Chihuahua Terrier Mix: Breed Info, Traits & Facts (With Pictures)

The Chihuahua Terrier mix is an interesting cross between the Chihuahua and any terrier breed. Due to the variations in the terrier group, there are a number of designer dogs that can be labeled as Chihuahua Terrier mix.

Generally, the Chihuahua Terrier mix is a lively and graceful dog with a small physique. But don’t be deceived by its appearance. Despite its size, this mixed breed is known to have a strong, independent, and vigilant personality.

In this article, we’re going to delve into the world of the Chihuahua Terrier mix. Essentially, this could help you decide whether you should get this mixed dog breed as your companion.

Breed Overview

What Is a Chihuahua Terrier Mix?

The Chihuahua Terrier mix is a small mixed breed dog that resulted from the cross of a Chihuahua and a Terrier. Due to its Terrier pedigree, you can expect this mixed breed to be independent, active, and feisty. The Chihuahua Terrier mix is also known as Chi Terrier.

There are different terrier breeds that can be used in crossbreeding the Chihuahua Terrier mix.

However, the most common terrier breeds that are mixed with Chihuahuas are Toy Fox Terriers, Rat Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Bull Terriers. Hence, there are a variety of Chihuahua Terriers.

Among these varieties are the Taco Terrier or the Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua mix, the Rat-Cha or the Toy Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix, and the Jack Chi or the Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua mix.

The adorable Chorkie or Yorkshire Terrier Chihuahua mix and the Bullhuahua or the Bull Terrier Chihuahua mix are also classified as Chihuahua Terriers.

As a designer dog breed, the Chi Terrier is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Hence, it cannot participate in competitions conducted by the said organization.

Nonetheless, some organizations like the Dog Registry of America and the International Designer Canine Registry recognize some hybrid dog breeds, including the Terrier Chihuahua mix.

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Origin and History

No one really knows the exact date and place of origin of the Chihuahua Terrier mix. However, tracing the origin of this dog’s characteristics entails recognizing the history of its parent breeds.

One of the parent breeds of this mix is the Chihuahua. Many historians believe that the purebred Chihuahua sprang from the Techichi. Techichis are extinct Mexican canines that were originally bred for sacrifices and companionship.

Meanwhile, the ancestor of the Terrier breed is said to descend from the British Isles. Originally, the first Terrier breeds were bred as hunting dogs with a high predatory instinct for foxes, rats, badgers, moles, and other vermins.

Today, most mixes of the Chihuahuas and the Terriers have retained some of the qualities of their ancestors. For example, most Chi Terriers still exhibit the companionability of the Techichi and the hunting instinct of the Terrier breeds.

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Appearance

Since there are various Chihuahua Terrier combinations, it’s hard to predict the actual appearance of this breed. Yet, a typical Chihuahua Terrier mix has the round eyes and long ears of its Chihuahua parent and the physique of a terrier.

The Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua mix and Toy Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix often look similar due to the resemblance of the Toy Fox and Toy Rat Terriers. Both of them have slender bodies and short, smooth coats that sheds moderately.

Meanwhile, the Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua mix has a short, dense coat that typically follows the coloring of its Jack Russell parent. It has a slightly long muscular body, a triangular head, and an alert facial expression.

The Yorkshire Terrier Chihuahua mix is yet another Chi Terrier that looks very different from the previously mentioned mixes. It has a short to long coat that can be silky or smooth and comes in black, tan, brown, silver, blue, and white.

Lastly, the Bull Terrier Chihuahua mix has a muscular body with a size similar to that of the Bull Terrier. It has a medium-length tail, far-set eyes, and a short, smooth coat that comes in black, gray, chocolate, tan, fawn, white, and cream.

In the video below, you’ll see a rescue dog named Ezra — a Chihuahua Terrier mix:

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Size and Weight

0n average, the Chihuahua Terrier mix can reach a height of 5 to 22 inches and a weight of 6 to 70 pounds. These ranges are dependent on the sizes of the Chihuahua and the terrier breed it is crossed with.

