Currently, crosses of various expensive breeds are very popular.
Chihuahuas and toy terriers are no exception.
Please note that the dog is not purebred.
Mestizos are cheaper.
However, at the same time, they absorb the features of both parents.
Despite all the advantages, their maintenance and care have their own characteristics that should be followed to avoid problems.
Let's look into everything in detail.
Description of the Chihuahua and Toy Terrier mix
When choosing a dog, if your gaze falls on a mestizo, you need to keep in mind that such a dog is not purebred.
It has no breeding value, so no matter how the owners of such puppies convince you of their pedigree, this is just a way to sell the puppy at a higher price.
In puppyhood, it is not at all clear what the dog will look like in the future..
Only by the age of one year is its color, build and head shape formed. Only by the age of three months will it be possible to see at least the rudiments of color.
Such puppies are almost always active and cheerful, because their parents, as a rule, have the same character.
Training a small pet
Both Toys and Chihuahuas, of course, must undergo socialization, master the basic program and become familiar with the rules of good behavior. But it is worth considering a number of features:
- The whip method is not suitable for such dogs; it is not recommended to force them to train;
- these little ones are very inquisitive, smart and happy to be near their owner - these qualities should be used when raising and training;
- classes should be varied, a playful form is encouraged - a bored pet will lose interest in the process;
- successes should be encouraged - such pets react sensitively to the behavior of the owner and even to the intonation of the voice, therefore, in addition to treats and affection, praise works well on them;
- From terriers, mestizos can pass on such qualities as stubbornness and dominance - a miniature pet is capable of cunning, if it is not immediately stopped, it will dodge and be lazy every time in order to avoid completing tasks. The leader in a relationship with a dog should always be a person, otherwise, before you know it, this cutie will start making his own rules.
Such dogs, obtained as a result of mixing two decorative breeds, are ordinary dogs and you should not make allowances for their small size, endlessly pampering them and allowing everything.
Representatives of miniature breeds and their crosses are exclusively apartment or home options. There is no need to even think about any street maintenance. It is advisable for future owners to take care of the safety of their tiny four-legged friend in advance:
- in the rooms where the dog has access, there should be no surfaces higher than half a meter on which the pet can climb without assistance;
- It is better to equip the place with a house or an insulated lounger, protected from drafts;
- the tray should be placed in a secluded place, since these dogs are often very shy and do not want to do their “business” in front of everyone, but they will not tolerate it either;
- the place for eating should be equipped with two bowls - for food and water, placing them on a non-slip mat;
- it is important to select suitable equipment for the dog - harnesses and vests are suitable for little ones, and if the owner prefers to use a leash, then it should be of moderate length;
- as already noted, the dog should have its own wardrobe, consisting of a winter overall, a raincoat, and a demi-season set. Very tiny babies, weighing no more than 4 kg, should also buy shoes;
- caring for the fur depends on its length and quality, but more often than not, 3-4 baths a year are enough for mestizos; the dogs are combed 1-2 times a week, and during seasonal molting - every day;
- We should not forget about standard hygiene procedures - examining and cleaning ears and teeth, trimming nails as they grow.
Toys and Chihuahuas are prone to food allergies, so the owner of a mixed breed should be especially careful when it comes to nutrition. Moreover, it is initially unknown whether the puppy will inherit this feature of its parents or not.
It is not recommended to feed babies exclusively dry food, since constant eating of hard food leads to the fact that tooth enamel quickly wears out. But if the owner considers ready-made diets to be the best option, you can periodically soak the dry granules before serving and supplement the pet’s diet with wet menus.
You can also feed your dog natural food; in this case, you should create a menu of healthy ingredients, excluding highly allergenic and harmful foods.
You should not think that a mixed-breed puppy has better health than its purebred counterparts, even though these mongrels have been subject to natural selection for generations, in which the fittest survive. A crossbreed of two decorative breeds, which have a genetic predisposition to various ailments, most often receives a whole range of diseases from their parents.
