Rat-Cha Dog Breed Information - All You Need To Know

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A mix between the Rat Terrier and the Chihuahua is bound to be interesting. Both of them pretty much look the same, except for the coat differences. Their personalities also match to a certain extent. If we had to pin it all down and describe the Rat-Cha, we would say it’s a good family dog. It can adapt to any living condition. It is, however, extremely energetic, which some people may find problematic.

If you plan on getting this doggie, then it is imperative that you learn more about it. The following paragraphs explain the Rat-Cha in more detail. These can give you a pretty good idea of what the Rat-Cha’s all about.

Rat-Cha History

The Rat Terrier is a prominent eradicating breed from the US. The Rat Terrier became specifically recognized during the 19^th Century. By mid 19^th Century, it was present in every second farm throughout the US. Its genetics reveal Old English White Terrier, Bull Terrier, and the Manchester Terrier genes. The Rat Terrier became more recognized for its affiliation with the White House during President Theodore Roosevelt’s reign.

The Chihuahua is a breed from Mexico. According to early accounts, the Rat-Cha was formerly known as the Techichi. These loyal dogs were ancient rodent exterminators. They were an essential part of the cultures present around Mesoamerica. The breed vanished after the Aztec culture was nearly wiped out due to constant wars. However, it was rediscovered by some researchers in the 18^th Century.

Rat-Cha Characteristics

The Rat-Cha has a slightly bony structure, which shows from its weight range. The Rat-Cha will generally have a short coat. The available colors for the coat are Fawn, Brown, Sable, Black, and White. The eyes of the Rat-Cha are slightly oval and bulgy. The ears of the Rat-Cha look more like Chihuahua ears. The only physical shortcoming of the Rat-Cha is its dental health. Therefore, you will have to be extra careful about its dental health.

How Big do Rat-Cha Get

The males of this breed are a tad bit taller than the females. The height range for males is 12 to 16 inches. The females, on the other hand, are 12 to 14 inches tall. The weight ranges between 10 to 15 lbs or both genders.

How Long Does Rat-Cha Live

Compared to other dogs and Rat Terrier mixes, the Rat-Cha has an unusually long lifespan. It will normally live at least more than 13 years. The maximum reported lifespan of the Rat-Cha is 18 years. On average, it should live close to 14 or 15 years. The 18-year limit is only possible if you keep your companion’s health in consideration.

How Much Does a Rat-Cha Cost

Currently, the price of the Rat-Cha should be around 250 to 300 dollars. The maximum current price for an average puppy is 400 dollars. A highly improbable, but minimum price is 75 dollars. The price of the Rat-Cha tends to vary because of its physical features and lack of availability. The area that you live in is another factor that affects its price.

Rat-Cha Temperament/Personality

From their general disposition, we can say that they are friendly. However, they tend to be aggressive towards strangers. They also have a bit of a petty personality problem. So, for example, if a child unintentionally pulls on their coat, they may retaliate. You can get rid of this problem with proper socialization. Once it bonds with someone, it’s inseparable. You could even call it clingy.

Intelligence is the Rat-Cha’s middle name, or maybe it isn’t. Nevertheless, the Rat-Cha can learn new tricks quite effectively. It may have a stubborn streak, but even that can be managed. How? You have to keep the Rat-Cha motivated. There is no better motivation than good food, in this case some Dog Training Treats.

Caring for Rat-Cha

The following section deals with all of the technical information about your doggie. It will allow you to take care of your doggie on a more intricate scale. We recommend paying attention to this section; take a few notes if you are a first-timer.

Rat-Cha Nutrition

Your doggie won’t need more than one cup of food. The dietary expense of the Rat-Cha should amount to 300 or 350 dollars. However, there are a few things that you will have to cross out from your doggie’s diet. Any dairy products are strictly prohibited because of Theobromine and other Bloat inducing Diarrhoea inducing elements. Garlic is also extremely harmful to your doggie.

How to Groom a Rat-Cha

The coat of the Rat-Cha, as stated above, is manageable. Brushing the coat three to four times per week should be more than enough. You may have to brush it more often based on the seasons. Why? In warm weather, dogs tend to shed more. You can bathe it more often to loosen the hair in these seasons. Otherwise, bathing it once per month should be sufficient. You may need a Dog Bath Tub not to cause a mess. You should also keep its dental health in check. Brushing its teeth five times per week should be good enough.

Rat-Cha Activity Levels

The Rat-Cha has an abundance of energy in its small body. Usually, it requires about an hour of daily exercise. For people who prefer passive dogs, the Rat-Cha isn’t a good choice. Ignoring its activity needs will make it more aggressive and self-destructive. God Bless your furniture if it ever comes to that. Make sure that it gets 60 minutes of exercise every day. You can divide the 60 minutes into smaller parts for your convenience.

Caring for Rat-Cha

The Rat-Cha needs as much appreciation as any human needs. Likewise, it also needs the same amount of love and consideration. It makes socialization for this doggie even more important. The Rat-Cha is also known to develop separation anxiety quite rapidly. Therefore, ignoring it for long is not an option. You also might want to give your doggie a personal space that it can retreat to when felt threatened. A Dog Crate is one such option, and a Dog House is another option.

The Rat-Cha also tends to wander about. You should get your doggie a Dog Collar. These will allow you to identify your doggie. It could also help people identify where your doggie lives. You can even attach a GPS Tracker for Dogs to keep your companion’s location in check.

Rat-Cha Health

Like most small mix dogs, the Rat-Cha has a breathing-related issue. Tracheal Collapse can prove fatal for your doggie, specifically in its young days. Another prominent condition is Hydrocephalus. Other conditions like Alopecia, Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, and PRA also tend to affect the Rat-Cha. Some of these aren’t avoidable since they are birth problems. However, you can give your doggie care to alleviate their pain.

What kind of care? The answer to that lies with your vet. Only by analyzing your canine’s genes can they give you instructions. Quite frankly, a vet is the only person certified to give you all of the info regarding your doggie. You can only take care of its diet and other needs. Medicine is something we should only leave to the pros.

Breeds Similar to Rat-Cha

Best Dog Food for Rat-Chas

The best dog food for Rat-Cha is Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 5-lb bag. This dog food has been produced with healthy ingredients that ensure a healthy lifestyle for your dog.

Support a non-GMO ingredients formula.
Provides healthy joints through calcium.
High-protein works miracles for muscle development.

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Best Puppy Food for Rat-Chas

The best puppy food for Rat-Cha is Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Puppy Dry Dog Food. This puppy food has deboned chicken as the key ingredient. This makes it rich in protein for better muscle health.

Equipped with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids.
Kibble size makes it easy to eat.
Support healthy hips and joints.

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Best Dog Crate for Rat-Chas

The best dog crate for Rat-Cha is Paws & Pals Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate, 20 inches. This crate has a strong construction that makes it highly secure for your little friend. Moreover, the high-quality material makes it highly durable.

Features a collapsible design that makes it super easy to operate.
Contains higher face, corrosion, and rust resistance.
Equipped with ABS handles for easy transportation.

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Best Dog Bed for Rat-Chas

The best dog bed for Rat-Cha is Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Sherpa Bolster Cat & Dog Bed. This bed has a very protective atmosphere for your dog. It is machine-washable and dryer-safe that provides an easy cleaning system.

Sidewalls work as a headrest.
Provides relief from joints pain and supports back through high walls.
Includes water and dirt-resistant bottom.

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Best Dog Harness for Rat-Chas

The best dog harness for Rat-Cha is Puppia Black Trim Polyester Back Clip Dog Harness. This harness has ultra-soft air-mesh padding. It ensures higher comfort and security with its unique structure.