The rat terrier and the Chihuahua are commonly mistaken for each other due to the similarities these two distinct breeds share. However, just as much as they are similar to one another, they have immense differences. If you’re struggling to find these differences, you aren’t alone; many people struggle with the same, as some of these differences are very minor.
In this rat terrier vs. Chihuahua article, we will take a look at what sets these two breeds apart to help you find the right choice. Continue reading to learn their differences to ultimately find the best for you between the two.
Rat Terrier Breed Information
As the breed’s name suggests, the rat terrier belongs to the terrier group. These dogs were developed in the early 19th century for – once again – as the breed name suggests, controlling the rat population. They were commonly used in farms as ratters to ensure every bit of grain was safe, which could mean having enough food to last the winter or going hungry. Essentially, they were working dogs that had a job to do.
Chihuahua Breed Information
The Chihuahua is an ancient dog breed that was primarily kept as a companion dog rather than serving a specific purpose, though providing companionship is what the Chihuahua excels at. These dogs bond strongly with their loved ones, but many tend to attach to one particular person in the family, making them one-person dogs. Currently, they are among the most popular dog breeds in the US, thanks to these traits.
Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua: 5 Differences
Below are five ways to tell rat terriers and Chihuahuas apart.
History
As mentioned above, the rat terrier was kept as a working dog to eliminate rats, especially on farms. The Chihuahua, on the other hand, was kept mainly as a companion animal. While it might seem minor at first, their difference in history explains many of their differences that we will dive deeper into below.
Size and Appearance
One of the easiest ways to tell these two dog breeds apart is their overall appearance. Rat terriers are much larger than Chihuahuas, weighing anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds. This means that even the largest Chihuahua, which can be up to 8 pounds in some cases, is not even as small as the smallest rat terrier.
Generally, Chihuahuas weigh under 6 pounds and stand a mere five to eight inches, whereas the rat terrier is between 10 and 18 inches tall, depending on the variety, whether miniature or standard.
Personality
Given their working background, rat terriers are intelligent, eager to please, and friendly towards strangers. They enjoy human companionship from everyone and tend to do well in households with dogs and kids. However, due to being ratters, they typically don’t do so well in homes with small prey animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits.
The Chihuahua is equally loving, but generally towards their immediate family; sometimes even only to their favorite human. They also don’t enjoy the presence of unfamiliar dogs or kids as much as rat terriers, making them a better fit for families without dogs or children.
Energy Levels
The rat terrier’s energy levels are much higher than the Chihuahua’s. They actively seek a job to do, which means the owner needs to get them involved in rigorous exercise and mental stimulation on an ongoing basis. This is a must to have a well-behaved rat terrier that’s content with their life. Otherwise, behavioral issues may arise.
The Chihuahua, on the other hand, doesn’t require as much physical or mental exercise. These small dogs are generally happy with a quick stroll around the neighborhood and routine potty breaks. They crave more attention in the form of cuddles, kisses, and praise than chasing after a ball or solving dog puzzles.
Intelligence and Trainability
Generally speaking, the rat terrier has a superior intelligence to the Chihuahua. This is largely because of the working dog background that requires them to think smart and fast in order to excel at their jobs. They are also highly trainable, allowing them to be trained for a variety of purposes, outside of catching rats.
However, this doesn’t mean that the Chihuahua isn’t intelligent. In fact, they are just as intelligent; they just don’t have the same type of intelligence. Chihuahuas would much rather use their intelligence to get what they want, like cutely manipulating their owners to receive cuddles or tasty treats.
Rat Terrier vs Chihuahua: Which Breed Is for You?
Both the rat terrier and the Chihuahua are ideal for a wide range of prospective dog owners. The rat terrier tends to be a better choice for those who are looking for an active dog to get them moving and keep them social, whereas the Chihuahua is more ideal for those who need a companion dog in the smallest form available.
While these two distinct breeds have their own ideal owner profile, you should also consider getting a rat terrier and Chihuahua mix for the best of both worlds. As explained in this rat terrier Chihuahua mix guide, the mixes of these two distinct dog breeds share the best of both worlds, making them the best choice for those who can’t decide between the two.