Wondering if the Chihuahua mixed with Toy Fox Terrier could be an Ideal pet addition to your family?
Listen, Taco terriers as they are often referred for being a hybrid, are one of the popular miniature or small dog breed to have if you want a loyal, sassy and affectionate companion dog that can also double as a guard dog.
Taco Terriers are designer( crossbreeds) resulting from crossbreeding or purebred Chihuahua with the Toy Fox Terrier.
These two breeds are no strangers to the mixed-breed dog family as they are easily crossbred to produce amazing dog breeds like the Pitbull mixed with Chihuahua, and many more.
If you’re here right now, then it must mean you’ve been thinking of adding the Taco Terrier as a family member, and you want to learn all you can about the hybrid.
If that’s the case, then you’re where you need to be. This is a complete Taco Terrier pet guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the hybrid:
History of the Taco Terrier
The Taco Terrier is a recent designer dog that hasn’t been around for too long like other designer dogs but it has grown in popularity over the past few years.
Sometimes hybrid dog breeds are best understood by looking at historical data of the purebreeds that are being crossbred. This practice is widely used in cases where there’s little to no information about the hybrid dog.
And the historical data of the Taco Terrier is no different! So, for best results, let’s look at the history of its parents and understand their origins and personalities so that we can have a better understanding of the Taco Terrier dog breed.
The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is said to be the smallest dog in the world, has origins in Mexico, and is named after the Mexican state of ‘Chihuahua’ that borders Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in the USA.
The American Kennel Club recognized the first Chihuahua in 1904.
Appearance and temperament of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is said to be the smallest dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, and it comes in two breed types (varieties), the short-haired and the long-haired.
Now, if you are getting your hybrid pet dog from Chihuahua crossbred with Toy fox terriers, there is no way to tell whether you will like either dogs with the coat type that may be identified as either “apple head” or “deer head” Chihuahuas.
But, if you are resident in the United States, then that is something you would want to look at.
And these two breeds are easy to spot when you know what to look for in your crossbreed.
The apple heads have rounded heads, close-set eyes, and relatively short ears and legs.(1)
And in appearence, Chihuahua dog breeds with Deer heads will noticeably have flat-topped heads, paired with a more widely set of eyes, visibly larger ears, and longer, more slender legs. The breed weighs 1.8 to 2.7 kgs and grows to be 30 to 39 cm tall.
The behavior of the Chihuahua will depend on the dominant genetic temperament of the parents.
But they tend to be loyal and affectionate to one person and are times become overprotective of the person.
Chihuahua mixed with toy fox terriers belong to a growing list of popular miniature or small sized dog breeds. And that makes them delicate and vulnerable to injuries and attacks from larger animals.
They benefit from appropriate socialization and training and tend to learn better when being rewarded with a treat or positive reinforcement.
When well trained, the Chihuahua can be very intelligent. The way you teach your dog will influence their behavior.
This breed can be easily frightened or provoked to attack, so are generally unsuitable for homes with small children.
The Fox Terrier
The Fox Terrier has origins in England where back in the day, small dog breeds like fox terriers were a huge part of hunting sports.
The fox terrier was a dog breed of choice in such instances as they were originally bred for the purposes of flushing foxes out of their hiding places when their owners went out fox hunting.
Today, there is no better use this dog breed can have than being excellent family companions or show dogs. The first records of Fox Terriers being imported to the U.S. dates way back to 1879, and was registered by the American Kennel club in 1885.
Temperament and appearance of the fox terrier
Fox terriers are charmingly mischievous little cutties who are fearless and unwitingly good guard dogs regardless of their small size. They are docile and temperamentary balanced towards their owners. However, they are not affraid to pick a fight with any dog when it warrants it.
While their size compromizes their ability to win on the pit, these dog breeds are tenacious and avid barkers.
In retrospective, one could make an urguement that with the male Fox Terrier dog standing no taller than 15.5 inches at the shoulder height and weigh 17 to 19 pounds, barking sought of compansates for what they do not make in size.
The same can be said for females who are proportionately smaller and weigh 15 to 17 pounds.
The one thing you will quickly notice is that fox terrier dog breeds come in two varieties of coats, the smooth and the wiry.
Taking from the traits and tendencies of the Smooth Fox Terriers,you will also note that they have smooth, hard, dense coats that are susceptible to shedding, luckily, this dog breed doesn’t shed in clumps, instead, they shed very little.
Anyone looking for an easy to care for dog breed, possibly with less weekly grooming needs, you will be glad to know that the coat of the Wire Fox Terrier is dense but wiry, reminiscent of the matting on a coconut. They come in colors such as white, Brindle, red, liver, or slate-blue.
Temperamentary, the fox terrier is known for being alert, lively, and very smart, but do not let their size fool you as they’re also prone to mischief, charming but sly at the same time. A Fox Terrier can outwit you, yet leave you laughing at his antics.
