Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix: Care, Health, and Training

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Terrier Dog being Groomed by a Professional Groomer
Credit: pexels.com, Terrier Dog being Groomed by a Professional Groomer

The Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix is a small, energetic companion that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

This breed needs daily walks and playtime to prevent obesity and boredom.

As a mix of two small breeds, the Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix is generally easy to care for in a small living space.

However, it's essential to provide a comfortable and safe environment, including a sturdy crate and secure fencing, to prevent escape attempts.

Their small size also means they need careful handling and socialization from an early age to prevent fear-based behaviors.

Size and Characteristics

The Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua mix is a small dog breed, typically standing between 10 and 28 inches tall. Their weight can vary, ranging from 6 to 25 pounds.

Their size can be influenced by the sizes of their parent breeds and general genetics. Depending on the parent breeds, their appearance can vary, but they are normally small in size.

Credit: youtube.com, Fox Terrier Chihuahua Mix aka Taco Terrier

Toy Fox Terriers, a parent breed of the mix, are a toy-sized breed, standing no taller than a foot. Their short, smooth coat sheds a moderate amount, and they require occasional brushing and bathing.

Here are some key characteristics of the Toy Fox Terrier breed:

  • Size: 8"-12" (Toy Fox Terrier), 10-28 inches (Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua mix)
  • Weight: 3-7 lbs (Toy Fox Terrier), 6-25 lbs (Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua mix)
  • Coat: Short, smooth, and fine (Toy Fox Terrier)
  • Shedding: Moderate (Toy Fox Terrier)

Do You Need to Groom?

Grooming is an essential part of caring for your toy fox terrier Chihuahua mix. The frequency of grooming depends on your dog's coat type.

If your toy fox terrier Chihuahua mix has a shorter, straighter coat, you should brush them once or twice a week to help with shedding. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of hair scattered around your home.

Short-haired dogs like your toy fox terrier Chihuahua mix may shed, and brushing can help control the amount of hair they lose. It's essential to brush them regularly to prevent excessive shedding.

If your toy fox terrier Chihuahua mix has a longer and wiry coat, you'll need to brush them more often to prevent matting and tangling. This will also help reduce shedding and keep their coat looking its best.

Occasionally, you may need to take your toy fox terrier Chihuahua mix to a professional groomer to ensure they stay in top condition and feel their best.

Check this out: Best Dog Breed Crosses

Temperament and Behavior

Credit: youtube.com, Toy Fox Terrier Dog Pros and Cons | Toy Fox Terrier Advantages and Disadvantages #AnimalPlatoon

Your Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua mix is likely to be energetic and playful, with a curious and intelligent nature. They can be quite vocal, barking when they're excited, playing, or trying to get your attention.

They may also have a streak of stubbornness, which can make training a bit challenging. However, with patience and consistency, you can curb unwanted behaviors like excessive barking. Proper training and socialization are key to developing a well-behaved and loyal companion.

As they bond with you, they'll become fiercely protective and loving, but they may not be as affectionate with others outside your immediate family. With proper care and attention, they can thrive and make a wonderful addition to your family, even for new dog owners.

Do Bark?

Chihuahua terrier mixes are known for being fairly vocal, and they may bark when they're excited, playing, or trying to get your attention.

They can also bark at suspicious sounds outside, which makes them good watchdogs. Proper training can help curb some unwanted barking habits.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Reasons Why Dogs BARK 🐶 Dog BARKING Explained

You can expect your Chihuahua terrier mix to be on the louder side, so be prepared for some loud barking. They may bark at outsiders, but this can be a good thing if you're looking for a dog to alert you to potential threats.

Chihuahua terrier mixes are not typically aggressive, but they can be protective and may bark and growl when they feel threatened. With proper training and care, you can tone down any aggressive behavior.

Their high prey drive can sometimes make them bark at small animals, but this is a natural instinct for them.

What Is a Mix's Temperament?

A Chihuahua terrier mix's temperament can be quite unique, and it's shaped by its parent breeds. They're generally energetic, playful, and loyal dogs. Their curious and intelligent nature makes them entertaining to be around. With both Chihuahua and terrier natures, they can be stubborn at times. This breed often requires proper care and socialization to prevent anxiety or overly protective behaviors.

Credit: youtube.com, Temperament Blends - Episode # 11 (2018)

Their loyalty and affectionate side is undeniable. Chihuahua terrier mixes tend to bond strongly with one or two people in their household and can be quite picky about who they cuddle with. This doesn't mean they don't enjoy spending time with others, though. They'll happily join you on the couch or out for a walk. With proper training and care, you can curb any unwanted behaviors and help your dog become a well-adjusted companion.

Training and Care

Training a toy fox terrier Chihuahua mix will likely take lots of patience, positive reinforcement, and repeated lessons, as they can be stubborn and only learn when they want to.

It's essential to use gentle and positive methods, avoiding aggression, anger, or yelling, which can result in worse behavior and ruin the training experience.

With consistent training and a patient approach, your toy fox terrier Chihuahua mix can learn to behave well and be a loving companion.

