Rat Terrier and Chihuahua Mix for Sale: Everything You Need to Know

The Rat Terrier and Chihuahua mix, also known as a Ratchi, is a unique and adorable breed that can make a wonderful pet for the right owner.

They are generally small in size, weighing between 8-18 pounds and standing about 10-14 inches tall.

This mix breed is known for being energetic and playful, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

They are also highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train them.

These small but mighty dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their short coats. Regular nail trimming is also essential to prevent overgrowth.

They need a balanced diet rich in protein and fat to maintain their energy levels and overall health. A high-quality dog food specifically formulated for small breeds is recommended.

Their intelligence and curious nature make them highly trainable, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training. Positive reinforcement techniques work best with this breed.

Rat-Chas can retain much of the Chihuahua's personality, so be prepared for a potential bigger impact if they become aggressive.

Proper training and socialization can help mitigate aggressiveness in Rat-Chas.

These dogs can be incredibly affectionate, but they tend to latch onto a single person and direct all their love to them.

Rat-Chas are a fairly low-maintenance breed, but there are still important details to know before owning one.

They tend to be suspicious of others, which can be great for single dog owners but less than ideal for social butterflies.

Rat-Chas are surprisingly high-energy dogs, so they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

A short, brisk walk or two is all they need to burn off excess energy, thanks to their short legs.

They love to play, but only if they call the shots, so be prepared to let them dictate the terms of playtime.

Forcing them to participate in games can lead to frustration, so it's best to let them come to you with ideas for play.

Keeping them physically exhausted can also help with aggression issues, but it's not a substitute for dedicated training.

Training your Rat-Cha requires attention to their natural aggression, which should be addressed from the first day you bring them home. Introduce them to various people, places, and animals, and praise them for calm and confident behavior.

Resource guarding is a significant issue with Rat-Chas, often manifesting as possessiveness over attention. Be cautious not to let them become protective of food, toys, or your lap, as this can lead to problems.

Training is essential, but don't expect your Rat-Cha to be as obedient as some other breeds, such as Golden Retrievers. They may not respond as enthusiastically to learning tricks.

Rat-Chas can be taught, but they usually aren't fond of learning a ton of tricks.

A different take: Training Rat Terrier

Our Rat Terrier and Chihuahua mix is a lively companion with a big personality, weighing between 10-18 pounds and standing 10-14 inches tall.

They are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their short coats are easy to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing to prevent matting.

They are intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.

Chihuahua / Mixed Breed dogs can thrive with the right approach. Cesar Millan's philosophies have been effective for this owner, who has seen positive results with their own pets.

A calm and assertive demeanor is key when interacting with these dogs. This owner puts themselves in a calm, assertive mode when dealing with their pets, and they listen.

Simple commands like "no" can work wonders with eager-to-please dogs like Rilo. This owner's dog Rilo didn't need much coaching, as she wanted to do anything and everything to please them.

Walking away when your dog is being naughty can be an effective way to address the behavior. This owner used the "submissive mode" approach to great success with their new dog.

Consider reading: National Dog Show Rat Terrier

The Ratchas are affectionate and mostly long for attention, yearning for human touch and sleeping on their masters' laps. They can be quite clingy, trying to dig a burrow on the bed and cuddle fondly.

Their small size can make them wary of bigger dogs, and they might not be comfortable interacting with them. This is especially true if the bigger dogs are boisterous or rough.

The Ratchas are also territorial and over-protective, keen to acquire whatever they cherish. They can be suspicious of strangers and other dogs, much like their Chihuahua parents.

Because of their sensitive nature, it's recommended to keep younger kids away from them, as their boisterous play might get on the dog's nerves.