The Good and Not-So-Good Traits of Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breeds
The Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed is a mixture of a Chihuahua and a Terrier. Although it’s the cross-breeding of a Chihuahua with each Terrier breed. Including Rat, Jack Russell, Fox, and Yorkshire Terrier.
So each Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed is the characteristics of different Terriers. This depends upon their physical traits, temperament, and other qualities. The book of crossbreeds when it comes to the Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed is varied.
Today, I will be walking you through the different Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds. What’s so fascinating about them? And what are the pros and cons of owning and bringing home a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed?
If you’re at all interested in knowing more about this dog breed. You’ll want to read every bit of what I’m about to tell you.
Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breed
Breeders pair a Chihuahua with different Terrier breeds. I’ve already mentioned the names of each Terrier breed above. But there is something more that you should know.
Even though Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds are a mixture of AKC-recognized Terriers. They are not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as a dog breed. The primary reason for that is because Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breeds are crossbreeds.
There are other certifications like the International Designer Canine Registry that recognize Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds. But that you won’t find for all the crossbreeds.
To understand the good and not-so-good traits of this mixed breed. Let’s look at where each dog breed comes from.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are named after a Mexican state called Chihuahua. They are feisty and tiny creatures. With a graceful, light, and quick gait. Physically, a Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world – recognized by the AKC. Temperamentally, they are friendly and energetic.
Training a Chihuahua, if you have one, should be your number-one priority. They can be quite dominating and demanding if they are ill-trained. If you treat them with respect and compassion, they can make excellent companions.
Terrier
Terrier is a group of dogs belonging to the Terrier breed. They are primarily hunter dog breeds of rats, foxes, moles, and other such creatures. The name ‘terrier’ actually means ‘earth’ so this dog breed is grounded and primitive.
Physically, you will find many Terrier sizes. But what really sets them apart is their temperament. They are intelligent, quick, attentive, and energetic creatures. If you train and raise them well, they stay loyal and caring for you and your family.
The most common Terrier breeds in the world are Jack Russell Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier.
Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breeds
The commonly selected Terrier breeds for a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed are as follows:
- Chihuahua – Rat Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua – Jack Russell Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua – Fox Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua – Bull Terrier Mix
- Chihuahua – Yorkshire Terrier Mix
Here are the common characteristics of the Chihuahua Terrier Mix…
Physical Characteristics
A Chihuahua Terrier Mix can be one of the healthiest crossbreeds. And they can live up to 15 to 17 years. Even though Chihuahuas are small breeds since they are cross-bred with Terriers. This makes them more energetic and athletic.
If you’re buying this crossbreed, make sure you pick a healthy one. They are known for their agility but a breeder can easily fool you into buying a sick or delicate pup.
By appearance, the height of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix is 10 to 28 inches. And by weight, they are somewhere between 6 to 25 lbs.
Their coat depends on the type of crossbreed you select. Short or medium-long. Smooth-coated or wire-coated. White, black, brown, or tan. Or you can also select a tri-colored or a bi-colored Chihuahua Terrier mix.
The appearance of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed is a good indication of health. When you buy a dog from a reputable breeder, such breeds look expensive. Healthy, well-fed, well-groomed. These are the top physical characteristics of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed.
Behavioral Characteristics
This dog breed is known for its energy, agility, and friendliness. They are intelligent dogs that won’t show aggression or bite or make too much noise. They have a composed temperament unless provoked or rattled.
Simply put, if you love them, they will love you.
Having said that, Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds do require consistent and proper training. From a younger age, no less. If you have children at home, this should be even more important. Because history suggests that not all Chihuahuas or Terriers are friendly with children.
In fact, in some cases, they are best kept away from homes with children. As they are only disciplined and friendly with adults.
Beyond that, it’s easy to keep this dog breed occupied. They are intelligent and curious creatures. So playing clever tricks with them is one way of keeping them happy. Another being taking them for long walks, regular exercise, and smart training.
Chihuahua Rat Terrier
Friendly and easy to please dogs, the Chihuahua Rat Terrier has a strong prey drive. He or she can hunt and kill rats and are great at catching small things.
Chihuahua Jack Russell Terrier
Stubborn, mild-tempered, and not-so-intelligent, Chihuahua Jack Russell Terriers are loyal. They are more family-oriented with or without children. With proper training, some of them can also become very cuddly and devoted to any one or a few family members.
Chihuahua Fox Terrier
Loyal, friendly, and devoted, the Chihuahua Fox Terrier can be your best friend. And only yours if you are the sole caretaker of him or her. He or she will remain loyal and loving to you while enjoying the company of others. But their commitment is only to you.
Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier
These dogs pack a punch. They are energetic, quick, and demanding. It’s best to buy a Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier in a house with no kids around. They can be quite competitive and dominating. But they are devoted creatures with a strong work ethic.
