The rat terrier Chihuahuas are considered some of the most popular designer dogs on the planet. But what do you know about these pooches? Yes, we all know that Ratchis are cute and affectionate canine buddies. But a lot of us will draw a blank if asked to get into the details of what these dogs are all about. Well, in case you are thinking of getting a Rat-Cha, this is the article for you. We will be expounding more on the breed with a lot of helpful info for you.
The Chihuahua rat terrier combines the cuteness of the Mexican Chihuahua and the affectionate playfulness of the original American rat terrier. These pooches are extremely low maintenance and notoriously affectionate towards their owners. Ratchis are also relatively small dogs with large triangular-shaped ears. But there is still a lot more about them you should know. In this post, we will be giving you all that info.
We start by a brief description of the breed, including its physical attributes and temperament. The post also covers some of the more common rat terrier Chihuahua health issues. We will also discuss the Rat-cha grooming routine, including how to manage its shedding. We wrap up the post with a few FAQs to ensure you have a detailed understanding of what Ratchis are all about.
The Rat-Cha is a common “designer” dog. It is a crossbreed between the Chihuahua and the purebred American rat terrier. These beautiful canines were introduced in 1990. 30 years down the line, they have established themselves as some of the most dominant crossbreeds in the world today.
The rat terrier Chihuahuas are typically small in stature. These little canine buddies will on average weigh between 12 and 25 pounds. Rat-Chis also don’t grow that tall. Typically, they stand between 12 and 18 inches at the shoulder level.
They also have large, erect, and somewhat triangular shaped ears that protrude way over their small heads. These large ears give Rat-Chis outstanding awareness and they tend to be extremely alert at all times. These cute little four-legged buddies also have a relatively higher life expectancy. Rat chis live for between 10 and 15 years at most.
The Rat-Cha is a high energy and frisky pooch. The dogs are extremely confident, playful, and very welcoming too. It’s however not uncommon for Rat-Chas to show aggression at first. But after a few days of socialization, they cool off easily.
Nonetheless, let’s not forget that these cute cross breeds have a little terrier in them. In that case, they often get alarmed in the presence of strangers. But they are not nearly as aggressive as the real terriers. The Rat-Cha is also sometimes referred to as the Rat-Chi.
As we have already indicated above, a rat terrier Chihuahua lives for 10 to 15 years. The Rat-Cha is generally a very healthy dog. However, the pooches are susceptible to certain health conditions. Here are two of the main ones to keep in mind.
Patellar luxation is characterized by the dislocation of the kneecaps. It is normally detectable within the first 6 months of the pooch’s life. If not properly treated, patellar luxation will significantly affect your dog’s mobility and activity levels.
Hip dysplasia is also very common with rat terriers Chihuahuas. The disease normally affects the dog’s hip joints and may significantly limit mobility too. Hip dysplasia is normally inherited from dog to dog. But it can be accelerated by environmental factors including the pooch’s health and age.
Joint degeneration is however inevitable. Although we want our little rat terrier Chihuahuas to jump up and down all the time, as they age, they may no longer be able to do so.
The great news is that some supplements can help with these joint-related conditions. Doggie Dailies Glucosamine is one of them. This supplement contains a rich amount of glucosamine, along with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), chondroitin, and turmeric in its formulation, that can alleviate joint health.
All these ingredients contain anti-inflammatory properties. They are used to enhance overall joint health, including joint pain relief. Although these dog chews are marketed as a supplement for older dogs, the product will also work great for pooches with joint injuries.
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Ratchis are naturally very attentive and aware of their surroundings. This is because of their large ears and also because of their personality. The pooches are also very active and playful. This makes them great family dogs.
Rat terrier Chihuahuas may show aggressive behavior towards strangers. Keep in mind that these beautiful four-legged canines are half terrier. And as we know by now, terriers are aggressive and territorial.
But Ratchis are not nearly as aggressive as the real terriers. I guess the cute and laid back personality of the little Chihuahua in them balances everything out.
The most important thing for Ratchis is socialization. These Rat-chis are affectionate once they get to know the person. So, if they growl at you for the first time, just give it time. The pooch will soon come around.
