Rat Terrier vs. Chihuahua: 7 Key Differences

Deciding to adopt a new furry friend into your family but having trouble choosing between two well-known breeds? If you’re considering a rat terrier vs. Chihuahua, it makes sense that the choice has been tough. After all, both of these adorable dogs can make wonderful additions to any household. But, of course, every family (and every dog breed!) is different.

In this article, we’ll compare these two dog breeds to discern what qualities could make these little furballs a standout fit into the life of you and your family. From their physical characteristics to their behavior tendencies, we’ll give a thorough breakdown to discover the perfect pet for your home!

Rat Terrier Vs. Chihuahua: A Comparison

What These Breeds Have in Common

The purpose of this article is certainly to take note of the differences between these two popular breeds. But before we get into that, let’s take a moment to highlight some things these breeds have in common. Therefore, you can get a better idea of whether or not either of these dogs sounds like a good fit for your home.

First, they might have size differences, but they are both undoubtedly considered to be “small dogs.” Due to this, they are both perfect choices for apartment and city living! They only have medium exercise requirements, so a quick and strong play session once or twice a day will have them totally contended. The best part about it is that they don’t even need a large yard to get that energy out! A game of indoor fetch or tug-of-war is enough to keep them happy and healthy.

Another attribute both of these breeds share, though you wouldn’t know it from the looks of them, is that they are both incredibly intelligent! They don’t distract easily, either, which makes them both equally adept at training. Getting them to respect you enough to listen, however, might be a battle in its own right.

Their last shared attribute is that they are, at the end of the day, both dogs with a pack mentality. This means that once you prove yourself to be their family and show them that you love them deeply, they will do anything for you. They are both very affectionate to those they know and trust, even if that doesn’t always extend to strangers for both parties.

The Appearance of a Rat Terrier vs. Chihuahua

Height and Weight

The height and weight of these two breeds vary, but they can both safely be referred to as small dog breeds. However, rat terriers are known to grow a bit larger than Chihuahuas. While a Chihuahua may only grow to be 6-10 inches and 3-6 pounds, a rat terrier can grow to be as tall as 10-18 inches and as heavy as 11-24 pounds. This means that if you’re in search of a purse dog, a Chihuahua is probably your better bet. If you’re just concerned with a tiny pooch, though, either breed is a solid pick!

Coat Colors

Interestingly, there are a lot more color variations for a Chihuahua than for a Rat Terrier. This is because while both breeds have many patterns and many color mixes, the only solid color that you’ll find in a tat terrier is the occasional full white shade. Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have the potential for coat colors such as white, black, tan, silver, cream, or fawn.

Grooming Needs

Something that is beneficial for potential owners of either of these dogs to know is that they are both fairly easy to groom. Neither of these two breeds is long-haired or requires regular and attentive grooming upkeep. They both provide medium amounts of shedding, but the dander of the Rat Terrier is definitely a bit more substantial.

The Behavior of a Rat Terrier vs. Chihuahua

Temperament

We should state that both the rat terrier and Chihuahua breeds are generally considered to be friendly and affectionate to their owners. If you raise them to be socialized from their youth, both breeds should get acclimated to the idea of other people quite naturally. However, there are a few distinctions.

Rat Terriers are prone to enjoy the company of other dogs, children, and even strangers. Once they understand that humans are friends and aren’t there to hurt them, they are able to get along quite well with anyone and everyone. Well, almost everyone. As implied by their name, rat terriers are extremely prone to hunting. Their instincts might get the better of them if there’s a mouse, hamster, or bird in the house. To keep things peaceful, try not to introduce any additional family members that resemble their prey of choice.

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, are a bit more of a mixed bag. Despite the popular concept of a mean Chihuahua, they are more often than not quite kind. However, if they feel threatened? This sweet little breed can get nasty before you know it. To help curb this behavior, try to get them as comfortable with strangers and busy areas as possible while they are still young. When they’re puppies, they are most accepting of these kinds of introductions.

Attention and Social Needs

If there’s one thing that rat terrier and Chihuahua owners alike can agree on, it’s that their pets are needy! You don’t want to give either of these breeds a home if you’re someone who lives alone and is out of the house for the majority of your day. These breeds are very prone to boredom and loneliness, even if they give the occasional attitude! So, if you’re someone who works from home, or has children/roommates to keep the dog company while you’re out and about conducting your business, then they are definitely a solid pick for a companion.

Heath Factors of The Rat Terrier vs. Chihuahua

Life Expectancy

Perhaps the most difficult point of discussion when getting a new pet is deciphering how long they will share their time with you. For rat terriers and Chihuahuas, life expectancy falls mostly within the same range. Chihuahuas live from 14-16 years, while rat terriers generally live from 12-18 years. This means that rat terriers simultaneously have the potential to live longer than Chihuahuas or shorter than them, with no true way of deciphering which it will be.

All this said, these numbers are based only on averages. There will, of course, be dogs of both breeds that live well beyond their expectancies, as well as some that unfortunately don’t make it to the lower end of the estimate.

Health Issues

Both rat terriers and Chihuahuas are considered to be healthy dogs. They aren’t particularly prone to illness, but there are certain illnesses that they are more likely to get than other breeds. Here are some of the most common health problems for each breed.

Rat Terriers:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Patellar Luxation
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Chihuahuas:

• Valvular Disease
• Chronic Bronchitis

Either Breed Can be a Fantastic Choice

When you’re considering a rat terrier vs. Chihuahua for your new pet, there’s really only one true factor that stands out among the rest. Which one would you rather have present in your life, sharing your happiness, for years to come? Both of these breeds are loving, both of them are small and can fit in apartment settings, and both of them are highly attached to their owners. In the end, it doesn’t matter what kind of dog you choose, it’s who that dog is. Each with its own distinct traits and quirks, there is no right or wrong choice- only the choice that your heart makes.

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