Taco Terrier
Toy Chitoxy, Toy Chisoxy, Toy Chiwoxy, Chihuahua Fox Terrier mix
The Taco Terrier gets its name from its parent breeds: the Chihuahua and the Toy Fox Terrier. The "Taco" part is a nod to the small Chihuahua that appears in Taco Bell advertisements. This breed has gained popularity largely because of its small size, which makes it ideal for living in any space, no matter how limited. Taco Terriers come in a wide range of colors and often display patterns such as parti-colored, sable, brindle, pied, spotted, merle, or speckled. They usually have a short coat, unless they inherit long hair from their Chihuahua parent. Renowned for their intelligence and desire to please, Taco Terriers generally get along well with other pets and older children. However, due to their diminutive size, it's crucial to supervise them when they are around young children.
Breed Origin
The Taco Terrier is a relatively recent addition to the canine world, and it does not have a well-documented history of its own. To grasp its background, one must explore the lineage of its parent breeds: the Chihuahua and the Toy Fox Terrier. The Chihuahua, originating from Mexico, can be traced back to approximately 300 B.C. with the Techichi, an ancient Mesoamerican dog that played a role in Toltec sacrificial ceremonies. According to legend, these diminutive dogs were believed to guide the deceased to the afterlife, prompting families to sacrifice one for each departed loved one to aid their journey into the spirit world. The contemporary Chihuahua surged in popularity in the early 20th century, largely thanks to Spanish musician Xavier Cugat, who prominently featured his dog at public events. This breed quickly captured the hearts of many in the United States, drawing the attention of various celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Madonna, Britney Spears, and Marilyn Monroe. Today, the Chihuahua is ranked as the 30th most popular dog breed in America and has been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1904. Conversely, the Toy Fox Terrier was developed in the United States during the 1900s, resulting from a blend of Italian Greyhounds, Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, and Chihuahuas. This small breed was specifically bred for hunting foxes and other vermin. Toy Fox Terriers also gained notoriety in circuses, where they showcased their agility and participated in dog shows, with some capable of leaping as high as four feet! They have been featured in numerous commercials and are known to enjoy watching television, as noted by the AKC, which officially recognized the breed in 2003. Currently, the Toy Fox Terrier holds the position of the 116th most popular dog breed in the United States.
Breed Appearance
The Taco Terrier is one of the smallest hybrid dog breeds, usually weighing less than 8 pounds and standing about 10 inches tall. Their coat can range from short to medium length, depending on their Chihuahua ancestry, and is typically thin, straight, and comes in various colors. Common shades include white, tan, blue, pied, chocolate, red, black, sable, brindle, and speckled. Despite their petite size, these dogs are impressively athletic, muscular, and fearless. They have large, round dark eyes, mostly brown, and a short, pointed muzzle with a nose that can be either black or brown. Their ears are triangular and floppy, often falling over their face.
Care Routine
The grooming needs of your Taco Terrier are primarily influenced by its breed lineage. For those with a medium-length coat, it’s essential to brush and comb regularly, ideally using a metal comb paired with a pin brush. Aim for at least four to five grooming sessions each week. On the other hand, if your dog has a short coat, a quick brushing with a slicker brush a few times a week should be adequate. Neglecting grooming can result in noticeable shedding around your home, so it’s recommended to brush them every other day at the very least. Furthermore, to prevent nails from cracking or splitting, your Taco Terrier will require a trim roughly once a month. Since small breeds are prone to dental problems, it’s crucial to brush their teeth several times a week.
Behavior & Temperament
Taco Terriers, though small in stature, are brimming with a lively spirit characterized by bravery and tenacity. They are highly protective of their loved ones, unhesitatingly facing any perceived danger, no matter how large. To foster a well-rounded temperament, it is crucial to socialize them early in their puppyhood. Training these spirited dogs requires a careful balance of patience and assertiveness, as they can be quite the boundary testers if allowed. With their Terrier heritage, they are full of energy and possess a strong hunting instinct, so it's wise to exercise caution around smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. Nonetheless, their affectionate nature makes them incredibly loving companions, and they excel as delightful lap dogs.
Play & Exercise
Due to the high energy levels of both the Chihuahua and the Toy Fox Terrier, the Taco Terrier needs ample daily exercise. To ensure optimal health and prevent boredom, it’s essential for your dog to partake in vigorous activities for a minimum of 90 minutes to two hours each day. The good news is that these small breeds don’t require extensive space for their workouts, and many exercises can be performed indoors. Nonetheless, it’s vital for all dogs to enjoy outdoor time at least a couple of times each day. Ideally, you should aim to take your Taco Terrier on two to three walks daily, along with additional activities like playing fetch, visiting a dog park, or running around in the yard. While this energetic breed can adapt well to apartment living, it would truly flourish in a secure backyard where it can dig and play to its heart's content.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
1.0 Cups
Daily Activity
90 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
2000s
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Small
Origin Country
United States
Brush Frequency
Daily
Coat Texture
Wiry
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Height & Weight
Weight
6 lbs (3 kg)Male: 7 lbs (3 kg) , Female: 5 lbs (2 kg)
Height
9 inches (23 sm)Male: 10 inches (25 sm) , Female: 8 inches (20 sm)
6 Months
2 lbs ( m 2 lbs, f 2 lbs )
6 inches ( m 6 inches, f 6 inches )
12 Months
3 lbs ( m 3 lbs, f 3 lbs )
7 inches ( m 7 inches, f 7 inches )
18 Months
4 lbs ( m 4 lbs, f 4 lbs )
8 inches ( m 8 inches, f 8 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Brown
Coat Colors
Brindle
Sable
Pied
White
Blue
Fawn
Cream
Red
Brown
Black
