How is a toy terrier different from a chihuahua and who is better to choose?

Do you want to have a small dog, but don’t know who to choose - Chihuahua or Toy Terrier? After reading this article, you will learn how these breeds are similar and different, get acquainted with the features of the care and nature of animals and can easily make a choice.

People unfamiliar with these breeds often confuse dogs, but there are significant differences between them.

A miniature baby chihuahua is the favorite of many people, regardless of gender and age. The first secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev, had love for this amusement girl. Yesterday, the trend among glamorous fashionistas was to walk with a handbag, from which a tiny dog ​​coquettishly peeks.

Consider a description of the breed. The body of this dog is knocked down, dense, with a powerful chest. Paws are thick, squat. The tail, thickened at the base, arched, like a Turkish saber, rises with a sharp tip up. The head of the dog has a spherical shape, from the forehead to the nose of the animal there is a characteristic, pronounced transition. The muzzle is round, small, snub-nosed, eyes are huge and expressive.

The ears of the animal are erect, high and wide, with tows. If the puppy’s ears are not raised, this is considered a deviation from the breed. The weight of the animal does not depend on gender. There are Chihuahuas weighing from 0.5 to 3 kg. The growth of the dog is from 22 to 25 cm.

Chihuahuas are:

• long-haired;
• smooth coat.

Color by standards for pets can be any, except for marble. A spotted puppy can have serious health problems: being blind or deaf. Popular colors:

• lilac;
• white;
• the black;
• sable;
• chocolate;
• ginger;
• brindle;
• tricolor;
• tan;
• blue;
• cream.

Pros:

• eat little;
• do not require much space in the house;
• can go to the toilet on a tray or diaper;
• Do not need long walks;
• no need for intense sports loads;
• good-natured by nature;
• you can take the dog with you on a trip.

Minuses:

• Chihuahua boys can tag in the house;
• bark loudly and a lot;
• often endanger themselves without feeling fear;
• do not favor children;
• have very fragile bones;
• very cold;
• need clothes and shoes that are expensive;
• the price of the dog itself is great.

This breed, bred here in Russia, has gained recognition recently and quickly won numerous fans. The dog’s body is dry, lean, compact. The animal has an elegant long neck and thin legs. The muzzle is elongated, elongated and slightly pointed. Ears are erect, widely set, of regular triangular shape. The eyes are bulging, the nose is small, black or in harmony with the color.

The height of an adult dog at the withers is 28 cm, and the maximum weight is 3 kg. Terriers are both long-haired and short-haired. Distinguish between Russian and English toy terrier. Unlike Russian, English is larger. Its weight is about 4 kg, and the height at the withers is about 30 cm. Outwardly, the Englishman is very similar to a miniature Doberman.

Popular colors:

• black and tan;
• lilac;
• blue;
• chocolate;
• brown;
• ginger;
• sable;
• pale yellow.

Pros:

• dogs do not require plentiful food;
• Do not need a large space;
• They have a good appearance and sociable character;
• well tolerate long trips;
• get along with other animals;
• long walks and workouts are optional.

Minuses:

• animals need warm clothes;
• can fearlessly rush at other people's dogs and strangers, protecting the owner;
• have brittle bones;
• freeze all the time;
• very noisy if not brought up right away;
• have a number of genetic diseases;
• from an overabundance of feelings, boys can inflate a puddle.

Obviously, chihuahua and toy terrier have a lot in common.

• Both that and the other doggie will not completely restrict you with their presence in the house. Their sizes are quite comfortable even for the smallest one-room apartment.
• Both breeds are unpretentious in food and they need a very modest amount of food.
• Both the Chihuahua and the toy terrier can not stand the frost, they need warm clothes and shoes.
• They tremble equally from cold or nervous tension.
• Brave kids do not know fear.
• They dearly love their master.
• They have very fragile bones.
• They have a distant external resemblance.
• They always bark loudly.
• They need strict upbringing.
• Ready to accompany you everywhere: on a walk, at a party and on a trip.
• The vocation of the dogs is to be your companions, to be near and to please you, so these decorative breeds do not need intensive physical education.

Dogs have a significant difference.

• Different origin. Chihuahua is a breed with an ancient history, and the toy terrier was officially recognized in 2006.
• Appearance. The toy terrier, compared to the Chihuahua, is slightly higher, has graceful high legs, a neck and a less round head with an elongated muzzle. A Chihuahua, on the other hand, has a longer body, shorter legs and neck, a spherical head that looks like an apple, a tiny nose and cheeks. There is a difference in color and coat. Chihuahua has an undercoat, but a shorthair does not.
• Character and temperament. The chihuahua is calm, pays less attention to outsiders, never fusses. These dogs get along well with older people, without giving them the hassle of noise and fuss. A measured way of life is quite suitable for them.

