Chihuahua Terrier Mix: Dog Breed Guide

A small, curious, and generally playful pup, the chihuahua terrier mix is a loyal and loving breed. This dog is considered a hybrid or a mixed breed, and they are typically a mix of a standard Chihuahua and a rat terrier, Jack Russell terrier, Yorkshire terrier, or fox terrier. Because their parental lineage possibilities are so diverse, Chihuahua terrier mixes have a wide range of traits and appearances available.

Our article will help you understand more about this small, family-friendly breed. Below, we discuss basic traits, temperaments, care needs, and other essential information you need to know before adopting one of these wonderful dogs.

A Quick Look at Chihuahua Terrier Mixes

The quick facts about the Chihuahua terrier mix below will help you to understand some basics about their appearance, temperament, and care needs.

 

What Is the History of the Chihuahua Terrier Mix?

The Chihuahua terrier mix has a more diverse history thanks to the different breeds that are typically mixed with the standard Chihuahua to achieve this breed. The Chihuahua itself has a history dating back to the 1850s in Mexico, with possible ancestors traced back to the Olmec, Toltec, and Aztec Techichi breed. The standard Chihuahua became recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.

While a Chihuahua terrier mix can be bred by mixing any terrier with a Chihuahua (there are over 30 different types of terriers), the most popular terriers are the Jack Russel terrier, rat terrier, Yorkshire terrier, and fox terrier. These breeds have varying histories, but they can mostly be traced back to the need for hunting dogs in the 19th century. Today’s terriers are known for their skills in hunting, digging, and catching unwanted vermin around properties, in addition to their growing popularity as companion and family dog breeds.

It’s unclear when exactly the first Chihuahua terrier mix was created, but this breed has most likely been around since the 1900s. The Chihuahua terrier mix is well-known today for its smaller size, loyalty, and position as an energetic companion animal.

What Do Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Look Like?

Because Chihuahua terrier mixes have diverse parentage possibilities, this pup has many different appearances. Mostly, this breed will be small and stand between 10 and 28 inches tall. Depending on their parent breeds, they typically weigh between 6 and 25 pounds.

Most Chihuahua terrier mixes will have short and straight coats, though longer coats and wiry coats are also possible. The most common colors for a Chihuahua terrier mix are white, black, brown, and tan. They can also be a solid color, bi-colored, or tri-colored.

To get the best idea of what your Chihuahua terrier mix might look like, take note of the appearance of its parent dog breeds when possible.

What Size Is a Chihuahua Terrier Mix?

A Chihuahua terrier mix is typically a small dog, though it may also be medium-sized. It will stand between 10 and 28 inches and weigh between 6 and 25 pounds, depending on the sizes of its parent breeds and general genetics.

What Is a Chihuahua Terrier Mix’s Coat Type?

Most Chihuahua terrier mixes have a shorter, straight coat, but some might have a longer coat that’s wirier. It is important to note that the more wiry your Chihuahua terrier mix’s hair is, the less likely they are to have a high amount of shedding.

What Is a Chihuahua Terrier Mix’s Temperament?

The temperament of your Chihuahua terrier mix might vary based on its parent breeds. In general, this dog is energetic, playful, and loyal, and they are usually curious and intelligent. Chihuahua terrier mixes often have a streak of stubbornness that comes with both the Chihuahua and terrier natures. They can be anxious or overly protective if they are not given the proper care and socialization that all dog breeds need.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Affectionate?

Chihuahua terrier mixes are affectionate, but they typically pick one or two individuals to bond with and merely tolerate the others in their home. That being said, this dog will be just as happy cuddling up on the couch with you after a long day as they will be spending time outside walking, playing, or even hiking, depending on their individual traits.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Good With Kids?

Chihuahua terrier mixes are not the best choice for a home with young children. This dog is on the smaller side and therefore tends to be more fragile, and they typically prefer to be the only energetic or active one in a household. As a result, they might not tolerate small children well and may growl, bark or nip at them.

Chihuahua terrier mixes are typically best suited for a home with only adults or older children that know how to interact with dogs properly.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Good With Other Animals?

While Chihuahua terrier mixes prefer to be the only dog in a household, they can sometimes be trained to get along with other animals. However, dogs that are much larger than them or dogs that play roughly or are aggressive are not good companions to this breed. The Chihuahua terrier mix is smaller and may easily be frightened or hurt by larger dogs.

