Chihuahuas and Toy Terriers are breeds that have been popular for many years.
But despite their external similarity and small size, their features are completely different.
Only knowing this can you choose a dog that is completely suitable for yourself and your family.
But Chihuahuas and toy terriers are not as similar as they seem at first glance.
How do you choose?
Let's look into it in detail.
Description of the Chihuahua breed
Common parameters
There is no standard for Chihuahuas in the world.
Their maximum weight reaches 3 kg, minimum – 500 g . The normal figure is 2.-2.5 kg.
Breeders derived growth indicators proportional to weight. If a dog weighs less than 2 kg, its ideal height is 22-23 cm, if 2-3 kg, then 25 cm. Female Chihuahuas are slightly taller than males, and their short stature is especially valued.
Dogs have slightly apple-shaped heads and tall, wide ears that taper to a point. If the ears are not standing enough or not at all, this is considered a defect. Ear elevation in Chihuahua puppies occurs by three months.
Chihuahuas come in smooth-haired and long-haired varieties. The coat can be black, black and white, black and tan, chocolate, brindle and sable.
Pros and cons of Chihuahuas
Advantages:
- Consumes a small amount of feed;
- They have an affectionate and devoted character;
- Will not take up much space in the apartment;
- Suitable for small living space
- Do not require long walks or physical activity;
- They can go to the toilet and use the litter tray or diaper.
Flaws:
- Loud barking;
- Excessive fearlessness in front of large dogs;
- Excessive fragility;
- They treat children poorly;
- They don't remember commands well.
Character
Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have a fiery temperament, they are emotional, self-confident and overly brave, all this is manifested during walks and when communicating with other dogs. Training can correct their behavior.
Chihuahuas accept their brothers well; they are wary of representatives of other breeds..
They love their owner, but are more trusting of a woman than a man. They are also not very patient with children. Dogs do not tolerate rudeness or bad treatment; they may become offended or even bite.
It is noteworthy that long-haired Chihuahuas are more peaceful than short-haired ones . The latter are very hot-tempered.
Features of caring for miniature pets
Pets are not picky when it comes to keeping them. Short-haired representatives need to be combed once a week with a special brush or rubber glove. Dogs with long hair need to be brushed every day. Every day after a walk, wipe your eyes with a cotton pad soaked in water or chamomile solution.
Every month it is necessary to tidy up the claws, regularly inspect and clean the ears. You can bathe as needed using a special shampoo.
Note! It is not advisable to wet the animal's head while bathing. Tampons are placed in the ears during this period.
Since both breeds do not tolerate frost well, you can walk them less often in winter. In this case, it is necessary to teach the animal to go to the toilet in a tray or in a diaper. If your pet does go outside, you should dress warmly.
Every six months, dogs must be taken to the clinic for a preventive examination.
Description of Toy Terriers
Common parameters
Toy terriers are not very tall. Their height at the withers usually does not exceed 28 cm, and their weight is 3 kg.
There are long-haired and short-haired toy terriers . In long-haired animals, the fur coat reaches 5 cm, and there are feathers on the ears and limbs. Shorthairs have no undercoat, their coat is short and dense.
The dog has a dry oval body, the back is tense and falls towards the tail. The withers are clearly defined. Toys have their tail docked, but this procedure can be abandoned.
According to the standards, a purebred toy terrier must have the following parameters:
- Medium width oval chest;
- Convex skull with a round frontal part;
- Pointed muzzle and thin cheeks;
- Small nose, colored or black;
- Scissor bite;
- Lips tightly closed along the entire length.
- The eyes are large and slightly protruding, dark in color;
- Large erect triangular ears;
- High-set graceful neck;
- Thin, lean belly;
- Slender and straight legs;
- Oval paws, hind legs set slightly wider than front ones.
Toy Terriers were originally black and tan or brown and tan.
Now blue and tan, red with or without black or brown patina are also allowed . The color of the coat should be rich.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the breed:
- Cute appearance;
- Small size is suitable for keeping in small apartments;
- Little food required;
- Gets along easily with animals and children;
- It is easy to move long distances and travel with a dog.
