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Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better Csivava or Decker Giant?

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier" Compare Chihuahua and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Chihuahua or Rat Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Chihuahua Rat Terrier
OriginsMexico flagMexico United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank3297
Reviews162
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Csivava
Chihuahueño
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Is the Chihuahua bigger than the Rat Terrier breed? Is a Chihuahua smaller than a Rat Terrier?
Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier weight comparison:
2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
4 pounds (2 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Is a Chihuahua taller than a Rat Terrier?
6-9 inches (15-23 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) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Chihuahua and Rat Terrier?
$600-$800 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Rat Terrier?
Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Chihuahua or Rat Terrier smarter? Which is best? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Trainability
Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier trainability comparison. What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?
Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Chihuahua or Rat Terrier?
Chihuahua 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 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.
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?
Sensitive: Chihuahua 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.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?
High: Chihuahua 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.
Social Needs
Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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? What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?
Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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? What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier? 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.
Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier playfulness comparison:
Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?
A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Chihuahua or Rat Terrier?
Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.

Chihuahua 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.
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 Rat Terrier?
Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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 Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Chihuahua or Rat Terrier?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Is a Chihuahua more dangerous than a Rat Terrier?

Low 🔽

The Chihuahua 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 Rat Terrier mouthiness comparison:
Chihuahua dogs have an 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 Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?
Rare
The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Chihuahua and Rat Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Chihuahua and Rat Terrier?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Chihuahua 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.

Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Chihuahua 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.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Rat Terrier?
Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Does the Chihuahua breed eat more than the Rat Terrier breed?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day. No data available
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier coat comparison:
Fine Dense
Shiny
Colors
What are the original Chihuahua and Rat Terrier color? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Fawn
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Do Chihuahua dogs shed more than Rat Terrier dogs?
Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Chihuahua 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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Chihuahua or Rat Terrier?

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high 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? What's the difference between Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?
The Chihuahua 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 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.
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Chihuahua or Rat Terrier?
Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Chihuahua or Rat Terrier?
Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Can a Chihuahua and a Rat Terrier be friends? Do Chihuahua dogs get along with Rat Terrier dogs?
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?
Yes
Chihuahua 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
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.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Chihuahua 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.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Chihuahua or Rat Terrier? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
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.
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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier?

Not really

Chihuahua 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.
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.

Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Chihuahua and Rat Terrier have? Chihuahua vs Rat Terrier litter size comparison:
2-4 puppies 5-7 puppies

Chihuahua 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 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. 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
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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