Differences and Similarities between the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Chihuahua Versus Border Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chihuahua and for the Border Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Border Terrier.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Border Terrier

Chihuahua versus Border Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Border Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Border Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Chihuahua versus Border Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Border Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier

Factor Chihuahua Border Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 18 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Weight 3 to 6 pounds 11 to 15 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Height 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1840 $1240
Price Range $850 – $2500 $925 – $1548
Temperament Score 69.6 percent 91.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 29 86
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 67 30

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Border Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Border Terrier is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Border Terrier. So, you should get a Chihuahua!

    Chihuahua versus Border Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier are most different:

  • Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Border Terriers can tolerate cold weather.
  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Border Terriers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Border Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Chihuahuas are very easy to groom. However, Border Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier

    The Chihuahua and the Border Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Border Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier.

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Border Terriers weigh 11 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Border Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Here is our article on Chihuahua size, Chihuahua growth, and Chihuahua weight.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Border Terrier

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Border Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Chihuahuas live longer than Border Terriers.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Chihuahua versus Border Terrier

    Temperament of the Chihuahua Versus the Border Terrier

    The Border Terrier has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the temperament score for the Border Terrier is 91.6 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.6 percent, the Border Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 143 Border Terriers.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Border Terrier

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1840. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $25000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1982 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Border Terrier puppy is $1240. The price of the Border Terrier typically ranges from $925 – $1548. However, the price of the Border Terrier can be as low as $500 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 43 Border Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Chihuahua is more expensive than the Border Terrier.

    Chihuahua Border Terrier
    Average Price $1840 $1240
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $925 to $1548

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Border Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Border Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers?

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua puppy or the Border Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Chihuahua versus Border Terrier

    Adopting the Chihuahua versus Adopting the Border Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Chihuahuas and many Border Terriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Chihuahua named Toon that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Chihuahuas like Toon on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Chihuahuas, Border Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Stevie – Pending Meet &Amp; Greet! is a Male Border Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Border Terriers like Stevie – Pending Meet &Amp; Greet! that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Chihuahua and the Border Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Senior In Needs Out….. is the name of another Chihuahua (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, A557435 is an adorable Male Border Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Chihuahuas and Border Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Chihuahuas and Border Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Intelligence of the Chihuahua versus the Intelligence of the Border Terrier

    Chihuahua Border Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 67 out of 130 dog breeds 30 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Chihuahua has an obedience intelligence rank of 67 out of 130 dog breeds. The Chihuahua belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Chihuahuas tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Border Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 30 out of 130 dog breeds. The Border Terrier belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Border Terriers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Border Terrier is more intelligent than the Chihuahua.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Border Terrier

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chihuahua is more popular with dog owners than the Border Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chihuahua is 29 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Border Terrier is 86 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Border Terrier

    Popularity of Border Terrier

    Year Chihuahua Popularity Rank Border Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 22 81
    2014 24 85
    2015 28 82
    2016 30 86
    2017 32 92
    2018 33 88
    2019 35 84
    2020 34 97

    Health Problems of Chihuahua versus Health Problems of Border Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Border Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Border Terrier than for the Chihuahua.

    3 health tests are recommended for Chihuahua while 5 tests are recommended for the Border Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chihuahuas and in Border Terriers.

    Chihuahua Health Problems

    Chihuahuas are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chihuahua puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Chihuahua puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chihuahua breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Chihuahuas for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chihuahuas here.

    Border Terrier Health Problems

    Border Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Border Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Border Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Border Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Border Terriers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Chihuahuas and Border Terriers

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Chihuahua Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    This is because the Chihuahua ranks 2 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 129 Chihuahuas, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chihuahuas, and how common these diseases are in Chihuahuas relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 2 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 24 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 50 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 64 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 92 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 157 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Border Terrier Breed is Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems.

    This is because the Border Terrier ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 873 Border Terriers, 2 of them had Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Border Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Border Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 8 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 37 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 69 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 81 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 93 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 112 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 175 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Chihuahua and in Border Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier:

    Disease Chihuahua Rank Border Terrier Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 2 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 24 out of 145 dog breeds 69 out of 145 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 50 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 64 out of 159 dog breeds 37 out of 159 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 92 out of 182 dog breeds 112 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 157 out of 198 dog breeds 175 out of 198 dog breeds
    Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems Not Common 1 out of 1 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 8 out of 71 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 81 out of 144 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 93 out of 115 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Border Terrier

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Border Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Border Terriers?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Border Terriers shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Border Terrier?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Border Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Border Terrier?

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Border Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Border Terriers?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

    Border Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Border Terrier?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    To learn more on Chihuahua training, check out our article on how to train a Chihuahua.

    Border Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Border Terrier

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Border Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Border Terriers?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Border Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Border Terrier?

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Border Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Border Terriers?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

    Border Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Border Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Border Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Border Terrier

    Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Border Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Border Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Border Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Border Terrier?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Border Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Border Terrier?

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Border Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Chihuahua Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Chihuahua compares to other breeds aside from the Border Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Chihuahua to other breeds:

    Chihuahua versus Golden Retriever     Chihuahua versus Bolognese     Chihuahua versus Samoyed     Chihuahua versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Chihuahua versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Chihuahua versus Cavapoo     Chihuahua versus Bulldog     Chihuahua versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Chihuahua versus Shichon     Chihuahua versus Sealyham Terrier     Chihuahua versus Chinese Crested     Chihuahua versus Samoyed     Chihuahua versus Mountain Cur     Chihuahua versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Chihuahua versus Field Spaniel     Chihuahua versus Lhasapoo     Chihuahua versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Chihuahua versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Chihuahua versus Affenhuahua     Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog     Chihuahua versus French Bulldog     Chihuahua versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Chihuahua versus Papillon     Chihuahua versus Great Pyrenees     Chihuahua versus Greyhound     

    Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Border Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chihuahua and the Border Terrier better suits you and your family.