Disadvantages of the breed:
- Increased bone fragility;
- Difficulty in diagnosing diseases;
- May be injured during a walk in clashes with other animals or people;
- Requires additional attributes for walking and increased attention.
There are two varieties of the Toy Terrier breed: Russian and English.
Character
The Toy Terrier is a very smart dog . Training him is not difficult.
At the same time, he is absolutely non-aggressive, friendly and peaceful. It also has such traits as courage, activity and the ability to always come to the owner’s defense.
He can become a good guard: his ringing bark and loud hearing allow him to notify about something that has happened..
But small sizes prevent you from realizing your full potential.
The dog will get along well with a child - toy terriers love to play . They behave calmly on the street, in public transport.
Dogs quickly become attached to people, love attention and do not like to be left alone. But you still need to be attentive to him, sometimes strict. This way you will prevent damage to property and furniture.
Difference between Chihuahua and Toy Terrier
Huskies and Labradors: a crossbreed and which one to choose
Dogs can differ not only in appearance, but also in character. To understand which breed is best suited, you need to study the characteristics of each species.
Differences in the personalities of a Chihuahua and a Toy Terrier
The character of both breeds is very docile and friendly. Dogs quickly become attached to a person and become a true friend. Both of them love to play, learn something new and walk outside. Good intelligence helps to remember commands and also respond to comments from the owner.
Differences between a Toy Terrier and a Chihuahua:
- Chihuahuas are calmer and more balanced. They rarely bark without a reason, and also show virtually no aggression. Pets are loving and require attention and affection. If the owner is absent from home for a long time, the animal will begin to feel sad. In addition, representatives are very jealous;
- Toy Terriers are much more active. When going for walks, they most often run and rush around the street. Therefore, owners need to monitor the activity of the dogs, otherwise various injuries are possible;
- Toy terriers feel like guards, so they bark a lot. Owners must stop their pets from barking without a reason from childhood. Otherwise there will be no peace in the house;
- It is easier to train with Chihuahuas, as these representatives are calm and it is easier for them to concentrate. Toy terriers, due to their violent nature, react less well to the owner’s commands;
- Both breeds tremble from cold, fear and overexcitement, but toy terriers are a little stronger.
How is a toy terrier different from a chihuahua?
Despite the fact that the dogs are similar to each other in appearance, they have a number of distinctive features (the pets are shown in the photo):
- Dogs have different origins;
- Toy Terriers are slightly larger than Chihuahuas;
- Toys have longer legs, Chihuahuas are squat;
- Toy terriers are more aggressive, protecting their owner, but they treat children much better than chihuahuas.
- Terriers are better trained;
- Shorthaired Toys do not have an undercoat, unlike Chihuahuas;
- A Chihuahua can be of any color; for a toy, the color is regulated by a standard.
Although Toys and Chihuahuas come in long-haired and smooth-haired varieties, the length of their coats also varies.
Who is better - a toy terrier or a chihuahua?
Of course, you won’t get a definite answer as to who is better, a terrier or a Chihuahua.
If you are hesitating which dog of these breeds to give preference to, you have read all the possible information about one and the other dog, you have learned from the owners of that terrier or chihuahua all the pros and cons, and still cannot decide, then the last thing remains. Look at yourself and your family. What are you like? Quiet, calm? Or energetic and unpredictable? Do you prefer to live by planning everything ahead, or are you guided by momentary desires?
So, a Chihuahua will fit harmoniously into a calm, measured life, but a toy terrier will support your outbursts of emotions.
Which breed is best for keeping in an apartment?
Dogs have different temperaments, so their behavior even in the house may differ.
Toy terriers are more cheerful and active. They won't let you get bored and will cheer you up, but their activity can be annoying. Chihuahuas are more reserved.
They can lie for a long time, just watching what is happening, waiting for the owner to call them . Here the character of the owner himself also plays a role - only he can decide what kind of dog will suit him.
Otherwise the dogs are similar. They eat little, but you need to protect them from high objects and falls. They require the same amount of attention, but Toys are easier to train than Chihuahuas.
Overall, these dogs are equally suitable for apartment living. How they behave depends only on the owner .
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
“In general, these are, of course, different breeds. It is impossible to say unequivocally who is better, but subjectively, I would choose the toy terrier because they are more active. And I don’t sit in one place either. Chihuahuas are passive for me, but for older people they are ideal, for example.”
