Last Updated on January 9, 2021 by Dogs Vets
All you need to know about the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix
The Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is known for its small size and sassy nature, but how do you know if this cross would be the perfect pet for you?
If you have any questions about the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix, we’d love to help!
Read on to learn more about this spunky little hybrid and find out if he’ll fit into your unique lifestyle!
What is the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix?
The Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix, also known as the Bochi, Chibo or Bohuahua, is the offspring of the Boston Terrier and the Chihuahua.
Whenever you have a dog that is the “designed” offspring of two purebred parents, you have what most people call a crossbreed, and crossbreeding is associated with some controversy.
Read to learn more about Crossbreeding…
Crossbreeding and the designer dog debate.
Ever heard of a hybrid or designer dog? If so, you’ve heard of crossbreeding.
Many breeders have jumped on the crossbreeding craze, selling crossbred puppies for as much as purebred dogs. Is that fair?
Crossbreed advocates insist that there is a big difference between mutts and crossbreeds.
You see, while mutts are mixed breeds with a largely unknown lineage, crosses are the designed offspring of two specially selected purebred parents. Hence the term “designer dog.”
The problem of health in relation to crossbreed dogs and purebred dogs.
The rise of genetic diseases and health complications in purebred dogs is an unfortunate consequence of generations of overbreeding to maintain breed standards.
Those who support crossbreeding hope that the practice will help reduce these genetic health problems by expanding the gene pool and reducing the likelihood that genetic problems will be passed on to litters.
However, this is not guaranteed, and many naysayers claim that crossbreed dogs are just as prone to genetic health problems as their purebred counterparts.
The Origin and history of the Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix.
The Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is a crossbreed of the newer generation. This means that his history is still a work in progress and his history and origins are still a bit murky.
To learn more about him, we need to look at the history of his purebred parents.
Let’s start with the Boston Terrier!
Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix Overview
| Dog Average height | 9 – 17 inches |
| Average weight | 10 – 15 pounds |
| Coat type | Dense, short and silky |
| Hypoallergenic? | The Chihuahua is so she could be |
| Grooming Needs | Low maintenance |
| Shedding | Low and then usually just in the summer |
| Brushing | Once a week is enough, maybe twice in the summer |
| Touchiness | Can be somewhat sensitive |
| Tolerant to Solitude? | The Terrier dog is fine at being alone but the Chihuahua dog is not at all so your Bo-Chi could be either in the middle |
| Barking | Low |
| Tolerance to Heat | Good but not the extreme |
| Tolerance to Cold | Good but not the extreme |
| Good Family Pet? | Good to very good |
| Good with Children? | Moderate to good |
| Good with other Dogs? | Moderate |
| Good with other Pets? | Moderate |
| A roamer or Wanderer? | Moderate |
| A Good Apartment Dweller? | Yes but she will need activity |
| Good Pet for new Owner? | No |
| Trainability | Moderate – if she has a temperament more like the Chihuahua she will be obstinate about it |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Tendency to get Fat | Moderate |
| Major Health Concerns | Deafness, patellar luxation, heart problems |
| Other Health Concerns | Eye problems, allergies |
| Life Span | 15 years |
| Average new Puppy Price | $500 – $800 |
| Average Annual Medical Expense | $450 – $600 |
| Average Annual Non-Medical Expense | $275 – $400 |
Origin and History of the Boston Terrier Dog
The Boston Terrier originated during the height of blood sports in England in the 19th century.
Athletes and breeders wanted a dog that was tough enough to fight in boxing matches and scruffy enough to excel in rat races.
This led breeders to cross terriers with bull breeds.
One such cross, a mix of Bulldog and White English Terrier named Judge, was sold to an American breed enthusiast named William O’Brien in the 1860s.
In fact, the Boston Terrier has been the official mascot of Boston University for 100 years.
The Boston Terrier was officially registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1893 and is ranked 21st out of 190 on the AKC’s list of America’s Most Popular Dog Breeds.
Now let’s talk about the Chihuahua!
Origin and history of the Chihuahua dog breed
Although the Chihuahua is the national dog of Mexico, its original relationship with the country is still a mystery.
However, historians are certain that the Chihuahua is an ancient breed whose likeness is depicted in ancient relics around the world.