While the minimum size of a Terrier Chihuahua mix is determined by its Chihuahua parent, its maximum size is reflective of its terrier pedigree.

Moreover, Chihuahuas crossed with toy breeds will certainly produce toy-sized offspring, such as in the case of Taco Terriers. This information is useful, especially if you want a Terrier Chihuahua mix that can be a good lap dog.

Lastly, sex also affects the size and weight of this mix. True to other dog breeds, male Chihuahua Terriers are typically larger than their female counterparts.

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Temperament and Personality

Terrier Chihuahua mixes are generally high-spirited, adaptable, eager to please their owners, and vocal. Also, like many Terrier breeds and their mixes, Chi Terriers are independent, courageous, vigilant, and fun dogs.

Nonetheless, the Chihuahua Terrier mix personality may still vary depending on its Terrier parent breed. For example, the Chihuahua Fox Terrier mix is known to be highly intelligent and agile, just like purebred Fox Terriers.

Other mixes, like the Chihuahua Rat Terrier mix and Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix, are notable for their high prey drive for rodents and other small animals. Amid this, they are known to be highly affectionate to their families.

Meanwhile, the Chihuahua Bull Terrier mix and the Chihuahua Jack Russell Terrier mix may have a high stubborn streak and may be difficult to train. This is why these hybrid dogs are not suitable for new dog owners.

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

The lifespan of a Chihuahua Terrier mix depends on the life expectancies of its Chihuahua and terrier parents, which range between 10 and 18 years. This is a relatively long lifespan in the canine world.

Diet, lifestyle, genetics, and even the breed of its terrier parent can directly influence the lifespan of a Chihuahua Terrier mix. In fact, the Yorkie, Jack Russell, Fox, and Rat Terrier mixes may live longer than the Bull Terrier mix.

Nevertheless, the Terrier Chihuahua mix can still acquire some health problems that are common for Chihuahuas and some terrier breeds.

Below are some health issues of the Chihuahua Terrier mix:

• Obesity: Chihuahuas and many Chihuahua mixes, like the Chi Terriers, are prone to obesity. According to PetMD, this condition primarily happens when the energy intake and usage in dogs are not balanced. Sadly, obesity also predisposes a dog to some heart, liver, kidney, and endocrine diseases.
• Patellar Luxation: This condition happens more frequently in small dog breeds, including the Chihuahua and Chihuahua mixes. Patellar luxation occurs when the dog’s kneecap shifts from its normal position. If left uncorrected, patellar luxation can lead to arthritis and other knee ailments.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Diseases (LCPD): Many terriers, terrier mixes, and toy breeds are more predisposed to developing LCPD. In this condition, the head of the thigh bone or femur gradually degenerates, eventually causing the hip bone to collapse. Dogs with LCPD usually limp and may feel excruciating pain when the affected leg is touched.

If you suspect that any of these conditions are beginning to manifest in your dog, it is essential to schedule an immediate checkup with your trusted veterinarian.

Getting pet insurance could also minimize your financial burden, especially in the event that your dog experiences a medical emergency.

How to Take Care of Your Terrier Chihuahua Mix

Giving your Terrier Chihuahua mix a safe place to live and play is one of your duties as a responsible pet owner.

After acquiring one, dog parents must provide their Chi Terriers with healthy food, proper hygiene practices, and enough physical and mental stimulation.

Food and Diet

Just like the other breeds, the Chihuahua Terrier mix should be provided with dog food that is rich in protein. A protein-rich food is necessary for the growth and muscle development of any dog breed.

The amount of food Chi Terriers need depends on many factors. Size and activity level are directly proportional to the amount of food a dog needs. Meanwhile, pups need more food than adult dogs do, according to the AKC.

Some Chihuahua Terriers follow the feeding frequency of Chihuahuas. Others follow the feeding frequency of their terrier parents. Also, keep in mind that there are some human foods that aren’t suitable for dogs, so be cautious with these.

Cleaning and Grooming

Generally, the Terrier Chihuahua mix should only take a bath once each month. It also requires monthly ear cleaning to avoid any ear infections and regular teeth brushing to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases.

