When it comes to choosing a canine companion, there are seemingly endless options to choose from. But at the end of the day, it often comes down to two very different types of dogs: the Border Terrier and the Chihuahua.
So, which one is right for you? Here’s a comparison of these two popular active dog breeds to help you make a decision.
All You Need To Know About Border Terriers Vs Chihuahua
When it comes to Border Terrier vs Chihuahua, there are a few things that you need to know. Both of these breeds make great pets, but they have some distinct differences. Here is a look at the key differences between these two popular breeds:
Appearance:
The Border Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a broad head and short, dense coat. They stand between 11 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 11 and 15 pounds. They have a somewhat rectangular body shape and their tails are usually docked to about half their natural length.
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog and they weigh between 2 and 6 pounds. They have a round head and big, pointy ears. Their coat can be long or short and comes in a variety of colours including black, brown, white, and cream.
Another Interesting Read: How Many Puppies Do Border Terriers Have
Temperament:
The Border Terrier is an active, energetic breed that loves to play and needs plenty of exercise. They are also very intelligent and trainable, although they can be stubborn at times.
They are loyal and affectionate with their family but can be reserved around strangers. The Chihuahua is a courageous, spunky little dog that loves to play. They are very devoted to their owners and can become very attached to them. They can be reserved around strangers and may bark at them if they feel threatened.
Health:
The Border Terrier is a generally healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Some health problems that have been known to affect the breed include hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, and epilepsy. The Chihuahua is also a generally healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 20 years. Some health problems that have been known to affect the breed include patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, and heart defects.
Grooming:
The Border Terrier has a dense, wiry coat that requires regular brushing and trimming. They also need to be stripped (or plucked) a few times a year to remove the dead hair from their coat. The Chihuahua dog breed has a smooth, sleek coat that requires very little grooming. They should be brushed occasionally to remove any loose hair and bathed only when necessary.
Another Interesting Read: How to stop a border terrier from biting?
Coat:
The Border Terriers dog breed has a rough, wiry double coat that is tan or grizzle with a dark face and chest. The Chihuahua breed has a short, weather-resistant coat /smooth outer coat that can be any colour, including black, white, brown, red, cream, and blue.
Another Interesting Read: How Long Do Border Terriers Teeth For? (And the Major Stages in Teething)
Ears:
The Border Terrier has small, V-shaped ears that are erect and pointed. The Chihuahua has large, pointy ears that stand up straight.
Tail:
The Border Terrier has a short, stubby tail that is usually docked to half its natural length. The Chihuahua has a long, slender tail that is held upright when they are alert and lowered when they are relaxed.
Energy Level:
Assuming you have two dogs, one Border Terrier, and one Chihuahua, which one would be better for taking on a hike? The Border Terrier might be a better fit because of their energy levels and their abilities to cover more ground. However, the Chihuahua is smaller and may not be able to handle long hikes as easily. If you are planning on going on a hike, consider which dog would be best suited for the activity.
The Border Terrier is a high-energy easily trained breed that loves to play and run around. They are intelligent and have a lot of stamina, making them ideal for long hikes. Border Terriers are also good around other dogs, so if you encounter any on your hike, they will likely get along just fine.
Chihuahuas are a much smaller breed, and while they are also high energy, they may not be able to keep up with a Border Terrier on a long hike. Chihuahuas are better suited for shorter walks or hikes where they can take plenty of breaks. Chihuahuas can be vocal and may bark at other dogs, so if you encounter any on your hike, it’s best to keep them on a leash.
Another Interesting Read: Why Does My Border Terrier Smell So Bad?
Factors To Consider While Buying A Pet Dog
When you are thinking about which breed of dog is best for you and your family, there are several things that you will need to take into account. The first is whether or not you have any allergies to dogs, as some people are allergic to certain breeds. If this is the case, then it is important to make sure that you find a breed that does not trigger your allergies.
Another important factor to consider is the amount of space that you have available in your home for a new pet. Some breeds of dogs can grow quite large, so if you live in a small apartment, then it may not be feasible to get one of these breeds. On the other hand, if you have a large house with a backyard, then you may be able to accommodate a larger dog.
You will also need to think about how much time you are willing to spend exercising your new puppy. Some breeds of dogs require more exercise than others, so if you are not someone who enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors, then you may want to consider a smaller breed of these affectionate dogs.
Finally, you will need to decide what kind of personality you are looking for in a new pet. Some people prefer dogs that are calm and easygoing, while others prefer dogs that are more energetic and playful. This is simply a matter of personal preference, so it is important to think about what kind of dog would best suit your personality.
Once you have taken all of these factors into consideration, you should be able to narrow down the list of potential breeds quite easily. From there, you can begin to research each breed more thoroughly to find the perfect match for you and your family.
Final Words:
So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to the Border Terrier vs Chihuahua debate. Both (chihuahua and border terrier) of these breeds make great pets, but each has its own unique set of characteristics that may or may not be a good fit for your lifestyle.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which breed is right for you is to spend some time with each type of dog and see which one you connect with the most. Whichever breed you choose, you’re sure to have a furry friend for life!