A cross between a Chihua and a Toy - a hybrid, a puppy who, by the will of fate, turned out to be an outbred "nobleman". But this does not prevent him from being an excellent pet, a family favorite and a true companion.
Recently, most people give preference to the so-called designer dog breeds. But not everyone knows what is hidden under these words. Breeders gave this definition to mestizos, for example, a cross between a Chihuahua and a toy terrier. In reviews, breeders highlight both the advantages and disadvantages of such individuals. The first, undoubtedly, includes:
- low cost;
- good health (no genetic predisposition to certain diseases);
- Mestizos inherit the best character traits of their parents.
But there are also disadvantages. No one can guess what the puppy will be like (neither in appearance 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 this out.
Character of the breed
Chihuahuas and Toy Terriers are companion dogs, and the breed mix inherits this trait from them. But their desire to spend time with the owner is expressed in different ways: it is not known exactly whose temperament the dog will acquire.
Chihuahuas are calm, but more jealous than toy terriers; the same ones, in turn, are active.
In any case, mestizos do not like to be left alone, they begin to get bored and may even get sick. The crossbreeds of these breeds have a rather complex character; if they don’t like something, they may even bite.
For this reason, you should not have a mixed breed for children . They can get hurt by an emotional dog.
NOTE!
It is difficult to train a dog, so you need to train it from an early age. They are also suspicious of punishment and severity and may stop obeying completely.
But if the owner finds the right approach, he will be able to find a common language with the dog.
It is also important to use a leash when walking, especially if you plan to walk near the road or socialize your dog..
In these plans, the mestizo can be unpredictable and it will be important to keep him from aggression.
Character and training
Russian Toy Terrier and Chihuahua are companion dogs with some personality traits. For example, Toys are more active and playful, while Chihuahuas are jealous and prone to territoriality. There is a stereotype that all Chihuahua mestizos are aggressive. It is difficult to say whether these statistics are true, because they are based on the experience of owners who do not really know from whom their puppy was born.
Based on the logic and descriptions of the breeds, we can conclude that the nature of the mestizos will not be simple. Chihuahuas are not recommended for families with children, and Russian Toy Terriers are very playful. Given the dog's size and defenselessness, defensive bites are to be expected. Heredity also explains the jealousy of mestizos; they are demanding of attention from the owner and constant communication. Try not to be separated from your pet for a long time, take it with you on vacation and for long walks.
Small dogs require extensive socialization, education, and basic training. The difficulty is that the baby cannot be forced or punished, that is, the owner will have to find an approach and interest the ward. Even a perfectly behaved dog needs to be walked on a leash, especially if you are near the road. Metis are not aware of their size and can rush after a cat without looking back or run into a fight with a large dog.
What does a dog look like?
Toy terrier genes in most cases turn out to be dominant, this plays into their hands, because the shortened muzzle of a Chihuahua can cause breathing problems.
The ears of mestizos are erect (shown in the photo). It’s difficult to guess about body type, but most dogs of this crossbreed are thin-legged, fit and compact .
The remaining parameters do not matter.
Adult mixed breeds are mainly from long-haired toy terriers, they are black and tan in color and have a medium-length tail. Dogs have feathers on their cheeks and paws.
But if both parents have short hair, then most likely the puppy will also have short hair or have slightly longer hair..
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
“Such mestizos are in good health, but problems can always arise if you don’t pay attention. The same goes for upbringing. There are, of course, people who are completely uncontrollable and whose character cannot be controlled at all, but there are few of them. The majority can be educated and trained, even if with difficulty. Everything is in the hands of the owner.”
Fashion for mongrel dogs
A Chihuahua-Toy Terrier mix is a purebred dog, since only an individual that has documents of breeding value is considered purebred. No matter how much you are convinced otherwise. Recently it has become fashionable to breed Chihuahuas with Toy Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians and even Dachshunds. Most people who carry out such “breeding activities” only heard about genetics at school, so it is impossible to explain their desire with anything other than a thirst for profit.
Advice: no one has the right to tell you, but if you decide to adopt a small mongrel dog, you don’t have to pay for it! If the breeder demands a fee and you pay it, this is equivalent to a contribution to the breeding of stray animals and abandoned dogs.