The best choice for other animals are smaller dogs or even cats. Make sure to properly socialize your dog and introduce new animals slowly, keeping an eye on both animals’ reactions to ensure the safety of everyone.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Aggressive?

Though they are feisty and often have a high prey drive, Chihuahua terrier mixes are not typically aggressive. They can be protective and bark and growl when they feel threatened; anxiety may also make them lash out. However, with proper training and care, you can curb these unwanted behaviors and tone down any extremely aggressive nature your dog might possess.

Do Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Bark a Lot?

Chihuahuas are known for their more prolific barking habits, and terriers are similar in this regard. You can expect your Chihuahua terrier mix to be on the louder side, and they may bark when they are excited, playing, annoyed, attempting to get your attention, or simply if they see something suspicious outside. Proper training can curb some unwanted barking habits, but keep in mind that this dog breed may always be fairly vocal.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Intelligent?

Chihuahua terrier mixes can be intelligent, depending on their parent breeds. This dog tends to be loyal and somewhat easy to please, and the prey drive and hunting instinct of the terrier breed lends itself to higher intelligence. However, keep in mind your chihuahua terrier mix might be stubborn and learn slowly, so be patient during training and work up to more complex skills slowly.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Easy to Train?

Your Chihuahua terrier mix might be easy to train depending on their personality and the specific terrier breed. Some breeds of terrier are easier to train than others. It is important to note that this breed will likely have a stubborn streak that ensures they only learn when they want to. Training a Chihuahua terrier mix will likely take lots of patience, positive reinforcement, and repeated lessons.

Make sure that you never use aggression, anger, or yelling to train them, as this will likely result in worse behavior, ruin the training experience, and upset your dog.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Energetic?

The Chihuahua terrier mix is fairly energetic and loves playing outside with toys or their family members. Because this breed is relatively active, they will need at least an hour of exercise a day and two to three 10 to 15-minute walks throughout the day to ensure they get their energy out. Neglecting your dog’s exercise needs can result in pent-up energy that drives them to act aggressive or destructive.

While exercising your Chihuahua terrier mix, make sure that they have proper socialization opportunities and that you monitor them when they are playing off leash in public enclosed spaces such as dog parks.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?

Chihuahua terrier mixes can make good apartment dogs thanks to their smaller size. They fit well into small living spaces and are quite adaptable as long as they have their own space to relax or sleep, toys to keep them entertained, and their exercise/outdoor time needs are met. However, Chihuahua terrier mixes tend to be frequent barkers, which can cause problems when living in tight apartment quarters.

If you want to live in an apartment with your Chihuahua terrier mix, make sure you take time to train proper barking habits as much as possible.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Good Watchdogs?

The Chihuahua terrier mix is vocal and generally warier about outsiders to their home, making them good watchdogs. They will bark loudly to alert their owners of something suspicious, a habit that can be encouraged with proper training. You can expect them to be fiercely protective of you, and they will likely stand by your side and bark if they feel like a threat is nearby.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Good Service Dogs?

While Chihuahua terrier mixes are not the best choice for a mobility or medical service dog due to their smaller size and occasional stubbornness throughout training, this breed can be an excellent emotional support dog. The Chihuahua terrier mix is loving and loyal and enjoys spending lots of time with their family; this makes them great for alleviating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

How to Care for a Chihuahua Terrier Mix

The Chihuahua terrier mix is not the most high-maintenance dog, but you will need to ensure that they get proper grooming, exercise, and dietary care.

Chihuahua terrier mixes need two to three short walks each day along with about an hour of playtime. Your dog should have toys to keep them company when they are alone, but be sure not to leave them alone for long hours, as they will likely become anxious and destructive.

Your Chihuahua terrier mix might need brushing a few times a week, depending on their coat type, and they will likely need occasional baths to help with shedding. Additionally, they may need professional grooming occasionally to ensure their nails, ears, and coat all stay in good shape.

They should eat a diet of high-quality dog food with the amount they get fed each day tailored to their size and caloric intake needs. Make sure to attend regular veterinary appointments to keep up to date with your dog’s health and catch any health issues before they become major problems. You may also need to keep up with regular dental cleanings, as tooth decay can become an issue with small breeds.

Do You Need to Groom a Chihuahua Terrier Mix?

