Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dogs in the world, and you can easily carry them around in your pocket, but you shouldn’t, as they might not like it! They have been named after the place ‘Chihuahua’ in Mexico. They are intelligent, alert, swift-moving and lively.
The terriers, however, originated in Great Britain and Ireland. They are hardy and were used to hunt rabbits, foxes, etc. Some people wanted a dog that would be alert, as well as a good companion and an apartment dog. So they mixed both the chihuahua and the terrier dog and got the chihuahua terrier mix that represented the best qualities of both the dogs.
The Mixed Breed
These dogs represent the best of both the terrier and the chihuahua breed. They are hardy, bold and high-spirited like the terriers, and intelligent, companionable and lively like the chihuahuas. These dogs can be carefree and outgoing and the bond that they share with their humans is often very strong. They can also be good alert dogs as many will bark and alert you to people coming to your home.
Description
The mix is a cross breed of terrier and chihuahuas. They are lively and intelligent pets. These dogs are one of the healthiest breeds and may live an average of 15-17 years. The main disadvantage is that since they are so small, they are more delicate than their big dog counterparts! Hence, make sure to keep an eye out on them. Don’t let young children play with them or pick them up, as they may be dropped and accidentally hurt. But don’t be afraid to do fun things with them. There are a multitude of dog sports out there that they excel at! Flyball and agility, for instance.
These dogs can be reserved with strangers, as can any breed, just ensure that you are socializing at a young age so they get used to all kinds of people, places and things. From a very early age, get them to mix with other humans and animals (not only dogs). Take them out and about to different places. If you do this, they will grow up confident and well adjusted. A well adjusted, well socialized chi-terrier can make the best family pet.
Temperament
The chihuahua terrier mix dogs are alert and curious. At the slightest sound, they will go to check it out. They love to hang out with their people, and if not socialized and trained properly, using positive reinforcement training, of course, they can become fearful of other people. They often get closely attached to one family member of the house. Many little dogs think they are big dogs and often have a “Napolean complex”. If well socialized, they can play very well with dogs of all sizes.
Puppies
Like the adults, the chihuahua terrier mix puppies are also very lively. When they are born, extra attention should be paid to them as they not only have fragile bones like the adult dogs, but they have something called molera, which is an open gap located at the top of their skull. The gap closes by the time the puppies reach adulthood. But till then, you have to be very careful while handling them as this can cause serious issues if dropped.
From a very young age, you’ll want to socialize the puppies to as many people, dogs and situations as possible. You want to create a confident puppy and hence, adult dog. Get them used to many different surfaces, and situations. At the beginning it will be very difficult, but once they get the hold of it, you will face no problems. Also make sure that if you have children, that you teach your children how to behave with dogs. It’s important with this breed because they are so small, you don’t want any harm to come to the pups.
Types of Chihuahua Terrier Mix
Characteristics: Otherwise known as the Boston Huahua, Bochi or Chibo, this adorable mix weighs around 10-20 pounds when fully grown. They have larger ears than chihuahuas and stand upright. They may or may not have a tail.
Temperament: Chihuahuas and Boston Terriers are both high energy, fun dogs. They are playful and intelligent and can be trained easily using force free training. Curious and alert, they may bark to alert you about any strange presence around your house. This breed gets uncomfortable in extremes of climate (too hot or too cold), so make sure you have a coat for them in the winter and keep them out of the extreme heat in the summer. They are susceptible to weepy eyes but is overall healthy.
Characteristics: This mix certainly is a combination that creates an adorable package. A full-grown Malchi is about 5-12 pounds and 12-14 inches. Their appearance really depends on whether the genetic traits have taken after the Chihuahua or Maltese Terrier.
Temperament: They are super lively and can be extremely loving. Intelligent and sweet, they are fun to train. They may be prone to eye illnesses and ear infections.
Characteristics: The Rat-Cha or Ratchi, is an interesting mix of the world’s smallest dog and a hunting dog. They are very energetic and intelligent. They can live up to 18 years! If well socialized and well trained, they are wonderful companions.
Temperament: It inherits the general mix breed traits, but can be easily trained to bring out the best of both breeds. With regards to health, this breed faces fewer health problems than the other mix breeds.
Characteristics: The Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix, otherwise known as the Jack-chi, is another mix of the tiny chi with a hunting dog. Jack Russel terriers, originally bred to hunt fox, are high energy dogs that need lots of exercise. They can be long haired or short haired.
Temperament: The Jack-chi is a great combination of fun and intelligence. They do well with positive reinforcement training and early socialization. If socialized and trained from an early age, they make wonderful pets. A great combo of two breeds that are perfect for dog sports such as flyball and agility. They are fun dogs and often have silly personalities. Make sure they gets lots of exercise and attention and they will provide you with years of excellent companionship.
Cost
A healthy, vaccinated puppy may cost anywhere between $600-4000. There are many rescues where you can adopt them. They are much cheaper price at $50-400, often with all of their shots and spayed or neutered. If buying from a breeder, a female usually costs more than a male. Due to the large amount of chihuahua mixes in rescues, it is recommended that you start here. You can adopt a healthy, and well adjusted mixed chihuahua that would make a great pet from your local rescue or shelter.
