A small but strong dog is any Chihuahua or Rat Terrier mix. The Chihuahua Rat Terrier Mix, also known as Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix, Rat-cha, or Rat-chi, is a hybrid between the well-known Chihuahua and the American Rat Terrier.
Rat-Chas are a well-liked breed of designer dog. They are playful, kitten-like canines that require very little maintenance. They only seek the love and support of their family. The Rat-cha/Rat-chi is petite like its parents and frequently carries the Chihuahua’s facial features.
Although this breed of dog isn’t particularly affectionate, it can be. However, as pets, they often develop a strong bond with one person and give them all of their love while being wary of others. Find out more about some unique Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix facts.
What is A Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix?
Since the Rat-chi made their debut in the 1990s, both they and their parent breeds have frequently been hailed as the “greatest” designer dog breed. On the breeding origin of the Rat-Cha, there isn’t a lot of documentation or history, though.
Non-purebred canines include rat-cha. As previously established, they are a hybrid between the Rat Terrier and the Chihuahua.
American farm dogs called Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix were created to hunt rats and squeeze into small spaces, hence the name. Even Theodore Roosevelt, the president, had a Rat Terrier! It took on the role of the White House’s on-site rat handler throughout Roosevelt’s presidency.
On the other hand, chihuahuas are Mexican in origin. Humans have bred them for companionship and rodent hunting since the 19th century, just like Rat Terriers. Eventually, the Chihuahua breed arrived in the US, where it rose to prominence as one of the most popular designer dog breeds.
Benefits of a Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix
Trainability
Actually, Rat-Chas are intelligent canines. In fact, their intellect is clearly seen when it comes to tasks like housetraining. These breeds learn concepts extraordinarily quickly, therefore accidents are less likely to occur.
However, early socialization and training will guarantee that your Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix interacts with people well. Don’t forget to utilize sweets and rewards along with encouraging remarks when teaching your Rat-Cha. Associate as many people, animals, and environments as you can with your Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix.
Early on, establish yourself as his pack leader, and think about spending money on obedience training.
Lifespan
One of the most exciting things to know about Rat-Chas is that they are one of the crossbreeds with the longest lifespan, with a maximum life expectancy of 18 years. That does not necessarily imply that you will have a healthy Rat-Cha after all those years.
They frequently have an increased risk of developing a number of illnesses, including diabetes, obesity, hip issues, and progressive retinal atrophy. Start spending money on wholesome dog food and setting up mealtimes for your Rat-Cha to make sure they’re eating well. Given the size and energy levels of different dog breeds, the amount is comparable.
Energetic
Surprisingly, the Rat-Cha breed has a lot of vitality.
They enjoy playing, jumping, and exploring. Rat-Chas need a way to burn calories because they are fun and active animals. You should therefore take your Rat-Chi for brief strolls each day. A lot of idle and dull hours could cause your Rat-Cha to act yappy or destructively.
Simple Grooming
The Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix is a little dog that requires little maintenance and grooming. Because of their modest shedding, combing them once a week will help get rid of any dead fur or extra hair. However, since Rat-Chas are also susceptible to dental problems, routine dental treatment and veterinary exams will guarantee that everything is in good shape.
Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Traits
Appearance
The Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix might have patterns on their body in tan tones or fusions of black, tricolor, or sand-white. The enormous, erect ears and alert expressions of Rat-parents Cha’s convey their intellect and perceptiveness to everything going on around them.
Again, depending on which genes of the parents they inherit, the ears can resemble either of their parent breeds, although they are typically also floppy.
Height & Weight
The Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix hybrid is typically between 12 and 25 pounds in weight and 12 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat
A Rat-size Cha’s is determined by the Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix, and the length of its coat is determined by the Chihuahua. Rat-Chas are typically silky and sleek with short, bristly coats that shed moderately. Therefore, you should brush their fur once a week to get rid of extra fur.