Let’s be honest, you are not going to be there all the time to play with your active rat-cha. It is therefore a great idea to get the pooches a toy to keep them busy. There is nothing more fulfilling for a dog owner than spoiling these furry buddies with toys and treats.
Well, if you want a toy that keeps your Rat-cha active and engaged all day, then the goopow Automatic Interactive Laser Toy should be perfect. The toy comes with an automatic rotation feature that shifts the laser beam randomly around 360 degrees.
This means that you don’t even have to be there to engage your pooch with this toy. It will keep your little rat terrier Chihuahua jumping up and down with excitement all day long. The toy offers USB charging but can also be powered by four AA batteries for outdoor use.
Ratchis are relatively low maintenance dogs. Unlike some breeds like Pugs and German Shepherds – the very same breed the 46th POTUS has, rat terrier Chihuahuas are moderate shedders. Brushing the pooch at least once every week should be enough to get rid of dead or excess loose hair.
However, it is important to note that Chihuahuas rat terriers tend to shed more hair during the summer. It is therefore advisable to expand the grooming routine during these hot months. Brushing twice a week during summer will go a long way in keeping loose and dead hair away.
Shedding is a completely natural process for dogs. However, the frequency and pace of shedding vary from breed to breed. Additionally, shedding may also be influenced by the seasons. For instance, during the cold winter months, dogs tend to develop heavy thick coats to protect themselves against the cold. At the onset of spring, where temperatures are relatively higher, the pooches will start to shed off excessive hair. This will continue well into the summer.
In some cases, excessive shedding may be a sign of underlying health issues. Let’s say for example you own a rat-cha or any other breeds that don’t typically shed that much. Always pay attention to the pooch’s shedding rates or frequency. If they are shedding too much hair, have them checked just to be on the safe side.
Ratchis normally require two things as far as grooming goes. This includes brushing their coats regularly and dental care. Getting the pooch a nice chew toy will help keep tartar and bad odors away. Consider brushing the dog’s teeth too for proper dental hygiene.
Secondly, you also need to take care of the Rat-Cha’s coat. So, as we have noted above, rat terrier Chihuahuas require moderate grooming. This is because these lovely four-legged buddies don’t shed that much. Typically, a grooming routine for a rat-cha will involve brushing the coat once a week. Make sure you expand brushing to twice a week during spring and summer.
It is important to make sure you are using the right grooming tools for your furry buddy. Brushing the coat is supposed to be one of the most enjoyable experiences for your little pooch. But if you don’t invest in quality grooming brushes, then your four-legged friend will always feel agitated and anxious during grooming sessions.
Well, no need to worry because the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is here just for you. This state of the art grooming brush is purposefully built to gently remove loose hair from your pooch. The brush also gets rid of knots, mats, dander, and even dirt trapped in the coat.
It’s also an all-purpose brush that will work very well for all dogs. The brush is extremely gentle on your little canine buddy. It’s also so easy to clean after use.
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How Much Do Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Cost? It really depends on where you are buying. Dogs tend to cost more in large major cities compared to smaller towns. Nonetheless, on average, expect to pay roughly around $400 for a rat terrier Chihuahua puppy.
Are Rat Terriers Related To Chihuahuas? No, Rat Terriers are not related to Chihuahuas. The rat terrier is an original American breed. It is often seen as the ultimate farm dog and is used a lot in hunting. Chihuahuas on the other hand originate from Mexico. They are actually named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua and are the smallest, perhaps even the cutest dogs on the planet.
Do Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Need A Lot Of Exercise? Yes. Rat terrier Chihuahuas are active and playful dogs. They will always want to jump around if they have the space to do so. Besides, exercise is always great for any dog breed. It keeps them fit and healthy. Getting your Rat-Cha to exercise more regularly is therefore highly advised.
Pete Decker is the Lead Editor at The Goody Pet. He is a passionate wildlife educator and loves to share his experiences on pets. During his free time, you can find him cozying around his 2 adorable Labradors (Tobi & Kobi).
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