Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Csivava or German: Italienisches Windspiel or Decker Giant? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier" Compare Chihuahua and Italian Greyhound. Which is better: Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Chihuahua	Italian Greyhound	Rat Terrier
Origins	Mexico	Italy	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	32	74	97
Reviews	16	2	2
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Csivava Chihuahueño	German: Italienisches Windspiel Piccolo Levriero Italiano Galgo Italiano French: Petit Levrier Italiane	Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Italian Greyhound? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier weight comparison:	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)	6-10 pounds (3-5 kg)	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	4 pounds (2 kg)	8 pounds (4 kg)	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier height comparison:	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)	Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	7.5 inches (19 cm)	13.5 inches (34 cm)	Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Which is more expensive?	$600-$800	$800-$1000	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier intelligence:	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier trainability comparison.	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively	Agile Intelligent Affectionate Companionable Athletic Mischievous	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Italian Greyhound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?	High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Italian Greyhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:	Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Chihuahua dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier playfulness comparison:	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Italian Greyhound indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Italian Greyhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Italian Greyhound bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Italian Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier mouthiness comparison:	Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.	The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Drug Sensitivity Thyroid Problems Alopecia	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Italian Greyhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier energy level comparison:	Chihuahua dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Italian Greyhound dogs have an average exercise need.	Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Italian Greyhound dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	No data available
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier coat comparison:	Fine	Fine	Dense Shiny
Colors What are the original Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier color?	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate	Black Gray Red Blue White Brown Yellow	Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier grooming comparison:	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or {name3 shedding:	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Italian Greyhound dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Hypoallergenic Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Italian Greyhound has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Italian Greyhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Italian Greyhound dogs are generally with other pets.	Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?	Yes Chihuahua dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Italian Greyhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Chihuahua is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Italian Greyhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.	Italian Greyhounds are not recommended for elderly people.	Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Italian Greyhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Chihuahua and Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier have?	2-4 puppies	2-4 puppies	5-7 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Chihuahua vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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