Nail trimming is also an essential part of Chi Terriers’ hygiene and should be done as needed. Longer claws are more prone to chipping and breaking, which could lead to the quicks and nails coming apart.

In terms of coat grooming frequency, the needs of the Terrier Chihuahua mix may vary depending on its coat quality. To prevent matting and tangling, pups with longer coats need to be brushed more often than those with shorter fur.

Training and Exercise

The Terrier Chihuahua mix is an extremely active pooch that requires daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. If you will bring your dog to dog parks, be sure that it is properly leash-trained, as it may attack other dogs.

True to many terriers and Chihuahuas, Chi Terriers may exhibit small dog syndrome (SDS). The SDS is a set of unwanted behaviors in small dogs such as disobedience, excitability, snappishness, and avoidance of larger dogs.

This syndrome is also known as the canine Napoleon complex. Positive reinforcement, consistent obedience training, and socialization at an early age can prevent SDS from manifesting. Hurting your dog will just worsen SDS.

How Much Does a Chihuahua Terrier Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The price of a Chihuahua Terrier mix puppy from a reputable breeder ranges between $400 and $800. This price range can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the rarity and the overall quality of the pup.

Aside from the puppy’s selling price, prospective pet owners also need to budget for additional costs associated with owning this mix, particularly during the puppy’s early months.

To give you a rough estimate of your Chi Terrier puppy’s initial expenses, check out the table below:

Based on the table above, the initial expenses of owning a Chihuahua Terrier puppy range from around $525 to $2,240. However, in some cases, this can still be lessened.

For instance, if your dog already has a microchip, vaccination, and registration, you can cross those items off the list. Also, some items above won’t need to be bought again and can be used for a long time.

Places to Find Chihuahua Terrier Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Finding reputable breeders that offer Chihuahua Terrier mix puppies can be quite challenging. While certain Chi Terriers are uncommon, some are fairly well-known and are available from many breeders.

Puppy mills are one of the go-to places for some pet parents who are desperately looking for a rare Chi Terrier. But keep in mind that puppy mills are notorious for their poor and unethical breeding practices.

To help you find a trustworthy Chihuahua Terrier puppy breeder, check out the websites listed below:

• Greenfield Puppies – Located in Pennsylvania, this pet marketplace has been helping many pet parents in finding ethical and reputable dog breeders since 2000. Chihuahua mixes are among the mixed breeds that they advertise. Hence, it’s possible to find a Chihuahua Terrier puppy here.
• Keystone Puppies – This is another puppy advertising platform where you may possibly avail a Chi Terrier puppy. To ensure quality pups, they only advertise law-compliant breeders. Chorkies are among the Chihuahua mixes they’ve sold in the past.
• Ridgewood Kennels – This kennel has been raising small dogs for almost 50 years already. In the past, they’ve already sold some Chorkies, Jack Chis, and Taco Terriers. Their puppies come with a written lifetime warranty, seven vaccine shots, and two dewormings.

Despite having some quality breeders across the United States, some pet parents prefer to adopt homeless or abandoned dogs. This allows them to save money while also providing a loving home for abandoned dogs.

If dog adoption is your preferred option in getting a Chihuahua Terrier puppy, you can check the rescue groups listed below:

• Petfinder – Petfinder acts as an online directory for about 11,000 animal shelters and rescue organizations all over Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Once you go to their website, you can search for any animal and breed of your interest, including some Chihuahua Terrier mixes.
• Chihuahua Rescue and Transport (CRT) – This foster-based organization has been rescuing Chihuahua and its mixes since 1996. The CRT has several foster homes across the Southwest, Southeast, and Midwest parts of the United States.
• Mid-Atlantic Jack Rescue, Inc. (MAJR) – The MAJR is a foster-based rescue for Jack Russell Terriers and their mixes, including the Jack Chis. Their volunteers are primarily located in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

For your additional references, you may connect with purebred Terrier and Chihuahua breeders connected to the AKC. They may also be producing this mix from time to time. 

