Rat-cha Dog Breed

Rat Terriers, as the name implies, were working dogs that kept properties free of pests and varmint, while Chihuahuas are ancient, revered companion dogs. Your Rat-cha may retain pest exterminating instincts and will make an excellent watch dog, however, they are primarily companions. This dog is perfect for a single pet household with no children (or older children). They are able to live quite comfortably in a small apartment or condo and a fenced yard is not necessary.

Pros

• These dogs make nice companions for the elderly, owners that are frequently home, and households with older kids.
• They are fairly low maintenance in regards to grooming and exercise.
• Rat-chas will likely be hardy little dogs with few health issues.
• They are perfectly sized for apartments and condos.
• Courageous and alert, they make great watch dogs.

Cons

• These dogs are ideal for households without other pets or young children.
• They are said to be difficult to housebreak and may need early training to curtail nipping, digging and barking.
• They are not intense exercise partners.

Rat-chas, as hybrid dogs, will inherit characteristics from both parents but not always equally. We recommend prospective owners read up on the traits of both Rat Terriers and Chihuahuas before adopting one of these guys. The following information for this breed can be supplemented by visiting our parent breed pages.

These little dogs are lively and intelligent. Training will require some effort but can be achieved by a first time owner. They should be taught their place immediately with firm and consistent commands. Terrier like behaviors such as nipping, digging and excessive barking should be curtailed as early as possible. It may be difficult to housebreak this breed. The Rat Terrier is known for being much more trainable than the Chihuahua, so depending upon what characteristics your pet inherits, they may be easier to train or they may learn more gradually.

These dogs are very alert and loyal so they will make helpful watch dogs. They will alert the owner to approaching dogs or strangers as well as when someone is at the door. Early socialization will help them overcome standoffish behaviors towards friends and acquaintances. They will not appreciate a rowdy or turbulent household. They will enjoy being around household members frequently and are happy to passively sit on the couch and relax with you.

Rat-chas will be moderately energetic but they are by no means a vigorous exercising partner, and a fenced yard is not mandatory. These playful dogs will enjoy a long daily walk, trips to the dog park (also good for socialization) and some outdoor playtime. They should get at least 30 minutes daily exercise since this breed is prone to obesity and diabetes.

Hybrid dogs tend to vary much more than their purebred predecessors. The most notable difference for the Rat-Cha will be the coat length. A Rat Terrier and Long-Haired Chihuahua mix will usually result in an individual with longer hair than if the Chihuahua parent was of the Short-Haired variety. Shorter coats are more common but, either way, they will be regular shedders.

The coat color also varies quite a bit, even among puppies of a single litter. Black, white, brown, chocolate, cream and golden are some typical colors seem in this breed. The fur can be solid or multicolored. Often they are said to look like smaller Rat Terriers with big, Chihuahua-like ears.

Size will also vary based upon the size of the Rat Terrier used in the breeding process. Standard sized Rat Terriers will produce larger Rat-chas than Mini Rat Terriers will.

The Rat-cha temperament can vary among individuals, even if from the same litter, based on what characteristics they inherit and from which parent they inherit them. Overall, members of this breed are confident, alert, spirited and loving. They make lifelong bonds with their owners or families and do not like to be without them. It is likely the Terrier temperament will be inherited so they need to be trained early to avoid nipping, digging and excessive barking.

These courageous, loyal dogs will make excellent watch dogs, always barking to alert you of a strangers approach or someone at the door. If you do not socialize these dogs early, taking them to places with other pets and people, they may remain apprehensive around new acquaintances. They will be friendly enough with other dogs but should be socialized early with other small non-canine pets; tiny varmint-like critter should never be allowed around these guys (the Rat Terrier was bred to exterminate such species). Rat-chas will probably do fine in a household with older kids that have been taught how to respectfully handle pets but, otherwise, do not do as well in rambunctious households.

Chihuahua and Rat Terrier mixes result in puppies that should be healthier than the parent breeds, especially first generation crosses. Choosing a reputable breeder, combined with routine trips to your veterinarian, can help prevent some issues. It is recommended you read up on all possible health issues of both parent breeds before adopting one of these dogs. Typically, this breed will live from 13-17 years with few problems.

Both parent breeds are prone to patellar luxation, eye diseases and heart problems. Diabetes and obesity are also serious concerns for this breed. Finally, these dogs will be small and they have little body fat, they should not be left outdoors in cold temperatures.