finding dog hair all over the place.
Temperament
As a crossbreed, your Chihuahua Terrier mix will inherit personality traits from both its parent breeds. In this case, your dog’s temperament will largely depend on the type of Terrier that is crossed with a Chihuahua.
To have a better idea of what to expect, we’ll list different Chihuahua and Terrier combinations and their temperament traits.
Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix – Rat-Cha
Known for its affectionate, loving, and devoted nature, the Rat-Cha is a great choice if you’re looking for a canine companion. This mix forms strong bonds with one member of the family but can be aloof around strangers.
This mix prefers being the only pet and isn’t suited for homes with young children, since they want all the attention for themselves.
Jack Russel Chihuahua Mix – Jack Chi
Loving, devoted, and stubborn Jack Chi is a high energy dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Affectionate and friendly, they form strong bonds with their owners and crave constant attention.
Chihuahua Yorkie Mix – Chorkie
A cross between Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier breed, the Chorkie is a devoted, playful, friendly, and attention-seeking companion dog. This mix gets attached to its family and can develop separation anxiety if left alone often.
Extremely loyal to their owners, they may become aggressive towards strangers, so they need to be properly socialized from an early age.
Chihuahua Fox Terrier Mix – Taco Terrier
Affectionate and loyal to their people, Taco Terriers are naturally wary of strangers so they can be great watchdogs. Energetic and playful, this mix is eager to please but can be difficult to train due to its stubborn nature.
Bull Terrier Chihuahua Mix – Bullhuahua
The Bullhuahua is a lively, protective, and people-oriented dog that doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. This is a sensitive companion breed that forms strong bonds with its owners and is loyal to a fault.
Pet Friendly
When properly socialized from an early age Terriers and Chihuahuas can get along with other pets, but they prefer to be the sole pet. Keep in mind that Terrier mixes have a strong prey drive, so they will likely try to chase cats and other smaller pets (source).
Child Friendly
The Chihuahua Terrier mix is best suited for adult-only homes, or families with older children who know how to interact and play with a dog safely.
Chihuahua Terrier Mix Care
Like any other dog breed, the Chihuahua Terrier mix needs a lot of care and attention to be happy and healthy. Things you should pay attention to include:
Health Risks
While mixed-breed dogs are generally healthier than purebreds, the Chihuahua Terrier mix can develop certain health problems that affect its parent breeds.
The most common health problems seen in this mix are:
- Luxating patellas
- Hydrocephalus
- Heart disease
- Tracheal collapse
- Atopy
Considered to be generally healthy, the Chihuahua Terrier mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, when properly cared for some can live up to 20 years.
Grooming and Maintenance
Grooming requirements of a Chihuahua Terrier mix will depend on the type of coat. Brush your mix two to three times a week if he has a short coat, or more often if he has a thick and wiry coat.
Furthermore, you should bathe your mix using a mild dog shampoo once every three months or when he gets dirty. The rest is basic care and involves regular teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming.
Food or Diet
An ideal diet for a Chihuahua Terrier mix is one formulated for small breeds with high energy. Being small in size, your mix won’t need a lot of food so opt to feed him with high-quality kibble or wet dog food.
To prevent weight gain set a regular meal schedule and avoid free-feeding your dog. Also, keep track of the number of treats your pooch is eating, otherwise, he will gain weight quickly.
Training and Exercise
The highly energetic and athletic Chihuahua Terrier mix needs at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. They love all types of activities and will enjoy hiking or running as much as playing tug-of-war or chase.
You should know that training a Chihuahua Terrier mix can be difficult, especially for first-time owners. While intelligent, they are stubborn, so you’ll have to arm yourself with patience and stay consistent if you want to teach your dog to obey basic commands.
To train your Chihuahua Terrier mix-use positive reinforcement techniques and reward good behavior (source). You should keep the training sessions short and sweet and use treats, toys, or praise to get your mix interested in the training process.
Housing
A Chihuahua Terrier mix should always live indoors where it can spend time and interact with its human family. They are highly adaptable and will be happy in a condo or a mansion as long as their owners are there to keep them company.
Where to Get Chihuahua Terrier Mix?
Basically, there are only two ways you can get a Chihuahua Terrier mix – you can either adopt or shop.
Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breeders
Since Chihuahua Terrier mix is a designer dog you’ll have to do a bit of research to find reputable breeders in your area. Whenever you’re buying a puppy you should meet both of its parents and inspect the facilities where the puppies are kept.
Chihuahua Terrier Mix Price
Most Chihuahua Terrier mix puppies cost between $400 and $900. However, you might end up paying more depending on the type of the Chihuahua Terrier mix you’re looking for and its lineage.
Adoption
Although they are designer dogs, many Chihuahua Terrier mixes end up abandoned in shelters and rescue organizations. If you are serious about getting a Chihuahua Terrier mix, consider adoption.
Visit your local shelters and rescue organizations to see if any mixes are waiting for a forever home. And you can widen your search by contacting Chihuahua and Terrier breed-specific rescue groups since they take care of mixes too.
Conclusion
The Chihuahua Terrier mix comes in various shapes and sizes and has many different faces. But regardless of the type of the Chihuahua Terrier mix that has caught your eye, you’ll end up with an energetic, loyal, affectionate, and spunky canine companion.
Keep in mind, a Chihuahua Terrier mix isn’t a good choice if you have young kids, long working hours, or not enough patience to train a stubborn dog. However, if you are patient and willing to put in the effort, the Chihuahua Terrier mix will be a loyal companion and fierce protector.
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