The second option for the appearance of mestizos is an oversight of the owners. Simply put, a bitch in heat runs away, finds a groom, and if she doesn’t survive on the street, returns home. After 1–1.5 months, owners are surprised to discover that their pet is pregnant. In this case, it is difficult to guess the breed of the second parent, and it is pointless to draw conclusions based on the appearance of the puppies.
Advantages and disadvantages
pros:
- A small dog that will be comfortable in a small apartment;
- Loves long and active walks;
- A playful dog that is happy to spend time with its owner;
- Devoted;
- Maintenance is effortless;
- Responsive, subtly senses the mood of the owner.
Minuses:
- Difficult to train;
- Can be aggressive and uncontrollable;
- Jealous;
- Doesn't get along well with children;
- He treats everyone coldly except the owner.
Despite all the disadvantages, the dog finds its response in the hearts of people.
All disadvantages are easily corrected by training and perseverance in education . If desired, the dog can become what you want it to be.
What is the difference?
Despite some external similarities, these are two completely different breeds, which have several main differences:
- This one is slightly larger than Mexican dogs. And his body structure is more graceful and elegant. It literally shows a connection with the English aristocracy,
- the structure of the Chihuah's head is short and blunt, while that of the Toy Terrier is long and pointed,
- Chihuahuas have two varieties that differ in their coat type. English Terriers do not have any varieties,
- Toys have a more obedient and flexible character, and they rarely have problems with learning. But raising a Chihuahua can be a very difficult task, especially for an unprepared person,
- Toy Terriers have many more health problems. Their average life expectancy is 11 - 13 years, while Mexican dogs often live up to 16 - 18.
Life expectancy and health
As breeders say, mixed breeds of these breeds have excellent health . However, owners sometimes say completely opposite things.
The fact is that when crossing, the genetic diseases of Chihuahuas and toy terriers overlap each other, as a result of which diseases can manifest themselves to an even greater degree than in purebred breeds.
IMPORTANT!
Metis are prone to colds, so during the cold season you need to provide them with additional clothing.
It is also important to monitor the condition of their oral cavity, in particular their teeth, and prevent the development of tartar.
Vaccinations
for dogs are mandatory; you cannot go outside without them . Due to their small size, they suffer from parasites more than others, so it is worth carrying out preventive measures from time to time.
Mixed breeds may also be prone to food allergies, just like some of their parents. It is impossible to predict this scenario, just be careful when selecting food.
The life expectancy
of mestizos is relatively long - 10-13 years .
If food allergies can be avoided by changing foods, then you should not treat tartar yourself, but rather contact a veterinarian. clinic.
What dog breeds are similar?
Parson Russell Terrier
Until 2001, the Parson Russell Terrier had the same standard as the Jack Russell. These dogs have the same origin, which explains their similarity to each other.
However, now these are completely different breeds with different standards.
The Parson Terrier is higher at the withers and has a more square body outline; Parson's legs are more elongated.
This dog has excellent hunting qualities, but has a more conflicting nature.
Parsons often show aggression towards other animals and strangers.
They adapt to urban living conditions somewhat more difficult than Jack Russells.
Smooth Fox Terrier
A small but very powerful dog (height - up to 39 cm at the withers, weight - up to 8 kg).
It has a muscular but compact build and a dense, straight coat with brown and black spots.
The Fox Terrier is an active, friendly and sociable pet, sometimes quite stubborn. Needs constant attention, new experiences and frequent walks.
Kern
Tireless hunter of foxes and rodents, originally from Scotland. It is distinguished by its compact size (up to 30 cm at the withers) and dense thick hair.
This is a very smart animal, persistent and energetic. Kerns are born watchmen and protectors. They are easy to train and feel the owner very well.
In return, such a dog will require increased attention and active walks together.
West Highland White
Companion dogs, once bred as rodent hunters.
Being small in size (up to 28 cm at the withers), they feel good in a city apartment, but need frequent walks.
