Taco Terrier Overview

Parent Breeds:
Chihuahua & Fox Terrier
Breed Nickname:
Taco Terrier
Size:
Small
Height:
6 to 9 inches
Weight:
3 to 6 pounds
Life Span:
12 to 15 years
Coat Colors:
Black, brown, red, cream, fawn, blue, white, brindle, and sable

Taco Terrier Characteristics

Friendliness
Intelligence
Good for First-Time Owners
Good with Children
Easy to Train
Exercise Requirements
Ease of Grooming
Amount of Shedding
Amount of Drooling
Tendency to Bark

About The Taco Terrier

What Is A Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix called?

The mix between a Fox Terrier and a Chihuahua is called a Taco Terrier. They’re also known as Toy Chitoxy, Toy Chisoxy, and Toy Chiwoxy – but the Taco Terrier is a better name!

The Taco part of this name is in reference to the Chihuahua’s representation in the Taco Bell commercials. The Terrier portion of the name is from the Fox Terrier.

Taco Terriers are intelligent and happy dogs, ideal for lots of family dynamics. They are tiny dogs, though, so they’re not suitable for all households. Keep reading to determine whether a Taco Terrier is a good pet for you.

Taco Terrier Breed History

  • Taco Terriers were bred in the 2000s to meet the demand for tiny dogs.

  • Chihuahuas are one of the most beloved breeds in the world.

  • Fox Terriers were bred for chasing foxes out of their dens.

The Taco Terrier was first intentionally bred in the 2000s when small dogs were all the rage amongst celebrities. Influences would carry these small dogs in their handbags like an accessory, so the smaller the dog, the better!

Chihuahuas have a reputation for having lots of health issues, so breeders most likely bred them with the Fox Terrier to minimize these health concerns. They would have used the Toy Fox Terrier to keep the size as small as possible.

Chihuahuas originated in Mexico around the 9th century, being used as a guide to the afterlife. The dog would be sacrificed to accompany the passed family member into the spiritual world.

The Fox Terrier is a tiny dog that was first bred in North America in the 1900s. They were bred from Italian Greyhounds, Smooth Fox Terriers, Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, and Manchester Terriers.

They were used for chasing foxes and other pests from their den, as the Fox Terrier was small enough to get into the burrows.

Taco Terrier Personality & Temperament

  • Friendly and excitable small dogs.

  • Can suffer from small dog syndrome.

  • Are best suited to people who have plenty of time to spend with their dogs.

Don’t let the Taco Terrier’s small size deter you – they’re small but mighty! They have plenty of energy and confidence, and they seem fearless in everything they do.

They are loyal to their family and will protect them from anything they perceive as dangerous.

This can make them slightly difficult around strangers and other dogs. However, early socialization can prevent this from becoming too difficult to manage.

They might inherit a stubborn streak from their Chihuahua parent, and they might also suffer from small dog syndrome. They can inherit the need to bond with one owner more than the others, too, from their Chihuahua parent.

Taco Terriers are tiny and therefore aren’t the best for households with small children. They are fragile and shouldn’t engage in roughhousing with small children. However, if the children know how to treat dogs properly, this shouldn’t be an issue.

These dogs can also suffer from separation anxiety, so they’re best suited for families where there is someone home at all times.

Taco Terrier Health

  • Can inherit health concerns from both parents.

  • Chihuahuas tend to suffer from more conditions due to overbreeding.

  • Insurance might be higher for Taco Terriers.

Most Taco Terriers are considered healthy. However, they can inherit certain health concerns from their parent breeds. Here’s a list of the major concerns for Taco Terrier owners:

  • Pulmonic Stenosis
  • Tracheal Collapse
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hydrocephalus

Minor concerns include the following. These are less common, but still need to be considered by owners in case any symptoms begin to show:

  • Molera
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Skin Diseases
  • Eye Conditions

Taco Terriers need regular vet visits to ensure health concerns can be picked up and treated as soon as possible.

Chihuahuas are susceptible to joint issues, oral diseases, and eye problems. Because there are so many health risks, your Taco Terrier might cost more to insure.

Taco Terrier Training

  • Use positive reinforcement only.

  • Be patient.

  • Taco Terriers can inherit a stubborn side.

Taco Terriers are very intelligent and eager to please, so training shouldn’t be too difficult. However, if your dog has inherited a stubborn streak from their Chihuahua parent, it might resist your training methods.

Make sure that you keep them on a routine for training, offering sessions at the same time every day, with the same trainer, to keep them happy. A happy dog will listen to you, and this is where you’ll see results.

Be patient with a Taco Terrier, they’ll get there eventually!

Taco Terrier Exercise Requirements

  • Use positive reinforcement only.

  • Be patient.

  • Taco Terriers can inherit a stubborn side.

While you might think that these tiny dogs need less exercise than bigger dogs, the truth is quite the opposite! Taco Terriers need plenty of exercise to ward off boredom, and the recommended amount is 90 minutes to two hours.

However, Taco Terriers have tiny legs, so they’ll need this exercise to be in short bursts throughout the day. They’ll tire quickly, but their energy levels will replenish just as fast!

They love walking, running, playing fetch, and even swimming. However, they also enjoy doing mundane activities with their owners, such as running errands. This can tire them out too, so this is a good form of practical exercise!

Playing fetch is loved by Taco Terriers as it brings out their hunting instincts.

You can keep a Taco Terrier in an apartment thanks to its small size, although they will enjoy a yard to run around in, too.

Taco Terrier Diet & Feeding

  • Offer high-quality, high-energy food for small dogs.

  • Feed them multiple small meals a day.

Small dogs like Taco Terriers should be given food formulated for their size. These dogs should also have plenty of protein in their diet, as well as healthy fats and carbohydrates for energy.

The protein is to aid their muscles after a long day of working them.

Offer them food in small portions throughout the day. This will prevent them from suffering from bloat and keep them more comfortable. Make sure to only feed them enough for their weight.

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Taco Terrier Cost

  • Cost between $300 and $1,000.

  • Trusted breeders will charge more but are worth every penny.

Taco Terriers are still very desirable, so you’ll see them priced between $300 and $1,000. With any Chihuahua mix, it is imperative that you use a reputable breeder to prevent the likelihood of lots of health issues down the line.

Ongoing costs include higher vet bills and insurance, food, and toys. Premiums might be higher due to the parent breeds and their health concerns.