To care for your toy fox terrier Chihuahua mix, ensure they get proper grooming, exercise, and dietary care.

Trainability

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Training a Chihuahua terrier mix takes lots of patience, positive reinforcement, and repeated lessons. They can be stubborn, so you'll need to be consistent and gentle in your approach.

Some breeds of terrier are easier to train than others, but this doesn't guarantee an easy ride. Your Chihuahua terrier mix will likely have a strong personality that needs to be respected.

Never use aggression, anger, or yelling to train them, as this will likely result in worse behavior and ruin the training experience. This approach will only upset your dog and make things more difficult.

Positive reinforcement is key when training a Chihuahua terrier mix. This means rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, and affection.

Pet Care

Pet care is essential to ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.

Chihuahua terrier mixes need two to three short walks each day, so make sure to schedule them into your daily routine.

Playtime is also crucial, with about an hour of playtime needed daily to keep your dog entertained and exercised.

Credit: youtube.com, Pet Care Training: Understanding Canine Body Language - Part 1

Leaving your dog alone for long hours can lead to anxiety and destructive behavior, so try to find a dog sitter or ask a friend to check in on them.

Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their coat, with brushing needed a few times a week depending on their coat type.

Occasional baths are also a must to help with shedding, and professional grooming may be needed to keep their nails, ears, and coat in good shape.

Feeding your Chihuahua terrier mix high-quality dog food is vital, with the amount tailored to their size and caloric intake needs.

Regular veterinary appointments are also a must to stay on top of their health and catch any issues before they become major problems.

Don't forget to schedule regular dental cleanings to prevent tooth decay, which can be a major issue in small breeds.

Finding a Breeder

If you're looking to find a reputable breeder for your Chihuahua terrier mix, start by conducting an internet search of potential breeders in your area.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Find and Choose the Right Breeder for You. With Bethany Preud'homme.

You can also get a sense of a breeder's reputation by checking their licenses and certifications, which can give you an idea of their level of experience and commitment to responsible breeding practices.

Double-checking these credentials is crucial to ensure that the breeder treats the dogs humanely and conducts proper breeding practices.

Touring the breeding facility when possible can also give you a firsthand look at the breeder's operation and help you make a more informed decision.

Service Dogs

Service dogs can be a great asset for individuals with mobility or medical needs, but their size and temperament are crucial factors to consider.

Chihuahua terrier mixes, for instance, are not ideal for mobility or medical service dogs due to their smaller size.

While they may not be the best fit for every type of service dog, they can excel as emotional support dogs.

Their loving and loyal nature makes them a great match for alleviating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Health and Lifestyle

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Your toy fox terrier Chihuahua mix is prone to certain health conditions, so it's essential to keep an eye out for them. Luxating patella, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, is one to watch for.

Regular vet visits are crucial to catch any health problems early on. This will help prevent them from becoming serious or even fatal.

To keep your dog healthy, feed them high-quality wet or dry dog food and supplement with healthy treats. Be mindful of their size and caloric needs to avoid obesity, a common issue for this breed.

Here are some common health problems to be aware of:

  • Luxating patella
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Dental disease

You can help prevent some of these issues by spreading your dog's daily food between two or three meals and ensuring they get enough exercise.

Dog Nutrition

Feeding your dog a high-quality diet is crucial for their overall health. Your Chihuahua terrier mix should eat a diet of high-quality wet or dry dog food that is supplemented by healthy treats.

Obesity is a common issue in this breed, so it's essential to tailor their food intake to their specific size and caloric needs. Your vet can help guide you on this.

Spreading their daily food between two or three meals can help prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.

Health Problems

Small terrier dog with brown fur and tongue out standing near wooden fence on grassy ground in sunny suburb area
Credit: pexels.com, Small terrier dog with brown fur and tongue out standing near wooden fence on grassy ground in sunny suburb area

As a dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health problems that can affect your Chihuahua terrier mix.

Luxating patella is a common issue in small breeds, where the kneecap slips out of place. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent this condition.

Hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid builds up in the brain, can be a serious concern for Chihuahua terrier mixes. It's crucial to keep an eye out for symptoms like seizures and vomiting.

Heart disease is another potential issue, often caused by genetics or a poor diet. Feeding your dog a nutrient-rich diet and keeping them at a healthy weight can help reduce the risk.

Obesity is a common problem in many breeds, including Chihuahua terrier mixes. A combination of regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep your dog at a healthy weight.

Tracheal collapse, where the windpipe collapses, can be a serious issue in small breeds. This condition often requires veterinary attention to prevent complications.

Dental disease, caused by poor oral hygiene, can lead to painful infections and tooth loss. Regular brushing and dental check-ups can help prevent this condition.

Here's a list of potential health problems your Chihuahua terrier mix may face:

  • Luxating patella
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Dental disease

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a fox terrier Chihuahua mix get?

A Wire Chisoxy typically grows to 7-10 inches in height and weighs between 6-10 pounds. This compact size makes them a great companion dog.

How long do Toy Fox Terrier Chihuahua mix live?

Typically, Taco Terriers can live up to 16 years or more with proper care and diet

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