Toy Terrier-Chihuahua mix - features, specifications and reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Recently, most people prefer the so-called designer dog breeds. But what is hidden under these words, not everyone knows. Breeders gave such a definition to mestizos, for example, crossbreeds of a chihuahua and a toy terrier. In the reviews, breeders highlight both the advantages and disadvantages of such individuals. The first, no doubt, include:

• low cost;
• good he alth (no genetic predisposition to certain diseases);
• Mestizos inherit the best traits of their parents.

But there are also downsides. No one can guess what the puppy will be like (neither externally nor in size). Naturally, he will not be considered a purebred, so the owner will not be able to participate in exhibitions with his pet.

But despite this, mestizos have become quite popular. What is the reason? Let's try to figure it out.

Mestizo Popularity

Currently more and morepeople get small dogs. Individuals of such breeds often flash on TV, accompanying important and public persons. Why have they become so trendy? Actually, this question is not difficult to answer. The main advantage is easy maintenance. These dogs are kept at home. It is not necessary to walk them at a certain time, as they are easily accustomed to the tray. They do not take up much space, there is practically no wool.

However, purebred puppies are expensive and not everyone can afford to own one. As an alternative, a cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire terrier, a Spitz, a toy terrier, a lap dog is used. Naturally, we are not talking about the purebredness of such dogs, no matter how the breeders would assure you of the opposite. Documents on breeding value are not issued to them. But this does not mean at all that these dogs cannot give their love to their owners in the same way as their purebred counterparts. Sometimes even the opposite, they are more devoted.

So, let's look at the features of the puppies of a cross between a toy terrier and a chihuahua.

Appearance

Unfortunately, the appearance of puppies obtained by crossing a toy terrier and a chihuahua remains a mystery until almost a year old. Only after this period of time it will be possible to determine the similarity with the first or second breed. Mestizo puppies are small. Up to a year they practically do not have a characteristic coat of wool, so even guessing the color will not work.

If you believe the breeders, then in individuals of a cross between a toy terrier and a chihuahua, the genetics of the first species most often outweighs. This is manifested in upright ears and an elongated muzzle. Concerningthe latter, you can be sure that there are no breathing problems that Chihuahuas often have due to their characteristic flattened shape.

The physique of representatives of these breeds is almost the same, so it is safe to say that the puppy will inherit a toned body with small paws. But to what size the pet will grow is a mystery. The fact is that toy terriers are taller than chihuahuas. It is worth considering the fact that the mestizo can be somewhat larger than its parents, but not by much. The maximum weight of such dogs can reach 4 kg. But if one of the parents is also a mestizo, then one can only guess about the size to which the animal will grow. Hosts should be prepared for the unexpected.

Predicting the color of the puppy and the length of the coat is also impossible. More or less something will become clear only by the age of three months. However, if this is a cross between a long-haired Chihuahua and a toy terrier, then most likely the pet will be distinguished by an elongated awn. If both parents are smooth-haired, then with a high probability the puppy will turn out the same.

Character and behavior

Dogs of these breeds are companions. However, each of them has its own characteristics of character. For example, toy terriers are active, while chihuahuas, on the contrary, are calm. But the latter are more jealous. They are undesirable for families with small children. Puppies of these two breeds love to be the center of attention, they need constant communication. It is not recommended to leave them alone for a long time. Based on this, you should not expect that puppiestoy terrier and chihuahua crosses will be more accommodating and less demanding. As the owners assure, the nature of the mestizos is complex. If he doesn’t like something, then the owners should be ready even for biting.

The process of upbringing is also not easy. In no case should you punish or force a pet. This will only lead to more disobedience. It is important to find the right approach. To attract the attention of a pet, you can use your favorite toy or treat. And it is necessary to train him so that he perceives the process as a game.

Care and maintenance

Even if the pet is not a purebred, but a cross between a toy terrier and a chihuahua, it must be kept in the same conditions as purebred dogs.

• Insulate the lounger, as dogs are very cold and afraid of drafts.
• Place the tray in a secluded place. These breeds are quite shy and may refuse to pee in front of everyone.
• Puppies and adult mixed breeds should not jump off surfaces above 50 cm on their own. They have rather fragile bones.
• Equip your feeding area with different bowls and make sure they don't slip.
• To go for a walk in cold weather only in clothes. And in winter it is better to wear shoes.
• Choose the right food. Do not forget that toy terriers are prone to allergies. It is not known whether it will be passed on to the puppy, but it does not hurt to play it safe.

He alth

According to the breeders, mestizos are distinguished by good he alth. Howeverowners do not always agree with this. In their reviews, they claim that they face various diseases. The fact is that although puppies bred by crossing these two breeds are in fact considered mongrels, they can still inherit the genetic ailments of their purebred parents.

The main problem of small dogs are colds. They must not be allowed to overcool. It is also worth closely monitoring the teeth of the mestizo and fighting tartar in time. And of course, it is not allowed to take pets outside without having received all the necessary vaccinations.

What is the difference between a toy terrier and a chihuahua?

By and large, both of these breeds are quite similar in appearance. But if you look closely, you can find differences. Toy Terriers were bred in the 19th century in Great Britain. There are individuals with smooth and long hair. The Chihuahua is native to Mexico. In some tribes, representatives of this breed are considered sacred. In the 60s, Chihuahuas were brought to Russia.

The first difference is height and weight. Although Toy Terriers are considered the smallest dogs in the world, they are larger than Chihuahuas. The weight of the first is up to 2.7 kg with a height of 25 cm, the second is up to 1.8 kg and 23 cm.

Appearance features:

• Paws. Americans have them longer.
• Muzzle. The Mexican breed has a flattened shape, while the toy terrier has a more elongated one.
• Ears. In representatives of the American species, they stand upright, smaller in size than the Chihuahua.

By character, you can also notice differences. Toy Terriers are more aggressive. Despite their small size, they are not at all afraid of other animals. They are fiercely protective of their owner. But the Chihuahua is softer and friendlier in character. They get along well with other animals. On a walk, they do not leave their master, in the literal sense of the word they follow him on his heels. Very devoted. A calm disposition also affects behavior. They move measuredly, assiduous, attentive. But you can’t say the same about toy terriers. These individuals are quite active, run a lot, jump, love to play. Because of this, the training process is somewhat more complicated.

There is also a difference in life expectancy: Chihuahuas - up to 20 years, toy terriers - an average of 11 years. And it is worth remembering the color. Representatives of the Mexican species can be of a wide variety of colors. But the toy terriers are monophonic, the tint range is fawn and red. White spots or just light spots in the latter are completely excluded.