Boston Terrier Chihuahua Dog Breed

Make no doubt: the Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix is one of those nearly perfect companion dogs. The Boston Terrier originally came from cross-breeding two sporting dogs (one of which is extinct and the other of which long ago had the real fight taken out of it — legally and temperamentally). The Chihuahua was a breed formed several centuries ago by cross-breeding two very different dogs (one of which was believed to be hairless). Despite these differences, the result — all these purebred and crossbred dogs later — is a wonderful, active and fun dog whose intelligence may be a bit challenging but will fit in well with most first-time families.

PROS

• Friendly
• Small in size
• Easy to train
• Extremely intelligent
• Moderate exercise needs
• Very few health concerns
• May act slightly clownish
• Possibility of being hypoallergenic

CONS

• Might bark a lot
• Can have heart problems
• May not be hypoallergenic
• Has a tendency to be stubborn
• Severe underbite is a possibility
• Can be fragile despite bold personality
• Very low tolerance to cold weather and climates

The Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix is one of the better designer dogs to emerge from the craze that was based in the 1990s. Although the dogs' histories are very different, they mesh well and have great personalities for family life. Both are small dogs whose previously hyper- and overly bold temperaments have been tempered over the last century — but not so much as to render them boring.

This is easily one of the most intelligent hybrid dogs out there. They are easy to train, love to learn tricks and even tend to show off. You should be aware that this boldness may occasionally become stubborn desire when your BoChi wants something - which is why thorough training should be started at an early age as well as be done with a gentle hand.

She'll be fun, she'll be active — and she may seem like she's too big for her britches at times! Thankfully, her small size will make her manageable, but she is not to be underestimated. These are loyal, loving and fun dogs.

Apartment living will suit a Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix just fine, and while she will find plenty to do on her own, she should be exercised outside at least once daily; left under-exercised and inside she may bark constantly, jump on furniture (and you!) and perhaps even start chewing up things. These dogs may pretend to be stronger than they are, however, and you should use some care when playing with your BoChi.

Because it is a rather new hybrid dog, it is difficult to know what to expect from the Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix. It's unknown why this mixed breed was made or who was responsible. As for the parent breeds, however:

The Boston Terrier is itself a relatively new breed that not so long ago was a crossbreed. The dog was borne of an English Bulldog and a white English Terrier. Unlike many "new" breeds (or most breeds in general), the Boston Terrier has been very well documented from the beginning. The dog that started it all was named Judge; the man responsible was Robert C. Hooper; and the year he introduced this then-named Round Head "breed" was 1870. The American Kennel Club (AKC) formally recognized this dog as a breed in 1893.

The Chihuahua is known for its Terrier-like temperament: it was a bold vermin-hunter that was nevertheless amenable to family life. Mayan art and a former similar breed of dog (the Techichi) indicate the Chihuahua may have been present anywhere from the 5th to the 9th century A.D. The earliest evidence of this dog was found in Chihuahua, Mexico, which is why this dog is so named. Like the Boston Terrier, the breed was recognized early on; formal recognition was granted the Chihuahua by the AKC in 1904.

Affectionate, intelligent, stubborn, fun-loving, and active, the Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix temperament is an interesting combination of toughness and tenderness. BoChis are usually fun-loving and happy, but the same dogs can also be extremely willful and snippy if they don't get their way. Some may get along very well with kids and other pets, while others may be domineering and selfish; it all depends on luck of the genetic draw. In any case, though, obedience training and socialization--starting early and often--will go a long way towards making your BoChi a more well-balanced dog.

With the combination of the Boston's intelligence and the Chihuahua's stubbornness, training these hybrids can be a challenge. Owners will need to have plenty of patience, and will need to utilize firm, consistent training methods. Short, reward-based lessons are great for BoChis.

And their alert, curious personalities make Boston Terrier Chihuahua mixes great watchdogs, but don't expect them to scare intruders away! They are likely to sound a vocal alarm, though, if they perceive a potential threat.

The Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix doesn't appear to have many health concerns, and of those that may occur there seems to be nearly none that are serious. The hybrid vigor that happens when two purebreds are mated may be responsible for helping to generally eliminate the weepy eyes that Chihuahuas often possess, however, and the one serious issue can be heart problems. Otherwise, about all you need to watch out for are eye complications, allergies, deafness and joint ailments.

The estimated lifespan of the Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix tends to average 12 to 15 years.