Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix, alsoknown as Taco Terrier, is a cross between Toy Fox Terrier and a Chihuahua. This breed is regarded as the smallest of all the dog breeds. Although they are small in size, they have great personalities. They are lovable, bold, agile, active, and playful. They are also loyal to their master and family. However, Taco Terriers possess a stubborn trait inherited from Chihuahuas. Therefore, they can have behavioral issues if adequate attention is not given. The most scoring part of this breed is that they are hypoallergenic!
Chihuahua Fox Terrier Mix is a small dog breed with a muscular body. Their legs are athletic and built solid. The breed’s ears are upright like the Chihuahuas but are disproportionate to the entire body. The color of their eyes is black, hazel blue, and dark brown. They have an elongated black snout. They have a short and wiry coat of white, black, tan, red, fawn, cream, pied, brindle, and sable.
Friendliness Overview
Affectionate
Medium to high
Family-friendly
Medium to high
Kid-friendly
Medium to high
Pet-friendly
Low to medium
Stranger-friendly
Low to medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment
Medium to high
Good for new owners
Medium to high
Sensitivity level
Medium to high
Tolerates being alone
Low to medium
Cold tolerance
Low to medium
Heat tolerance
Medium
Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix Temperament
Fox Terrier and Chihuahua mix dogs are intelligent and active dogs. They are very possessive about their owners and have protecting tendencies. They are energetic, playful, very gentle, and even-tempered. Still, they can become aggressive and assertive if they are not paid attention. They also have a stubborn trait due to the Chihuahua gene pool. They make a great family dog but need to be socialized and well-trained under proper supervision. They can very well dwell in apartments as they are small in size.
Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix Training
The Chihuahua and Fox Terrier mix is an intelligent dog. However, they might become obstinate at times due to their stubborn streak. They require early socialization and basic obedience training. It would help if you slowly introduced them to the children in the house. They have a high prey drive, which can only be controlled if trained early. The training routine should be short.
Taco Terriers love to chew things. Therefore, attention is required during their teething phase as they prefer chewing all possible things they find. However, proper training and dog toys can make them get rid of this habit.
Digging and burrowing are great pastimes for Taco Terriers. They love the warmth of the holes and prefer cuddling under blankets and pillows. However, they are equally naughty and active and need supervision when they are off burrowing.
Trainability Overview
Easy to prepare
Medium to high
Intelligence
Medium to high
Prey drive
Medium to high
Tendency to chew, nip, and bite
Medium to high
Mouthiness tendencies
Medium
Barking and Howling tendencies
Medium
Wanderlust tendencies
Low to medium
Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix Exercise Needs
Your Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix will need exercise to sweat his excess energy. He will require physical and mental activities to stay healthy and fit. If your puppy does not get enough exercise, he may get aggressive, stubborn, and have other behavioral issues.
Chihuahua mixed with Fox Terrier is dissimilar to other small dogs as they need long hours of activities. You can schedule walks in shifts of at least 1 hour each day. Ensure they always stay active. If not, you must put effort into rebuilding bonding and consult a doctor for any health issues.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
Medium to high
Intensity
Medium to high
Exercise needs
Medium to high
Playfulness
Medium to high
Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix Grooming
A Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix has a short and wiry coat, which requires minimal grooming. They are hypoallergenic as this breed has genetic relation with the Chinese Crested Dog. Brushing them once a week with a pet-friendly shampoo is necessary to keep away loose hair.
It would help if you regularly brushed their teeth to prevent tartar and gum diseases. Nail clipping is essential only when their nails make a ticking sound.
Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix is a relatively healthy dog. They live up to almost 16 years. However, they might be susceptible to a few health conditions listed below:
Arthritis: This condition, most frequent in older dogs, can affect the legs, hips, back, and other body areas, making daily activities uncomfortable. However, as a dog owner, you can watch for signs of arthritis in dogs. So, if your dog is diagnosed, you may discuss treatment options with your veterinarian.
Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow gradually. Cataracts may develop at any age and often don’t damage vision, although in some cases, they cause vision loss. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist certifies the breeding dogs after testing them free of hereditary eye disease before breeding. Usually, cataracts can be removed surgically with good results.
Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye and is found in two forms: primary, which is hereditary, and secondary, which is caused by the decreased fluid in the eye. Symptoms include pain and loss of vision. Treatment includes surgery or eye drops.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a disorder that affects dogs during their growing phase. It causes the hip joint to relax, resulting in discomfort and dysfunction. The cartilage in the dog’s hip starts to wear away as he develops. This leads to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility over time.
Joint issues: Dogs can suffer from knee and joint problems such as arthritis, joint dysplasia, dislocated joint bones or kneecaps, etc. It is essential to check up with the vet.
Tracheal Collapse: Tracheal collapse is a gradual respiratory disease caused by the collapse of such tissue tracheal rings. This is common in small breeds like Chihuahuas and their mixed breeds. As the windpipe contracts, it might create breathing issues in your dog. A severe dry cough may emerge as a result of this. The reason for the tracheal collapse in dogs is usually unknown.
Patellar Luxation: When the dog patella (kneecap), which typically lies in the cleft of the femur (thighbone), slips out of position, it is known as luxating patella. If the patella luxates, your dog may feel hind limbs “skipping,” causing lameness, or locking up the leg at an abnormal angle.
Uterine Infection: Uterine infections are common in dogs if not properly managed. Water intake and proper housetraining can keep the condition away.
Periodontal Disease: Bacteria that cause periodontitis can damage your dog’s mouth. Typically, this illness invades the mouth quietly, and you won’t notice any noticeable indications or symptoms until it has progressed. On the other hand, gum disease can cause persistent discomfort, gum erosion, and tooth and bone loss.
Cancer: A leading health disease affecting Fox Terrier and Chihuahua mix. The most standard ones are:
Lymphoma: A severe illness that affects lymphocyte cells.
Hemangiosarcoma: This is a hazardous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and the spleen. It most commonly happens in middle-aged and elderly dogs.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer common in large and giant breeds.
Health Overview
Overall health
Medium
Weight gaining tendencies
Low to medium
Size
Small
Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix Diet and Nutrition
Your Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix will need high-quality dog food. Ensure that you are feeding your dog a low-calorie and high-protein diet. Usually, if your puppy is toy-sized, you prefer to give him half a cup of dog food daily. If they are slightly bigger than the toy-sized puppy, prefer giving him one cup of dog food daily. Always consult a vet before making any changes in the diet, as it may instead worsen the health. You may give human food to your puppy. Remember the 10% rule while feeding him with human food. A protein-rich diet such as salmon, chicken, or beef can keep your pet energetic. Also, keep him hydrated.
Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix Living Condition
Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix can dwell in an apartment as they are small in size. However, they require early training and exercise to keep them healthy and obedient. They will become stubborn if you don’t pay enough attention to them. Taco Terriers cannot tolerate cold and wet weather. Hence, they are kept indoors with warm jackets comforting them.
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Things to remember before adding a Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix puppy to your family
Fox Terrier Chihuahua mix puppies are brilliant, active, playful, lovable, and bold. The puppy you buy should have these qualities. To get a healthy Taco Terrier puppy, find a reputable breeder who provides you with an authentic puppy. They also provide you with their gene testing certificates, vaccination certificates, and medical histories. You also meet the purebred parent and see the breeding zone before getting the puppy.
Cost of a Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix puppy
A Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix puppy may cost $300 to $900. The cost varies from one breeder to another.
