10-15 lbs
10-12"
United States
The Rat-Cha is a crossbreed between the purebred American Rat Terrier and Chihuahua. This designer dog has high energy and is very loving toward their family. The Rat-Cha, also called the Rat-Chi, is frisky and can be overprotective of their people. Owners can prevent aggressive or undesirable protective traits by early socialization with people, places, and other dogs. This cute and perky Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix tends to bond with a single person in the family and will spend much of their time on that person's lap.
The Rat-Cha is a popular designer breed due to the high popularity of both parent breeds. Despite the pup's popularity, detailed accounts of their breeding programs and history are not available. This is most likely due to the recent hybridization of both parent breeds and the number of variations that can be present in the Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix offspring. Pet parents who wish to understand the histories and potential traits of their Rat Terrier Chihuahua mix can review those of both parents for insight.
The American Rat Terrier is an American breed long in the making. The breeding program included several other well-established breeds, such as the Manchester Terrier, Bull Terrier, Old English White Terrier, and the Fox Terrier. The purpose of the breed programs was to produce a small Terrier type that was a tenacious ratting dog, and that could get in tight places. Despite their late recognition by the American Kennel Club in 2013, the American Rat Terrier has been long bred in the United States. A Rat Terrier appeared alongside Shirley Temple in The Little Colonel and was the Terrier of choice of President Theodore Roosevelt, who wanted a rat dog to handle the White House rat problem. The Rat Terrier varied in the United States depending on the region they were from as well. In the south, the Rat Terrier was crossbred with the Beagle to produce a pack-minded ratting dog while the Greyhound and Whippet breeds were used in the midwest to give the Rat Terrier fleet abilities against the fast jackrabbits.
The Chihuahua is also a dog of the Americas but from Mexico. Accounts of the Chihuahua, known then as Techichi, reach back as far as the 9th Century in the Mesoamerican region where the little dogs were bred as both vermin hunters and companions. The Techichi was so well loved that they were often buried alongside their masters at death. The Techichi faded into obscurity during the Spanish invasion of the Aztec State, but the small, resilient dog maintained themselves in the region and were rediscovered living in the Mexican state of Chihuahua during the mid-1800s, where the breed gained their new name. Shortly after their rediscovery, the Chihuahua made their way north to the United States by the late 1800s and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1904. Interest in the Chihuahua grew fast, and by the 1960s, the Chihuahua was considered one of the most popular dogs in the country. Today, the Chihuahua still enjoys a high popularity ranking in the American Kennel Club.
The Rat-Cha is an easy dog to maintain and has minimal grooming needs. They are moderate shedding dogs, and weekly brushing will help remove any excess loose or dead hair. They are not a hypoallergenic dog, but weekly grooming will help keep the allergens down. The Rat-Cha is not known to have a doggy odor so any fouls smells may point to a health concern, such as ear infection or dental issues. This little dynamo is prone to developing dental problems, many of which may be prevented by keeping their teeth clean. Owners can help their dogs maintain healthy mouths by brushing their teeth frequently and providing them with hard, rubberized chew toys.
American Rat Terriers and Chihuahuas often suffer from patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and eye conditions. Secure pet health insurance today to avoid high veterinary care costs. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Written by Alyssa Watt
Published: 11/27/2017, edited: 09/24/2021
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I have a 4 y/o Ratcha, named king. My mom bought him when I lived with her, he’s been my bestie since.We already had a 5 y/o female min pin. he was 2 When I moved out, and he wasn’t being properly taken care of(barred to basement, little outside or stranger interaction.locked in small cage with 2 other small dogs) i adopted him with my GF and roommate. In the interaction HES had with other puppies has been positive(in the 20 minutes he had with puppy female pit bull) the she wants her own fur baby, what dogs do you recommend that would be compatible? 30-50lbs recommended Apartment btw THANKS!
I have a 4 y/o Ratcha, named king. My mom got him when I lived with her, he’s been my bestie since.We already had a 5 y/o female min pin. he was 2 When I moved out, and he wasn’t being properly taken care of(barred to basement, little outside or stranger interaction.locked in small cage with 2 other small dogs) i adopted him with my GF and roommate. In the interaction HES had with other dogs has been positive(in the 20 minutes he had with puppy female pit bull) now she wants her own fur baby, what breeds do you recommend that would be compatible? Preferably 30-50lbs Apartment btw THANKS!
How old will my rat change calms down.. She is super hyper