Which breed is the easiest to keep?
Both breeds are equally easy to care for and maintain.
The Toy Terrier is characterized by the longest list of hereditary diseases and diseases to which this breed is susceptible. Therefore, it requires a little more attention in order to consult a doctor at the first signs .
This can make your Toy Terrier more expensive to treat.
Otherwise, the dog requires the same things - brushing, rare bathing, clothing, ear cleaning and nail trimming, eye rubbing and the owner's affection and care..
Attitude towards children and pets
It has been said many times that Chihuahuas and Toy Terriers perceive children and other pets differently.
Chihuahuas are more jealous. He only accepts the owner, so he will not tolerate any other animal in the house besides him. Otherwise it will be subject to constant attacks.
A small dog will not lose its dignity. Also, their attitude towards children also causes caution.
Chihuahuas can tolerate games for a long time, and then simply bite or attack, because a child is smaller than an adult.
For this reason, this breed is not suitable for children, only those who already understand how to properly handle a dog so as not to harm it.
Toy terriers are completely opposite to chihuahuas in this regard. They can play with a child for hours, entertaining him, but this does not mean that the dog can be dragged by the ears and tail.
The Toy Terrier requires no less care when handling . Another thing is that he is more peaceful and friendly. He treats other pets the same way if they do not pose a threat to his owner.
Dog character
Toy terriers by their nature are cheerful and cheerful dogs. They can frolic outside for several hours and take part in games with their owner.
The dog greets strangers with loud barks, usually not reacting to the owner’s comments. At the same time, this breed is very wayward.
If he’s not in the mood, it’s impossible to force him to play or just take him outside..
Dogs do not get along well with other animals in the house and are not recommended for keeping in rooms with children.
Chihuahuas are more balanced in character. Thus, they may not react at all to strangers and behave more reservedly on the street than Toi.
They are able to get along with other pets in the same territory.
Chihuahuas are great with children and allow them liberties.
Both dogs are considered excellent watchdogs, as they zealously protect their owner and home. True, given their size, protection is limited only to barking.
In any case, only the innate characteristics of the characters of animals are listed here. The nature of each of them depends on the individual characteristics of the content, upbringing and training.
Who is more picky about feeding?
These breeds are susceptible to food allergies, so their nutrition requires attention and sometimes even painstaking selection of products.
At first, you will have to monitor how the dogs react to food in order to replace the allergic component if necessary.
They are also more suited to wet food than dry food . Granules can cause tartar in dogs and destroy protective enamel.
Comparison of breeds by other criteria
Toy terriers differ in coat type, Chihuahuas in physiological characteristics: cobby and dir.
Both dogs grow up by the age of one year, but if large breed puppies are three months old, then it is better to adopt a Chihuahua at 6-8 months. At this age, all defects, as well as their character, will already be noticeable.
IMPORTANT!
The life expectancy of Chihuahuas is longer than that of toy terriers - 14-18 years, and that of toys - 10-12.
Also, toy terriers quickly adapt to a new environment when moving. Chihuahuas need to be given attention so that they do not withdraw into themselves, become nervous and aggressive.
Both dogs do not tolerate loneliness well, both are loyal to their owners.
Toys are more active and show aggression towards strangers. Chihuahuas are calm in this regard; they react coldly and warily to new people.
Which breed should you choose?
Only the owner himself can decide which breed is right for him.
The choice should consist of several criteria: lifestyle, presence of family and children, amount of free time, own temperament.
Only after weighing all the pros and cons and understanding his needs can a person choose a dog to his liking.
Who is better, who to choose
You need to choose a dog based on personal qualities and conditions in the home. Both breeds have a lot of positive reviews. You can weigh the decision by considering your lifestyle, the presence of other animals and children in the family, and the amount of free time.
Whom to choose, everyone decides for themselves
After comparing the two breeds, the conclusion arises that each has its own characteristics. Chihuahuas are more suitable for calm people who do not have pets. They can be started in a family where there are no small children, and the owner is willing to spend time playing with the dog. Toy terriers are suitable for energetic owners. They will be fun not only at home, but also on the street.