 

How often your Chihuahua terrier mix needs to be groomed depends on their coat type. Shorter, straighter coats should be brushed once or twice a week to help with shedding, while longer and wiry coats may need to be brushed more often.

Occasionally, professional grooming appointments are recommended to ensure your dog stays in top condition and feels their best.

Do Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Shed?

Your Chihuahua terrier mix might shed. Mixes with straighter and longer fur will shed more than those with wiry fur. Short-haired dogs may also shed, and regular brushing can help control the amount of hair scattered around your home.

What Should a Chihuahua Terrier Mix Eat?

Your Chihuahua terrier mix should eat a diet of high-quality wet or dry dog food that is supplemented by healthy treats. This breed is often prone to obesity, so make sure you are tailoring how much your dog eats to their specific size and caloric needs. For more assistance with this, your vet can help guide you.

You should spread their daily food between two or three meals and ensure they get enough exercise to stay healthy.

What Health Problems Do Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Have?

Like most dogs and mixed breeds, Chihuahua terrier mixes are prone to certain health conditions. These can be genetic conditions passed down from their parents or conditions that come with being a small breed. Health problems that your Chihuahua terrier mix might have include:

• Luxating patella
• Hydrocephalus
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Tracheal collapse
• Dental disease

Make sure to give your dog proper care and attend regular vet visits with your pup to ensure that they stay in good health and that any health problems are caught before they become serious or even fatal.

How Long Do Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Live?

Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and Chihuahua terrier mixes are no exception to this. This breed can live between 12 and 20 years, depending on their genetics and health issues. Proper care and regular vet appointments can help you ensure your dog has the most comfortable and longest life possible.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Expensive?

The Chihuahua terrier mix is not the most expensive dog, but they can still cost quite a bit if you decide to purchase this pup from a breeder. In most cases, a Chihuahua terrier mix puppy will cost between $400 and $1,500, though exactly how much you pay depends on the breeder, your location, and the parental mix of the dog.

How to Find a Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breeder

If you want to purchase a Chihuahua terrier mix from a breeder, you can conduct an internet search of potential breeders around you. However, you should double-check licenses and certifications and tour the breeding facility when possible to ensure that the breeder you select treats the dogs humanely and conducts proper breeding practices.

Can You Adopt a Chihuahua Terrier Mix?

You can adopt a chihuahua terrier mix from a shelter, local rescue, or a national rescue organization. This option is typically cheaper than purchasing from a breeder, and it is often not too difficult to find one of these mixed breeds in shelters, as they are a more common mixed breed.

Keep an eye on local and national organizations and reach out about adoption when you see one of these pups become available.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Purebred?

Chihuahua terrier mixes are not purebred dogs, they are a mixed breed, and as such, there are no breed standards that this pup needs to adhere to. However, the parents of the Chihuahua terrier mix are typically purebred dogs, though sometimes you can get parents that are of a more mixed breed.

Can You Show Chihuahua Terrier Mixes?

Chihuahua terrier mixes are ineligible to be shown through official American Kennel Club events because this organization does not recognize mixed-breed dogs. That being said, some local or national organizations for mixed breeds or designer dog breeds may recognize the Chihuahua terrier mix and allow them to be shown.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Good for New Dog Owners?

Despite their feisty nature and the extra time you might need to put into training them, Chihuahua terrier mixes are generally a good choice for new dog owners. Just keep in mind this breed’s exercise needs, the importance of proper socialization, and their living space requirements (such as no young children and no overly large dogs), and new dog owners can easily incorporate this pup into their lifestyle.

Is a Chihuahua Terrier Mix the Right Dog for Me?

As you make your final decisions about whether or not the Chihuahua terrier mix is the right dog for you, take the time to look over our concise list of bullet points. These items can help you narrow down the pros and cons of this breed and lead you to a decision.

The Chihuahua terrier mix is the right dog for you if:

• You have the time to exercise this dog properly and can commit to their socialization needs.
• You have a home full of only adults or older children.
• You only want one dog to add to your family.
• You don’t mind spending extra time on training.
• You want a loyal, energetic, and loving dog to act as a companion for you and spice up your life with their playful nature.

The Chihuahua terrier mix is not the right dog for you if:

• You plan on leaving your dog home alone for long hours.
• You can’t exercise your chihuahua terrier mix daily.
• You live in an apartment with strict noise regulations.
• You have a home with young children, other large dogs, or other animals that may intimidate the Chihuahua terrier mix or injure them.