They have an excellent character, which allows them to get along with any company. However, the owner must pay enough attention to raising this dog from the very beginning.
Otherwise, the pet will grow up too stubborn and self-willed.
There is no doubt that all mestizos are cute in their own way and are in no way inferior to purebred dogs in character or intelligence. However, they require no less attention.
You need to remember this when choosing a pet. And then for many years the owner will receive a tireless and faithful companion, unique in all respects.
From the video you will learn what mixed-breed Jack Russell Terrier puppies look like:
Mixed breeds combine the properties of two breeds, and because of this, they are usually stronger and more resilient than their parents.
Sometimes the crossing is unsuccessful, and the puppy is born weak - this happens if the two breeds are not compatible in terms of physical characteristics.
Fortunately, a Toy Terrier-Chihuahua mix is a good combination.
Features of maintenance and care
Despite the fact that dogs love to go for long walks, they are indoor and domestic dogs. This is due to the fact that they quickly become hypothermic and freeze.
Their place in the house should be protected from cold and drafts; dogs may even have to walk around the apartment in special clothes.
The tray should be placed in a place hidden from view, because dogs can be shy, and the place for food should be equipped with two bowls - for food and water.
CAREFULLY!
For walking, the collar and leash also need to be selected carefully: it should not injure the dog.
Most owners of miniature breeds use vest harnesses when walking..
It is also worth choosing clothes for the dog for the whole season, otherwise the dog risks catching a cold and becoming very sick.
Dogs need to be brushed about once a week, every day during shedding, and bathing 3-4 times a year is enough . Also, do not forget to trim the ear hairs, clean the ears 1-2 times a month, and trim the nails as they grow.
The difference between toy terriers and dogs of other breeds: chihuahua, pinscher, spitz
Representatives of this breed love to pamper themselves and sit on their arms.
Do not forget that they, like any dogs, are lovers of active recreation. They need to take time for walks: dogs love to run, for example in the yard or park.
Chihuahuas and toy terriers have different personalities.
The first ones are dogs who love more calm, they are self-possessed. At the same time, like others, they are very playful. This breed is ancient, one of the oldest in the world, formed naturally and in conditions that give them an advantage.
Pets have good health and a strong psyche. If we talk about these factors, toy terriers, in comparison with Chihuahuas, have a weaker psyche, they are somewhat unbalanced, for this reason there were sometimes complaints from owners that dogs barked for no reason. It is worth understanding the direct dependence on the owner’s attitude towards the dog.
There is another similar breed of dog, no less beautiful and intelligent - miniature pinschers.
In terms of their physique, they are proportional, this indicates the absence of defects on the body itself.
The breed is quite cute, if you pamper them, life will quickly turn into a nightmare, because dogs are stubborn.
Despite this, if you train your Miniature Pinscher properly, you can fully enjoy its behavior.
Dogs of this breed need to be walked often, they simply cannot stand being alone,
You should always try to take them with you everywhere as often as possible.
They are easy to train, often show courage, and are always ready to protect their owner,
even if the enemy is much larger. Miniature Pinschers are crazy about mental activity and love to follow given commands. They are kind and suitable for families with children.
A breed of dog that is characterized as long, bushy, and often with white fur. Pointed ears and muzzle, a curved tail - this is about them.
Feeding your pet
It is not recommended to feed mixed breeds only dry food .
This will cause their tooth enamel to wear away quickly and can also cause kidney problems.
But if owners have no other option, you can soak the dry granules before serving or periodically give the dog wet food.
You can feed the mestizo with natural food. In this case, it is worth excluding harmful and allergenic foods and making sure that the menu is balanced.
Health
If you believe the breeders, mestizos are distinguished by good health. However, owners do not always agree with this. In their reviews, they claim that they are faced with various diseases. The fact is that even though 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 for small dogs is colds. They should not be allowed to become hypothermic. It is also worth keeping a close eye on your mestizo’s teeth and dealing with tartar in a timely manner. And of course, it is not allowed to take pets outside without having received all the necessary vaccinations.