Pros and Cons of Owning a Chihuahua Terrier Mix

As a responsible fur parent, it is imperative that you evaluate your lifestyle and environment before getting a Chihuahua Terrier mix. You should also consider the pros and cons of having this dog to help you in making the best choice.

Below are some of the benefits of owning a Terrier Chihuahua mix:

• Ideal for active pet owners: As a terrier mix, Chi Terriers are known to be extremely active. They always want to have playtime with their owners and would enjoy some chasing games.
• Excellent watchdog: Terriers and Chihuahuas are both renowned for having high levels of alertness. Hence, the Chi Terriers will be vigilant as well. They’ll make a piercing bark once they sense a threat to the family.
• Can be good in dog sports: Some Chi Terriers, like the Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua mix, have relatively high energy levels. Hence you can expect them to excel in some dog sports such as flyball, dog agility, and the earthdog test.

There are also some drawbacks to owning a Chihuahua Terrier mix. Some of these drawbacks are listed below:

• Possible destructive behavior: When they are not taught properly at an early age, Chi Terriers may chew on things that they shouldn’t. Also, if you have a garden, you might want to fence it as this dog loves to dig.
• High prey drive: True to terriers, the Chihuahua Terriers may have a high predatory instinct. Without early socialization, they may be hostile to other dogs and small pets, like guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds.
• Not suitable for young kids: Most kids have a tendency to be rowdy when they’re playing. Unfortunately, Chihuahua Terriers are impatient with these types of kids and may become snappish when they are deliberately disturbed.

Regardless of whether you think this is the right breed for you or not, each dog must be treated with respect. Showing your genuine love and care for them will help them develop into endearing and loyal companions for life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Good Dogs?

When trained properly, the Chihuahua Terrier mix can be a good dog for a family. This mix is active, fun-loving, loyal, and incredibly athletic. Moreover, it can live well in homes with adult members and older children.

Intensive training and early socialization also allow this mix to get along well with younger children and other dogs. If your kids are too rowdy, make sure to teach them how to behave properly when they’re around a Chi Terrier.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Aggressive?

Due to their terrier genes, many Chihuahua Terrier mixes have aggressive tendencies. Their feisty nature makes them not suitable for households with small pets, as they have a tendency to attack them.

Still, this can be managed through positive reinforcement, firm obedience training, and early socialization.

Do Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Bark a Lot?

Similar to its parent breeds, the Chihuahua Terrier mix also barks a lot. One of the main reasons for this is due to its high energy level. Barking serves as an outlet for the Chi Terrier’s excess energy.

Not to mention, its bark is always high-pitched, which can be irritating to many. Other Chi Terriers bark when they see other animals or when they sense a threat.

Do Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Shed?

Yes, Chi Terriers shed. However, the amount of fur that they shed depends on the more dominant parent gene. If it inherits the coat quality of the Chihuahua, you could expect this mix to shed moderately all year round.

However, if your dog expresses more of its terrier side, it may shed minimally throughout the year. Many terrier breeds are known to be low-shedding dogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

Are Chihuahua Terrier Mixes Hypoallergenic?

The hypoallergenic quality of a Terrier Chihuahua mix may vary depending on the gene that it carries. Most Chi Terriers are non-hypoallergenic, particularly the Taco Terrier, Rat-Cha, Jack Chi, and the Bullhuahua.

However, the Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix may have a chance to become hypoallergenic if it inherits the skin and coat quality of its Yorkie parent. Yorkshire Terriers are among the hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a small but feisty designer dog, you’ll surely love the Chihuahua Terrier mix. It makes a fantastic family watchdog due to its independent, flexible, active, and vigilant nature.

Nonetheless, this mix requires early socialization, intensive obedience training, positive reinforcement, and tons of patience. Without these, it will have a higher tendency to be very barky, aggressive, and snappish to other pets.

After considering everything you’ve learned in this guide, which variety of the Chihuahua Terrier mix do you think best fits your lifestyle and preferences? Tell us your choice in the comments!