Though they are a small breed, they are intuitively vigilant dog breeds and their vigilant traits makes them ideal for first time owners looking for companionship pets with excellent watchdog traits too.
Take note that as avid barkers and watchdog type of a dog breed, they tend to be suspicious at anything that moves and this can trigger nuisance barking behaviours.
Outgoing and curious, Fox Terriers are friendly toward people but don’t hesitate to pick a fight with other dogs.
That means they’re not great candidates for the dog park. If well trained at a young age, they can be good with children…
The physical appearance of the Taco Terrier
This crossbreed is small and stands 6 to 10 inches tall, weighing 7 to 10 pounds, it was oval hazel to brown eyes, its ears are big and pointy and it’s got a muzzle that is long and pointy too.
The hybrid’s body is small but sturdy and is in proportion, it’s head is fox-like, it’s got muscular legs and a single-layered coat that comes in colors such as white, black, tan, brown and brindle, etc.
Temperament/characteristics of the Taco Terrier
The temperament of this hybrid us similar to that of its parents; it is alert and very intelligent; these traits make it be effortless to train because it understands training well and will do as told.
But they are as well known to be a bit stubborn so the owner it’s to be a bit strict with training. They are as well loyal and protective, they usually get attached to one particular member and will be super protective over them most of the time.
Exercise requirements for the hybrid
Despite it’s small size, the breed is full of energy so it will need enough exercise. And the best way is to formulate a routine where you take your Chihuahua mixed with Toy fox terrier out for walks once or twice a day(30-60 minute walks in the morning and evening).
Such active lifestyle for this dog breed allows for your pet dog to play around besides the usual backyard time out. If you have access to an open local park where dogs can freely have a run, make a habit of visiting the dog park to let the dog let the steam out over a throw and fetch dog games before winding down to good night sleep.
Chihuahua and Toy fox terrier crossbreed dogs tend to behave well when they are allowed to play around freely and also socialize with other dogs.
The pulp is suitable for apartment living because it is reserved but still don’t leave it alone and bored for too long because it can turn to doing some naughty things that you will not like at all.
Grooming requirements
The hybrid can be both a low to moderate shedder. It will need brushing at Lear three times a week, the coat us quite easy to look after, bath it when it’s necessary.
Make sure its ears are wiped and clean most if the time to avoid ear infections, dog nails must be clipped and sanded well when they have grown too long, and it’s teeth must be brushed at least two times a week.
Health Issues of the hybrid
Just like any other dog breed, the taco Terrier is also prone to certain health problems.
Below we have listed the health problems the hybrid is likely to suffer from:
Luxation patella: This is a health problem that has to do with joints and it’s whereby a kneecap slips in and out of its joint because the top of the thing bone is not correctly formed, hence can cause lameness and arthritis.
The taco Terrier may have to deal with this health problem if its parents had joint and knee issues so it’s very important to have a document that confirms the parents of the Taco Terrier were examined and found clear of this problem before you buy the hybrid.
Hydrocephalus: This health condition is where cerebrospinal fluids build up around the dog’s brain.
This health problem comes from the Chihuahua side of the family and becomes apparent after birth but will take time to manifest its self. Treatment for the problem will depend on the severity of the symptoms.
Heart disease: This is a pervasive health problem among all dog breeds, but the Chihuahua has, in particular, an increased risk of being born with heart problems.
Therefore any Chihuahua being considered for breeding should be examined for symptoms of heart problems before the crossbreed goes ahead because it’s highly hereditary.
Tracheal collapse: This is a health condition whereby the cartilaginous rings that are responsible for balancing the windpipe of the dog start vto collapse.
This Heath problem is common in small breed dogs, including the Chihuahua and it’s as well highly hereditary. The causes of this problem is not understood but it has to do with genetic composition.
So it’s very important to know if the parent of the taco Terrier has a history of this problem before you buy the puppy.
Atopy: This is a health condition that is inherited and the pulp will have to suffer immunological problems such as eczema, asthma and allergies.
Both parents of the Taco terrier are prone to this health problem and it is difficult to manage.
Legg-Perthes disease: This is a health condition whereby the dog’s top thigh bone doesn’t develop correctly at the hip joint.
This health problem is hereditary and can lead to arthritis and lameness in the joint. It’s very common to the Chihuahua side of the family.
Lens luxation: This is a health condition whereby the dog’s eye lens becomes Lise from the fibers that are responsible for holding it where it’s supposed to.
This health problem is common on the Fox terrier side of the family. Therefore the Fox Terrier Should be tested for this problem before the crossbreeding process goes forward because it is highly hereditary and it’s Painful, only surgery is necessary to mend it.
Life expectancy of the hybrid
Taco terriers enjoy a long life span If well taken care of. And according to published reports, the Taco Terrier has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Such life expectancy is perfectly normal for crossbreeds and are considered to be the best hybrid dog breeds that have met all standards required for registration with kennel clubs that recognize ne dog breeds