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

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

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	Rat Terrier	Chihuahua
Origins	United States	Mexico
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	97	32
Reviews	2	17
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for Rat Terrier and Chihuahua. What other names are these breeds known by?	Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier	Csivava Chihuahueño
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Small	Small
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua. Which breed is heavier?	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)	2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)	4 pounds (2 kg)
Height Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Chihuahua? Is a Rat Terrier taller than a Chihuahua?	Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)	7.5 inches (19 cm)

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua. Which breed costs more?	$300-$500	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Chihuahua?	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare training requirements.	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare alertness levels.	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare territorial behaviors.	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua. How do their temperaments differ?	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua?	High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua social needs comparison:	Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Chihuahua 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 Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua?	The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua? Which can be better for hunting?	Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare play drive and energy.	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare living space needs.	Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare adaptability levels.	Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Rat Terrier or Chihuahua?	Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare biting tendencies.	Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare mouthing behaviors.	Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare bite force PSI.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare average lifespans.	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare climate tolerances.	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.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua. Which breed is healthier?	The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua?	Average The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare obesity risks.	Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare daily food needs.	No data available	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for Rat Terrier and Chihuahua? Compare breed colors.	Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare maintenance needs.	Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare drooling amounts.	The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare natural smell levels.	Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a Rat Terrier and a Chihuahua? Compare fur types.	Dense Shiny	Fine
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare bathing frequencies.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. 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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Rat Terrier or Chihuahua? Do Rat Terrier dogs shed more than Chihuahua dogs?	Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. See more.	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare service capabilities.	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 Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare therapy capabilities.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare scenting abilities.	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 & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare SAR abilities.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a Rat Terrier or a Chihuahua? Compare draft work capabilities.	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.
Military Service Background Compare military history between Rat Terrier and Chihuahua. Which has stronger military background?	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.

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between Rat Terrier and Chihuahua. Which has larger litters?	5-7 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between Rat Terrier and Chihuahua breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between Rat Terrier and Chihuahua. Which needs longer recovery?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of Rat Terrier and Chihuahua. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of Rat Terrier and Chihuahua. Which groups are they in?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between Rat Terrier and Chihuahua. Which is more widely recognized?	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	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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua

Reviews