Chihuahua Bull Terrier
Lastly, the Chihuahua Bull Terriers are companionable and energetic. They are dominating, but at the same time, they are devoted and hearty creatures.
Because in the past Bull Terriers were bred and trained for competitive fighting. They have a bad reputation in the dog industry. Having said that, with proper training and attention, they can be loyal and humble dogs.
Training a Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breed
The good traits of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed are enough reasons to buy one right now. You can train this dog breed easily with the help of these mindful tips.
This dog will listen to your commands and follow them correctly with positive reinforcements. No yelling or physical abuse of any kind is permissible. Do not punish or torture your dog if he or she refuses to listen to your command.
It’s important to maintain your dog’s mental and physical health. Shouting of any kind for not obeying orders can lead to aggression and other severe problems.
This one study proves the negative effects of yelling at dogs. It can traumatize your puppy beyond help. One result shows that excessive yelling can cause high-stress levels and depression in dogs.
The best way to train your dog is with treats, rewards, and a pat on the head. Positive reinforcements go a long way – so be patient and kind.
Chihuahuas are stubborn dogs. Everybody knows that. But Terriers, on the other hand, are attentive and have a solid work ethic. Thankfully, you have a dog that’s a combination of both traits.
So it’s easier to override the stubbornness of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed than you think.
One thing that doesn’t work with smaller dog breeds like a Chihuahua is extra-coddling. You’re not supposed to treat them like they are tiny and cute dogs. They develop a condition known as ‘small dog syndrome’. It’s when a Chihuahua gets away with all bad behavior by yapping or showing aggression.
They compensate for their tiny size by showing aggression. This syndrome gets them to act the way big dogs do to seem threatening to their owners.
To avoid this kind of behavior, it’s really important to train your dog from a younger age. Simple commands like sit, quiet, no, get down, etc. are necessary.
If you have children at home, training them to properly behave around strangers and other kids is also important.
With proper training and care, you can sidestep the not-so-good traits of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed.
Teaching A Chihuahua Terrier Mix to Socialize
This is the not-so-good trait of Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds. They are often very cagey and edgy around strangers and other people. This may include one or two of your own family members. Especially if you’re living in a large family.
Although proper training can help avoid this becoming a nuisance. You need to control and regulate the way your dog behaves around others. This means training your dog to behave well at home, for a walk, and in a dog park.
One of the most annoying things that Chihuahuas do is yap, yap, yap. Yapping and barking at somebody or something is a way to get your attention. This will continue to do so, for hours even, until they get what they want.
Chihuahuas have a barking issue that needs proper rehabilitation. This may be because of fear, dominance, aggression, or territorial issues. If you have more than one dog at home, that is how they mark their territories.
The best way to sort this out is by teaching your dog to socialize. Socialization in dogs is a long process but a very rewarding one. You can start it as soon as you bring your pup home.
Start by introducing your dog to new objects that your dog is not familiar with. Such as toys, big pillows, objects that make a noise like a washing machine, etc.
If your dog is nervous around lots of people, introduce your family members one at a time. Make sure you do not yell to or force your dog to interact with anyone. Give him or her space and time to grow accustomed to new situations.
If your dog barks when you’re not around, invest in a dog bed or crate. Chihuahua Terriers love to burrow so creating a cave-like den for them is the best idea. That can be their safe space while you’re away. Introduce stimulating toys and treats for them to stay occupied with.
Here Are Some Quick Tips to Stop Your Dog from Barking…
- Remove the trigger that’s causing the bark. If your dog is barking or yapping at birds or people walking outside, close the curtains. Or you can even take your dog into another room.
- Do not yell at or hit your dog to stop the barking. This will agitate them even further. Rather distract your dog with a positive training tactic. Do this consistently and you’ll notice a difference in the way your dog reacts to triggers.
- If you can, ignore the barking, and as soon as the barking stops, reward your dog with a treat. Do this each time your dog barks at something or somebody. Keeping your dog in the cage or crate as soon as he barks and ignoring him until he quiets down is also a good tactic.
Conclusion
Chihuahua Terriers are trust-worthy and energetic dogs. You can expect to pay around 400 to 1000 dollars for a well-bred and high-quality Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breed. They are intelligent, friendly, and attractive dogs.
Their only ‘not-so-good’ trait is that they may bark a lot. But there’s always a reason for that. Proper training, grooming, and physical exercise is essential. They are friendly with adults and children if you train them well. And even though they are small dogs, they need an active lifestyle.
I’m sure that after reading all this, you must be convinced that a Chihuahua Terrier is the dog breed for you. Healthy and high-quality Chihuahua Terriers live up to 17 years. And as they are not aggressive when properly trained, they are devoted and loyal to have around!
If you’re looking for a small-sized but moderately-intelligent dog breed. Go for any one of the Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds that we’ve spoken about today. They have tons of personality and stamina, which will be perfect for you!