The toy terrier is distinguished by the fact that it should be everywhere. He runs, frolics, even becomes aggressive when defending his loved ones.The owners of the English terriers claim that this breed has perfectly preserved the hunting instinct. Temperamental babies can hunt mice perfectly. The toy terrier will fit perfectly into the rhythm of the life of a large family with children.

It is important to consider that the nature of the dog is influenced not only by the characteristics of the breed, but also by the situation in the family where the animal is raised. If the dog lives where love and understanding prevail, they do not shout at the dog and do not raise their hands, then the animal will be kind and obedient. If the pet is a witness to scandals and quarrels, he will be aggressive and nervous.

When deciding which dog you will take to the house, be guided by the following selection criteria.

Both dogs are miniature breeds. The difference in height and weight is not very big, however, Chihuahua is recognized as the smallest decorative dog in the world. If your dream is a tiny pet that fits in your jacket pocket or looks cute out of a cup, then it is best to choose a chihuahua. Among toy terriers, crumbs are also found that barely reach 2 kg, but the priority is assigned to the Chihuahua, since this breed has existed for a very long time.

Both dogs are quite friendly, but the toy terrier is more contact and friendly. This dog will be friends with your child. A mobile puppy takes part in fun and noisy childish games with pleasure. If your child is intelligent, understands that it is impossible to offend animals, the heart of a little four-legged friend will belong to him forever.

The toy terrier is loyal to other pets in the house, but the Chihuahua is very jealous, they do not like to share the shelter and love of the owners with someone. These dogs do not like children, bypass them. If the child sticks to the animal, the pet may bite him in response.

Proper feeding of dogs is the key to their health and good mood. There is no difference in the feeding of these breeds. For both pets, both a menu of natural products and dry food are suitable. The main thing is that the food is balanced and replenish the energy consumption of the dog.

The feed should contain amino acids, vitamins, minerals that ensure the proper functioning of the body. Ready-made feeds contain all the necessary elements and save time. If you cook for your dog yourself, follow these guidelines.

• Do not give your dog food from your table. It contains salt, sugar, spices and nutritional supplements.
• Cook only with quality and fresh produce. Do not give your pet in order to save food that has already begun to deteriorate.
• Serve dog dishes warm, but not hot or too cold.

If you took a puppy that the breeders fed with dry or wet food, you can gradually transfer it to a diet of natural dishes if you wish. Combining regular food with prepared food is undesirable. Choose one thing.

Chihuahua and toy terrier are equally prone to allergies. Do not give dogs the following foods:

• chocolate;
• sweet cookies;
• brightly colored fruits: kiwi and strawberries;
• citrus fruits: oranges, tangerines, lemons;
• river fish;
• raw eggs.
• be careful with chicken, it is also a strong allergen.

From dry feeds, it is better to give preference to those that have the following composition:

• probiotics;
• vitamins;
• minerals;
• amino acids;
• several sources of carbohydrates and proteins;
• various fruits and vegetables.

If the dog eats dry food, do not forget to pour clean water into the bowl every day. To determine the serving size, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. It is determined depending on the age and weight of the pet. Chihuahuas do not like dry food. So that the pet does not act up, soak dry food in water.

The dogs are not very picky in keeping. Shorthair animals, in general, do not cause any particular problems. Once a week they are combed out or walked on the wool with a special rubber glove. Longhair dogs are combed out with a metal comb daily. Every day, they rub their eyes with a cotton pad moistened with boiled water or a decoction of pharmacy chamomile.

Once a month, claws are cut and polished with a nail file, and ears are cleaned as necessary. They bathe animals with a mild dog shampoo. It is advisable not to wet the head; cotton swabs should be placed in the ears of the animal.

Walking with pets can be less than with ordinary dogs, especially in winter, when the toy terrier and chihuahua can tremble from the cold. Dress them warmly. To prevent pets from catching a cold, teach animals to use a tray or walk on a diaper.

A place for a pet is organized where family members get together. If he prefers to sit on an armchair or sofa, arrange for him a safe descent so that the dog does not fall and does not get injured.

Chihuahua and toy terrier need to be raised from early childhood. Which dog is more capable and better at remembering commands is a moot point. Owners of toy terriers claim that their pet will easily understand the simplest commands and will execute them. Chihuahua lovers say this about their pupils.

What is the difference between a chihuahua and a toy terrier, see the video below.