Considered the successor to the early Techichi, the Chihuahua likely evolved through careful refinement by the Aztecs, who modified the breed to create much smaller, more compact dogs.
Although originally thought to have died out during the Cortez conquest, the Chihuahua was found to have survived in remote villages when discovered by American travelers in the 19th century.
Since most of these tiny Aztec creations were found in the Chihuahua region, the breed became officially known as the Chihuahua dog.
When Chihuahua became a Famous dog breed
It wasn’t long after the discovery of the Chihuahua that his fame began to skyrocket.
This little dog with a big ego, known for its compact size and sassy attitude, made a name for itself not only in Hollywood, but also among families looking for an intelligent and lively little companion.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Chihuahua in 1908, and today it ranks 32nd out of 190 on the AKC’s list of America’s Most Popular Dog Breeds.
With backgrounds as rich and exciting as the Boston Terrier and the Chihuahua, their offspring must certainly be the crossbreed, right?
Read to learn more about the Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix.
Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix Temperament
Due to the fact that it is a hybrid, the temperament of Boston Terrier and Chihuahua Mix will depend on the behavioral traits it inherits from its parent breeds.
Both the Boston Terrier and Chihuahua are known for their personalities, but they have different temperament traits that could be passed on to their mixed offspring.
For example, if your Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix prefers its Boston Terrier parents, you can expect it to be fairly fluent.
There’s a reason the Boston Terrier is known as the “American gentleman”!
The Boston Terrier is a very intelligent breed and is said to be excellent with children and other pets, although it has been known to become a bit hyperactive if not properly trained and socialized.
The Boston Terrier is a sensitive breed that likes to be content and enjoys being with his family.
But what about the Chihuahua’s temperament ?
The Chihuahua is the epitome of a big dog in a small body. With its sassy temperament, it’s no secret that the Chihuahua has a bit of an ego and likes to think of itself as king of the hill.
While this is not the best dog for homes with smaller children, the Chihuahua is a wonderful pet for families with older children, singles or couples.
It can be a stubborn dog and does not get along well with other pets.
Witty and highly intelligent, the Chihuahua is eager to please but can be stubborn. He will need training early in life to make sure he becomes a well-mannered little adult.
Remember that your Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix may inherit one of the above personality traits from its purebred parents.
For this reason, early socialization and obedience training from puppy age are key to ensuring that your Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix will be happy, healthy and well rounded.
So, if the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix’s personality traits are left to chance, does that mean it will look that way?
Let’s find out!
Boston terrier Chihuahua mix appearance and characteristics
Yes, the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is a designer dog and that means that its appearance, as well as its temperament, will depend on genetics and chance.
But what are your options?
First of all, let’s consider the characteristic features of the Boston Terrier.
The purebred Boston Terrier is a small dog that stands 15 to 17 inches tall and can weigh about 12 to 25 pounds.
Its short, smooth coat is often called a “tuxedo coat” because of its unique tuxedo-like markings. This coat is available in three color combinations including:
- White and Black
- Dark brown and white
- White and brindle
The Boston Terrier has large, erect ears, a docked tail, and a short, squashed face with large eyes.
The Chihuahua, on the other hand, looks quite different. Did you know that there are two unofficial species of Chihuahua?
Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the two versions of the Chihuahua are usually accepted by most Chihuahua enthusiasts and breeders and used to describe the difference in appearance between the two varieties.
That’s right, we are talking about the Apple Head Chihuahua and the Deer Head Chihuahua.
Differences between the Apple Head Chihuahua and the Deer Head Chihuahua.
There are a number of differences between the two types of Chihuahua, but there are some differences that make it easy for even beginners to tell at a glance.
For example, the Apple Head Chihuahua has a round, apple-shaped head, a shorter muzzle and bulging eyes, while the Deer Head Chihuahua has a longer muzzle and fairly large ears that make it resemble a deer.
In addition, the Apple Head Chihuahua is the only variety accepted for shows by most large clubs.
Chihuahua are much smaller than the Boston Terrier and usually weigh no more than six pounds. They are only about 5 to 8 inches tall.
They can also come in a long or smooth coat, with fawn being the most common color among Chihuahua dogs.
However, their coats can come in a total of six colors, including:
- Black
- White
- Fawn
- Chocolate
- Cream
- Gold.