Your Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix will probably have a short coat unless one of the parents was a longhaired Chihuahua. If it were cold outside, he could need a sweater. The shade of a Rat-hair Cha’s also varies.
Black, white, brown, golden, cream, and chocolate are the most prevalent hues. Rat-Chas could have fur that is one color or many colors.Temperament
The Rat-Cha frequently demonstrates the aggressive character of both Rat Terriers and Chihuahuas. They guard their people and property fiercely. Additionally, they have a high level of mistrust towards other people and frequently act differently among other dogs.
Also incredibly autonomous pets are Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix. They are not interested in playing or interacting with other dogs, especially larger breeds. They thrive in homes where they are the sole pet. The breed is also prone to possessive behavior when it comes to dog food and toys.
Your Rat-Chi will be taught to get along with other pets with the right training.
The easiest technique to Socialize a Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix breed is to begin the training as soon as possible.
How Can I Train My Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix?
A Rat-Chi breed is not particularly difficult to train, yet their parents’ intransigence may cause them to become such. You must maintain your composure in such situations, be patient, and motivate it with food and rewards.
Basic Instruction
As soon as you can, teach your Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix the fundamental instructions (such as “stay,” “sit,” “come,” etc.). These instructions, together with obedience training, make you the pack leader and safeguard your Rat-Cha in social circumstances. A well trained Rat-Chi will halt his activities and pay attention to his owner. They want to please others and are quick to pick up on simple command principles. You can use the following steps to assist in bettering your training of your Rat-Cha:
- All the training, housebreaking is the most important. Make sure you take your leashed Rat-Cha dog for walks around the neighborhood. Your dog will become accustomed to your home as a result. Even though he’s a puppy, you should transport him throughout the entire house.
- Having a leader is ingrained in a dog’s nature. You must therefore act as theRat Terrier Chihuahua Mix as you are its owner. Your Rat-ears Chi’s will perk up as you speak, as you will see. This shows your dog is paying attention to what you’re saying and will submit to your authority. Therefore, deliver the instructions with firmness, love, and praise. Despite its fury and stubbornness, the Rat-Cha will eventually carry out your instructions.
- The simplest technique to teach a Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix to sit when instructed is to touch its rump and press it down while using the word “Sit.” After some time, take your finger out to see if the Rat-Chi is still sitting. Repeat the steps if he begins to stand up. The little puppy will quickly pick up how to sit. When he learns to sit solely on command and without your help, praise him and give him a snack.
After the Rat-Chi has mastered the fundamental commands, you can advance to harder training.
Bathroom Training
The Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix puppies learn how to control their bladder and bowels between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks. Because of this, this is the ideal moment to begin toilet training them. Take the puppy out to use the restroom if it is in a cage or box after meals, after naps, before going to bed at night, and just before you are about to leave it alone.
It will learn where to go potty and pee if you take your Rat-Chi there every day. Always give him praise and rewards for a job well done. Never chastise or penalize your pet for a small, unintentional error. Clap loudly to let it know that something unacceptable has happened if you can catch it in the middle of the task.
Leash Training
In order to avoid getting frustrated when the leash is on, leash training is also crucial. Never attempt to drag your dog by the leash. Use only a short leash and avoid tightening it up too much. Walk in front of him because dogs love to follow their owners [1].
The sole secret to successful training is reward and perseverance. This will make it simple and quick for the Rat-Chi dog to comprehend commands on the leash.
Conclusion
Despite their small size, Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix have enormous spirits and aren’t shy about letting their presence be felt. Rat-Cha dogs might be prone to aggression and other behavioral issues, so owning one isn’t for everyone. However, their love for their cherished people makes them popular pets.
Since they don’t require a lot of space and prefer to spend the most of their time curled up on their special person’s lap, they are particularly well suited for single apartment residents. Rat-Chas are the best choice if you’re looking for a “The Bachelor” watchdog buddy, but they won’t make the best exercise partners.
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