Rat-Cha Overview
- Parent Breeds:
- Chihuahua & Rat Terrier
- Breed Nickname:
- Rat-Cha
- Size:
- Small
- Height:
- 10 to 12 inches
- Weight:
- 10 to 15 pounds
- Life Span:
- 13 to 18 years
- Coat Colors:
- Brown, black, red, gray, fawn, white, sable.
Rat-Cha Characteristics
About The Rat-Cha
What Is A Rat Terrier Chihuahua Mix Called?
The result of breeding an American Rat Terrier and Chihuahua together is a Rat-Cha, otherwise known as the Ratchi. These dogs are small, yappy, and beloved by many.
They are loyal and protective of their owners, making them frisky and overbearing at times.
Rat-Chas tend to bond with only one member of the family and will spend the majority of their time on that person’s lap. There’s no denying that Rat-Chas are very sweet-looking dogs, but are they the ideal fit for your family?
Rat-Cha Breed History
First bred in North America in the 90s.
The Rat Terrier was bred to catch rats.
Demand for Rat-Chas grew instantly.
The Rat-Cha is a popular designer dog with popular parents. However, despite the popularity of this breed, there is very little information about their breed history.
It is assumed that the Rat-Cha was first bred in the 1990s in North America.
To understand the Rat-Cha more, we need to look at the breed history of its parents.
The Rat Terrier was originally bred to catch rats and squeeze into tight spaces to do so. They have been bred since the 1820s.
Despite being a crossbreed between the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Manchester Terrier, they are considered purebred.
The Chihuahua was originally bred in Mexico, then known as the Techichi, in the 9th century. They were bred as vermin hunters but quickly became companion dogs, being worshiped all over the world.
They were lost in the Spanish invasion until the mid-1800s when they were rediscovered in Chihuahua state.
They were given a new name and quickly became one of the world’s most popular dogs.
Rat-Cha Personality & Temperament
Great companion dogs.
Tend to bond with one owner more than the others.
Can be stubborn.
The Rat-Cha is a loving and affectionate companion dog, known for bonding with one family member rather than an entire unit. This makes them great for single households and seniors who want a loyal lapdog.
Rat-Chas must be socialized with other dogs and people from a young age to avoid aggressive behavior. While early socialization can prevent their assertive tendencies, they are not the best around strangers or children.
Rat-Chas are high-energy dogs that love to play, although they’ll prefer to tell you when they want to burn energy rather than you dictating them.
This dog is a cuddly companion who is more than happy to live with its owner only. They don’t like living with other dogs, as they want all of the attention for themselves.
These small dogs are very intelligent and aim to please, but they often have a stubborn streak inherited from their Chihuahua parent.
Rat-Cha Health
Health issues arise from overbreeding.
Dental issues are a concern due to their small size.
Vet checkups are vital.
Rat-Chas deal with several health issues due to overbreeding and their small size. Major concerns include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
- Atopy
- Hydrocephalus
- Collapsed Trachea
Rat-Chas also have a list of minor concerns that owners should be aware of, in case they begin to show any signs of them. These are as follows:
- Dental Disease
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Patellar Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Alopecia
- Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Rat-Chas tend to suffer from issues surrounding their eyes, skin, and joints the most.
There is not much you can do about these health concerns before they happen, but make sure that you take your dog to its regular veterinarian checkups.
The professional should be able to spot any concerns early on to get a headstart on treatment.
Rat-Cha Training
Eager to please.
Love positive reinforcement.
Patience is needed when training Rat-Chas.
Rat-Chas are people pleasers and will do almost anything they can to keep the family member they’ve bonded with happy. However, they have some requirements when it comes to training them.
Rat-Chas almost always inherit the stubbornness of their Chihuahua parent. They’ll listen to you, but they want to do things on their terms.
This can make training more difficult as if they’re not in the mood, they’re not going to play ball.
You’ll benefit from establishing boundaries early on in your relationship with a Rat-Cha. They need to know that you are the leader of the house and that they need to follow you.
If this is not taught in puppyhood, it will be more difficult to establish in adulthood.
Use plenty of reinforcement with Rat-Chas, as they respond best to this type of training.
Early socialization is also vital to prevent them from becoming overprotective of you around strangers and other members of the family.
Rat-Chas don’t do well on their own for long periods, so they need an owner who will be home most of the time to keep them stimulated.
Rat-Cha Exercise Requirements
Eager to please.
Love positive reinforcement.
Patience is needed when training Rat-Chas.
Despite their small size, Rat-Chas are very active dogs that require high-intensity exercise every day. They’ll get tired quickly, though, so prefer their exercise in short bursts.
On average, you should aim to offer them 30 minutes of exercise every day.
While Rat-Chas can live in apartments without any issues, they prefer somewhere with a yard where they can blow off some steam without going on walks.
They become bored quickly and therefore can pick up destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
Rat-Chas are ideal for people home most of the day who can keep them occupied whenever they get a burst of energy.
Good exercise activities include walking, hiking, and playing in the park. On average, Rat-Chas need six miles of walking every week.
Rat-Cha Diet & Feeding
High-quality food is best for their teeth.
Look for plenty of protein in their food.
Rat-Chas dietary requirements differ depending on their weight and age. However, on average, they should be consuming one cup of food a day. There are many small-breed dog foods on the market to choose from.
Make sure you opt for high-quality kibble as this will be less harsh on the Rat-Cha’s teeth and gums. As they suffer from dental issues often, they need a type of food that isn’t going to exacerbate their pain more.
Wet food is good for dogs with painful teeth, although kibble is best for maintaining healthy gums overall. Giving your Rat-Cha a mixture of the two might be the best way forward.
Rat-Chas have high exercise requirements so need plenty of protein in their food. Also, look for brands that fortify with vitamins and minerals as these will help to keep your Rat-Cha healthy.
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Rat-Cha Cost
Costs between $500 and $800.
Vet bills might be higher due to their health concerns.
Rat-Chas have an average price of between $500 and $800. They’re expensive as they’re designer dogs bred with two incredibly popular purebred dogs.
Avoid backyard breeders and only opt for reputable breeders with certifications and background history on the parents.
Your breeder should be able to give you details on completed screenings, vaccinations, and socialization that has been completed with your Rat-Cha and its parents.
Ongoing costs for Rat-Chas include veterinarian appointments, food, sturdy toys, and treats.
While food costs will be lower due to their smaller appetites, insurance is likely to cost more due to the health concerns these dogs are predisposed to.
