The Chihuahua-Toy Fox Terrier mix, also known as the Taco Terrier, is a very adorable dog with some quirky personality traits. DogAppy lists out some interesting facts about this cute little breed.
We Are Official!
The Taco terrier is officially recognized as a designer or mixed breed by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC).
If you are looking for a substantial dog in a small package, then the Chihuahua-Toy Fox Terrier mix, also called the Taco terrier (!), is the perfect breed for you. It only looks small, but it is a very big dog (metaphorically). Protective, intensely loyal, affectionate, and brave – what more could you ask for. It is an excellent companion and playmate, making it a suitable pet for everyone. It is easy to carry, and requires minimal maintenance when it comes to grooming. Having originated from two very interesting breeds, it has quite a unique personality and characteristics. It hasn’t been around for a very long time, but its popularity has surged in the past few years. You must surely be curious to know more about this breed by now, so check out the ensuing paragraphs for some more dirt on this cutiepie of a pooch.
The Folks
Appearance
The Taco terrier is a small-sized dog, given its parentage. Its average height is between 6 and 10 inches, and its weight varies from 7 to 11 pounds. It has pointed ears that may fold or stay upright. Its muzzle is pointed, and may be long. It has a medium to big head, depending on which parent it takes after. The most adorable feature of this dog is its eyes; they are round, big, can be brown or hazel in color, and will make you fall in love with them at the first instance.
The Taco terrier’s coat is single-layered and short. It is neither dense nor warm, which is why this breed cannot tolerate low temperatures. The coat colors can range between white, brown, or tan, with a variety of markings. In this regard too, it depends on which parent your puppy takes after. It will have a short, muscular body and small legs. Its height will normally be between the heights of its parents.
Temperament
Do not go by its size; the Taco terrier is feisty. It is not afraid and does not back down on sensing a potential threat; it is very protective of its family, and may inherit a stubborn streak from either of its parents. It is extremely affectionate and doesn’t mind an occasional cuddle. It is known to be a little wary of other animals, so if you have other pets, you may need to keep them away from your Taco puppy.
Being a tiny breed, this terrier is prone to a small dog complex, which means that it may consider seemingly harmless objects as threats to itself due to its size. This is why it makes a more suitable pet for families with grown up children, who will treat the dog gently and carefully. All in all, this breed has a bold and confident personality, but it needs early and extensive socialization for mental and emotional well-being.
Training
It is not difficult to train a Taco terrier, although it is no piece of cake either. As mentioned earlier, this dog is prone to being a little headstrong. Hence, training requires patience and persistence. Also remember that positive reinforcement goes a long way in ensuring that the process is smooth and fruitful. This breed is quite trainable if these aspects of its personality are taken into consideration.
Grooming
Average to low shedding, with occasional brushing and ‘as-per-requirement’ bathing, aptly sums up the Taco terrier’s grooming needs. In this aspect, this is a very low-maintenance dog. Apart from the coat health, dental hygiene is also important.
Exercise
This is not a very highly energetic breed. It does not require intense physical activity. A walk of 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day, is sufficient for this pooch. This activity is apart from playing with the family at home, that is.
Health
Being a rather new breed, there are currently no known health problems with the Taco terrier. However, check the health history of your pup’s parents to be known of any genetic medical conditions that it may inherit. Some common issues that may affect this breed are allergies, slipped knee caps, gum problems, or trachea collapses. Its average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
Living Conditions
This is an excellent dog for apartments and condominiums. However, it also does well in houses with yards. The only thing to keep in mind here is to fence the yard, because given its personality, the Taco terrier may try to take on something much bigger for its size, the outcome of which will mostly be unfavorable. So have a closed yard to avoid any such instances.
If you are looking for a small dog with a big personality, then the Taco terrier may be the right one for you. However, remember to always get a puppy from a responsible breeder who takes good care of his/her dogs; otherwise, you can always adopt and give a lonely dog a loving home.