Since your Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix is a cross between the Boston Terrier and the Chihuahua, its appearance is left to genetics and chance.
How do you care for this cross? We will see.
Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix Grooming
In the case of the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix, care should be fairly simple.
Both the Boston Terrier and Chihuahua are moderate shedders that require weekly brushing and occasional bathing to keep their coats healthy.
However, if your Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix has a long-haired Chihuahua parent and he inherits that long-haired coat, experts recommend brushing once or twice a week to keep his long, silky hair free of mats and tangles.
Your Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix’s nails will need to be trimmed regularly to prevent breakage, and his ears will need to be cleaned regularly to keep them from becoming waxy and damp.
Longevity and health concerns of a Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix.
All dogs are susceptible to hereditary diseases and the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is no exception.
With a lifespan of 11-16 years, your Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix may be susceptible to the same problems as its parent breeds.
For example, the Boston Terrier, which has a lifespan of 11-13 years, is prone to:
- Patellar luxation
- Hemivertebrae
- Sensorineural deafness
- Cataracts
- Corneal ulcers and
- Glaucoma.
The Chihuahua dog breed, on the other hand, has a life span of 14-16 years and may be predisposed to:
- Persistent ductus arteriosus
- Mitral valve disease
- Eye problems
- Patellar luxation
- Tracheal collapse and
- Idiopathic epilepsy.
A potential owner of the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix should also note that both the Boston Terrier and the Apple Head Chihuahua are particularly susceptible to a condition called Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a disorder carried by most dogs with shorter faces as a result of their cranial development.
This condition is known to cause breathing difficulties that can be aggravated by heat and humidity, discomfort, snoring, sleep apnea, pain and more.
To learn more about brachycephalic airway syndrome and its symptoms, click here.
Because of the number of health issues your Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix may face in the future, you may want to opt for an early health checkup.
Training and exercising your Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix.
Both the Boston Terrier and Chihuahua are intelligent breeds, but while the Boston Terrier is known for its willingness to please and its ability to learn, the Chihuahua is a bit more stubborn and may not take to lessons as quickly.
This has nothing to do with intelligence and everything to do with its stubborn disposition.
In addition, the Boston Terrier is a friend to all, while the Chihuahua can be more aloof to strangers.
Early socialization and obedience training beginning in puppyhood would help stop undesirable behaviors, as would consistent and patient training that utilizes the positive reward system.
In terms of exercise, the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is an active little dog that needs a good half hour of exercise every day and enjoys playing with their favorite people and running around in a securely fenced yard.
Is the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix the right dog breed for me?
The Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is a compact cross that does well in a range of home types from apartments to sprawling mansions.
However, it may not be the best dog to join families with smaller children and other pets.
However, the care and general grooming of the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is fairly simple, and his training needs make him a great choice for owners looking for a lap dog that loves to play.
Also keep in mind that, as mentioned above, the Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix can be prone to a number of health issues.
Do you think the Boston Terrier mix is the perfect dog for you? If so, then read on as we have some tips on how to find the healthiest Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix puppy!
How to find a healthy Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix puppy.
Research and patience are essential to finding the healthiest Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix puppies.
Whether you choose to go to a breeder or try a rescue home, it is of the utmost importance to get your Boston Terrier Chihuahua puppies from a responsible source.
Most Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix breeders charge between $500 and $1,000. Prices are higher if the parents of your cross are show quality.
One of the great things about a reputable breeder is that they have already health checked their puppies and can provide you with certificates to prove it.
If you intend to rescue your Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix from a shelter, adoption fees are usually $50 to $100 at most.
Plus, shelters usually cover the first vet trip!
Boston terrier/chihuahua mix price
How much should you pay for a Boston Terrier?
On the average, the price for the Boston Terrier is between 600 and 1,200 USD. According to NextDayPets, the average price for all Boston Terriers sold is $800. This number increases for dogs with superior pedigrees. A top quality dog with exceptional breed lines can cost between $1,500 and $4,500.
The cost of the Boston Terrier Chihuahua mix puppy ranges from $500 to $800 USD
with an expected average annual medical expense between $450 and $600
Did this article really helped you decide if the Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is the dog for you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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Reference: Thehappypuppysite.com
