Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Russell Terrier vs Chihuahua - Breed ComparisonRussell Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. Russell Terrier may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Chihuahua. Russell Terrier may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than Chihuahua. Russell Terrier may live 6 years less than Chihuahua. Russell Terrier may have more litter size than Chihuahua. Both Russell Terrier and Chihuahua requires Low maintenance.

History

russell terrier - historyThis feisty little dog was developed in England a couple of centuries ago. He has a well documented history. An interesting aspect with this dog is that the very name ‘Jack Russell’ became a common name for predominantly white terriers after the death of clergyman Jack Russell.

The Russell Terrier was developed from Jack Russell working terrier strains that were used in the 19th century for hunting fox. The dog has been standardized by Kennel Club recognition. The Fedédération Cynologique Internationale also recognizes the breed.

It was in the early 1970s that the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain was formed.

chihuahua - historyQuite a bit of the Chihuahua’s history is shrouded in mystery, and there are different versions about its origins.

While historians speculate, most will agree that the tiny dog hails from Mexico. The UK Kennel Club considers the smooth- and long coat Chihuahuas as 2 distinct breeds.It was in 1904 that the Chihuahua became a registered breed by the American Kennel Club.

Chihuahua is actually the name of a state in Mexico, and it is amazing that Chihuahua specimens were found way back in the 1800's already. Today the Chihuahua is a very popular dog breed in several countries.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Toy dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Mexico
Height Male:
20 - 35 cm
7 - 14 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Height Female:
20 - 35 cm
7 - 14 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
2 - 5
Size:
Small dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Jack Russell terrier, Parson Russell terrier
None
Colors Available:
black, White, tan
Fawn, white and black, tan
Coat:
Short, broken and rough - 3 types of dogs
Short- and long haired
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

russell terrier puppy - descriptionThe Russell Terrier has a weatherproof coat that is mainly white with patches of tan or black or maybe even both. You get the smooth haired type, the broken type- as well as the rough haired Russell Terrier. All these coats shed.

He is a small dog standing at between 20-35cm in height and weighing between 7 and 12kg.

Temperament:

Your Russell Terrier is a jaunty, fearless, confident little dog with a powerful personality. The bright face with alert eyes are constantly telling you that he is just ready to spring into action when you’re ready.

He just loves games and sports and you won’t have to ask him twice to join in. Happy and energetic, you could say it's his desire to hunt as well as his high energy levels that make it necessary for him to be trained and socialized It is of particular importance because he is so strong willed. Super smart, you won't have any trouble teaching him some basic commands.

He also makes a good watch dog and while he can be aggressive towards other dogs, he is prepared to get along with children in the house who have been disciplined and who know how to treat animals with respect and kindness.

chihuahua puppy - descriptionThe small Chihuahua stands at about 15 – 23 cm and he weighs about 1,5 – 4kg.

You’ll notice that he shivers when he is excited or when he is cold or frightened. Some people buy him a jersey to don on cooler days. With this tiny toy dog, you get a short- and a long coated Chihuahua.

This is the smallest dog breed and his coat is available in a number of colors such as fawn, tan, white and black. It is the dog’s round apple-shaped head which is a distinctive feature. He has erect ears and huge fruit-bat type eyes.

Temperament:

The Chihuahua is such an alert, fun-loving, feisty little dog, and though he may appear to be an ideal pet for children, he actually isn’t. He is too dainty and frail, and a child, during play, could accidentally crush him.

It’s a pity though because he just loves being around his human family. He is also a highly strung dog, and given the chance, he’ll nip and even bite during games. It is why socialization and training are considered important for the Chihuahua.

Just like with children, how you raise and treat your Chihuahua will determine how he turns out. He is such a sweet little dog that training and socialization can remove these unwanted characteristics. He is very intelligent and responds well to training.

Characteristics

russell terrier dog - characteristicsIt is true that this very active, very 'in-your-face' dog may not be everybody’s cup of tea. He will be discontent if not given the chance to run and be active.

If you’re a super active family who loves swimming, going on hikes or you enjoy sports such as cycling and horse riding, you can count the Russell Terrier in every time.

These dogs make a loving, loyal companion. They'll make you smile and be amused by their antics, bringing you lots of joy and entertainment.

chihuahua dog - characteristicsSmall and feisty, the Chihuahua’s personality isn’t set in stone, and the tiny dog can be either shy and timid or he can be social, confident and jaunty.

