Ratchi Overview
- Parent Breeds:
- Chihuahua, Jack Russell Terrier, Rat Terrier & Yorkshire Terrier
- Breed Nickname:
- Ratchi, Chorkie, Taco Terrier, Jack Chi
- Size:
- Small
- Height:
- 10 to 18 inches
- Weight:
- 6 to 25 pounds
- Life Span:
- 12 to 20 years
- Coat Colors:
- Black, white, brown, tan
Ratchi Characteristics
About The Ratchi
What Is A Chihuahua Terrier Mix Called?
Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds have a number of nicknames as they are bred using various Terrier Mix breeds. Ratchi is the name for the offspring of Chihuahuas and Rat Terriers.
Chorkie is the adorable name given to the equally adorable dog bred between Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers.
When breeding with Jack Russel Terriers and Chihuahuas, the result is named Jack Chi. Expect to get a litter of Taco Terriers if you’re breeding Chihuahuas with Fox Terriers.
Chihuahua Terrier Mixes are slightly different depending on their parent breeds, but they’re always adorable. Many people choose to buy one due to their cuteness alone. But are they a good fit for your family?
Let’s find out.
Ratchi Breed History
Chihuahuas can be bred with Rat Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Jack Russel Terriers, and Fox Terriers.
They all appeared in the 1990s in North America.
Chihuahuas are most often bred with Rat Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Jack Russel Terriers, and Fox Terriers. These four dogs are all Terrier Mix breeds, but they are recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Ratchi first appeared in the 1990s as a companion dog.
They have often been considered one of the best designer dog breeds thanks to their gentle personality. Rat Terriers have been around longer, dating back to the 1920s in America. They were originally bred to capture rats.
The Chorkie likely appeared first in America in the 1990s. They were only bred to be designer dogs as both Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are considered some of the most beautiful dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers dating back to the 1850s when they were bred in Scotland to hunt mice.
Jack Chis were originally bred in the 1980s to 90s and bred for companionship. Jack Russell Terriers were originally bred in England in the 1800s and used as hunting dogs.
Taco Terriers have also only been around since the 1990s and were bred as designer dogs in America.
The Fox Terrier has been bred since the beginning of the 1900s in England, where they were used for baiting and catching prey.
Chihuahuas were most likely bred in Mexico during ancient times, although the truth remains a mystery. All we know is that they’ve been around for much longer than most other breeds!
Ratchi Personality & Temperament
They have plenty of energy to bounce around!
Great for many families.
Can inherit a stubborn temperament.
You can never be certain of the temperament of a mixed breed, as they can inherit several traits from either parent. This is especially true for Chihuahua Terrier mixes, as the parent could be one of many Terrier mixes.
Despite this, Chihuahua Terriers are almost always excitable and energetic. They love running around and playing and are friendly with almost everyone.
However, it’s important to note that they aren’t recommended for families with small children.
These dogs often inherit stubbornness from their Chihuahua parents, making them difficult to train.
They’re also not the best at socialization if you don’t give them enough at a very young age, and they can suffer from Small Dog Syndrome.
Still, many owners say that Chihuahua Terrier mixes are fun-loving and friendly, and great dogs to live with.
Ratchi Health
Inherit health issues from the parent breeds.
Might suffer from eye issues, oral health, and joint concerns.
Life expectancy of 12 to 20 years.
The Chihuahua Terrier mix is generally a healthy dog, but they are predisposed to a few health problems. These are most likely passed down the line of inheritance through excessive breeding.
Here is a list of the most common health concerns to look out for:
- Hydrocephalus: Otherwise known as water on the brain, this is a common condition for smaller dogs and it can cause pressure on the skull. The damage caused can be fatal.
- Luxating Patella: Another common condition seen in smaller dogs, is where the patella is misaligned. It causes the dog to skip or hop due to lameness in the leg.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease stops blood from pumping around the body effectively. Symptoms include coughing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
Ratchi Training
Thrives with positive reinforcement.
Patience is key.
Chihuahuas are notorious for their stubborn attitude, so they’re not great at listening to commands. Chihuahua Terrier mixes are likely to follow suit as they’ll inherit some of this stubborn nature from their parents.
These dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, so make sure that you have plenty of treats and praise on hand. Don’t get annoyed or angry at them, as this might make them even more defiant.
Ignore negative behaviors and reward the positive ones to successfully train your Chihuahua Terrier mix. Be patient and you will eventually see results!
Ratchi Exercise Requirements
Thrives with positive reinforcement.
Patience is key.
Don’t let the small size of this dog confuse you – they are incredibly active little things! They’ll need around 60 minutes of exercise every day, although they might need even more to stop them from getting bored.
They’ll love joining you on your exercise, so Chihuahua Terrier mixes are excellent for active people. They enjoy long walks, hikes, and even swimming.
Bear in mind that Chihuahua Terriers are not great at socializing with other dogs, so keep them on a lead while in public spaces.
Properly socialize them from a young age to prevent this from being too much of an issue.
A large, fenced backyard is best for Chihuahua Terrier mixes. You can watch as they run freely without being leashed – this is when they’ll be happiest. It will take them plenty of time to tire themselves out!
Many people think that Chihuahua mixes are good for apartment living due to their small size.
However, if they don’t get enough exercise throughout the day, they’ll start to turn to destructive behaviors once they get bored.
Ratchi Diet & Feeding
Choose food with plenty of protein.
High-quality food is best for their teeth.
Chihuahua Terrier mix is a small breed, so they don’t need much food at all. They only need 40 calories for every pound of their body weight, per day.
This usually means one cup of food each day. However, you should talk to your veterinarian or a dog nutritionist to make sure you’re not overfeeding them.
Chihuahua Terrier mixes need plenty of protein in their diets, so look for dog kibble full of lean protein sources.
They’ll also need small amounts of healthy fats and carbs. Don’t feed them too many treats other than when you’re training as Chihuahuas are particularly susceptible to obesity.
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Ratchi Cost
Costs between $150 and $800.
Ongoing costs include high insurance premiums, toys, and food.
Chihuahua Terrier mixes can cost anywhere between $150 to $800.
They tend to be more expensive when purchased through reputable breeders because there are plenty of complications to arise during the breeding process due to the parent’s small size.
As a result, reputable breeders ask for a higher price as they have to give the parents extra care and attention. At least you know that your puppy is being given the best treatment possible!
Once you bring your puppy home, you’ll also need to think of the ongoing costs. As Chihuahua Terriers are small dogs, they won’t cost much to feed.
However, due to their common health issues, their vet bills and insurance might be higher.