They're always loyal and affectionate to their human owners, but they don’t get on too well with- and are wary of small children who aren’t disciplined and who could hurt them.

With his big eyes and big ears together with his comical antics, they can be a source of entertainment for their human owners. He is easy to train too and even though he is small, he doesn’t think he is, and he is willing to use his big personality to make you a loving, loyal and devoted companion.

Health Problems

russell terrier puppies - health problemsThe Russell Terrier is a robust little dog who can lead a good, healthy life of 13, 14 or 15 years if well cared for. There are however, a number of common dog ailments that he can succumb to. Some of these are cataracts, deafness and myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia Gravis:

This disorder is caused by a breakdown of the transmission of impulses from the nerves to the muscles. The muscles can’t contract and the dog becomes weak. It’s a disease that can be an inherited congenital defect, and the Russell Terrier is at risk of getting this disease. Symptoms do vary from dog to dog but a common symptom is muscle weakness.

chihuahua puppies - health problemsThe Chihuahua doesn't have any particular health issues, more so when you get him from a reputable breeder. With good care he can reach 20 years of age.

Hypoglycemia:

Known as low blood sugar, hypoglycemia is easily treatable, but if it isn’t caught early it can be fatal.Hypoglycemia makes a dog lethargic and he’ll shiver and could go into a coma. Get him to the vet immediately.

Bloat:

Gastric Dilatation or bloat is when the stomach twists, it becomes enlarged and blood supply is cut off to the stomach. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

Dental Disease:

Chihuahuas are susceptible to dental problems, so you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build-up, gum disease, loss of teeth and other diseases.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

russell terrier dogs - caringThis little dog needs plenty of exercise, and being lazy yourself and not exercising him will lead to him becoming destructive through no fault of his.

He will need walks every day as well as runs in the park off his leash. Ball- and frisbee games fill him with delight and he gives chase every time. Even though he is small, he isn’t recommended for life in the city and small properties as he is a small dog with high energy needs and requires a lot of room to run.

Grooming:

The weatherproof coat isn’t going to require much grooming apart from a brushing twice week. Regular checking of the teeth, checking the eyes, looking inside the ears and checking for lumps will be required. He will also need to have his nails trimmed.

Provide him with nice, warm, dry place to sleep.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date and get him to a vet if you see his is lethargic, miserable and in pain.

Provide him with top quality food, whether it is commercially manufactured food or homemade food.

Your Russell Terrier will be relying on you for good food. Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the kibble twice a week which is easy to prepare and totally uncomplicated.

You can add everything together in one big pot -chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week.

Simple and tasty, your Russell Terrier will love tasty treats like this. Ensure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Diet:

chihuahua dogs - caringAlways make sure to choose a high-quality dog food for your Chihuahua as this will keep him in tip-top health. A healthy Chihuahua can live to be 20 years of age. Speak to a veterinarian for recommendations on the best type of food to feed your tiny pet.

Giving him some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken for instance will be a welcome treat for him. Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water close by.

Exercise:

The Chihuahua may well be the smallest toy sized dog breed, but don’t be mistaken – he has plenty of energy and is constantly prancing around. He is more than capable of living in a small apartment, but even so he needs to be taken outside every now and then for a game or a walk.

Be careful with your small pet though, as too much exercise can lead to elbow- and hip dysplasia.

Grooming:

The Chihuahua is a moderate shedder with Spring being their heavier shedding period. Because of his small size, you won’t be bothered by too much hair. The short haired Chihuahua is easy to maintain and with a rubber brush, you can brush him gently twice a week.

You’ll also need to clip his nails and if you can’t manage this your vet can also help you.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Scottish Terrier vs Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Russell Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Russell Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Russell Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Russell Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  6. Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Russell Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Russell Terrier vs Rat Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Russell Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Russell Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Russell Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  13. Russell Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Russell Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Russell Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russell Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Russell Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  18. Russell Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Russell Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Russell Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Russell Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Russell Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Russell Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Russell Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Russell Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  29. Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  30. Chihuahua vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  31. Chihuahua vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  32. Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  33. Chihuahua vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  34. Morkie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  35. Havanese vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  36. Chorkie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  37. Pekingese vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  38. Chiweenie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  39. Chug vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  40. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  41. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  43. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  44. Phalene vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  45. Cockachon vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  46. Shih Tzu vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  47. Silky Terrier vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  48. Snorkie vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Bulldog vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Mi-Ki vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds