So, you’re thinking about bringing a Taco Terrier into your life. That’s the most common nickname for the fox terrier and chihuahua mix, though some people just call them "Chit terrier" or "Foxhuahua." Honestly? It’s a bit of a roll of the dice. You aren’t just getting a lap dog. You’re getting a high-octane hunter condensed into a ten-pound frame that thinks it can take on a Doberman.
I’ve seen these dogs in action. One minute they’re curled up in a sunbeam, looking like the sweetest thing on earth, and the next they’re trying to dig a hole through your expensive Persian rug because they heard a cricket three rooms away. It’s that blend of the feisty, tenacious Smooth or Wire Fox Terrier and the famously "big dog in a small body" personality of the Chihuahua. It’s a lot of personality to handle.
What You’re Actually Getting with a Fox Terrier and Chihuahua Mix
When you mix two breeds, genetics doesn't just split things 50/50 down the middle like a recipe. You might get a dog that looks exactly like a lanky Fox Terrier but has the shivering, one-person loyalty of a Chihuahua. Or, you get a "Deer Head" Chihuahua lookalike that has the relentless prey drive of a ratter.
Generally, these guys are small. We’re talking 7 to 15 pounds, usually standing about 10 to 25 inches tall. Their coats? Total toss-up. If the parent was a Wire Hair Fox Terrier, you might get a scruffy, wiry coat that needs stripped. If it was a Smooth Fox Terrier, you’re looking at short, dense hair that sheds more than you’d expect for such a small creature.
They are fast. Like, deceptively fast.
The Fox Terrier was bred to flush foxes out of their dens. They are literal bundles of muscle and reflex. Chihuahuas, despite their reputation as purse dogs, are descendants of the Techichi, a hardy dog from ancient Mexico. When you mash these lineages together, you don't get a lazy dog. You get a "velcro dog" with a mission. They will follow you to the bathroom, the kitchen, and the ends of the earth, but they’ll also bark at the mailman like he’s an invading warlord.
The Personality Quirk Nobody Mentions
Everyone talks about how "spunky" they are. That’s a polite way of saying they can be incredibly stubborn.
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I’ve talked to owners who struggle with potty training for months. Why? Because Chihuahuas notoriously hate the rain or the cold, and Fox Terriers are so easily distracted by a passing leaf that they forget why they went outside in the first place. You have to be more stubborn than they are.
They are also incredibly vocal. This isn't just a "woof." It’s a repertoire of grumbles, yips, and sharp alerts. If you live in an apartment with thin walls, your neighbors might not be your biggest fans. They take their job as a guardian very seriously. Even if that "threat" is just the wind hitting a loose windowpane.
The Prey Drive Problem
This is where things get real. The fox terrier and chihuahua mix often retains a massive prey drive.
- Hamsters? Dangerous.
- Guinea pigs? Definitely in trouble.
- The neighbor's cat? Probably going to get chased up a tree.
If you have other small pets, you need to be extremely careful. Even with socialization, that Terrier instinct to "grab and shake" is deeply embedded in their DNA. It isn't aggression in the human sense; it’s just what they were built to do for hundreds of years in the English countryside.
Health Realities and What to Watch For
Let’s talk about the stuff that actually costs money at the vet. Hybrid vigor is a real thing—crossbreeds often avoid the concentrated genetic disasters of purebreds—but they aren't invincible.
Patellar Luxation is the big one. This is basically a fancy term for a kneecap that pops out of place. It’s common in both parent breeds. If you see your dog doing a weird "hop" or skipping a step while running, that’s likely what it is. It ranges from "doesn't really bother them" to "needs expensive surgery."
Then there’s the teeth. Small dogs have crowded mouths. This leads to tartar buildup, gingivitis, and eventually, tooth loss. If you aren't brushing their teeth or providing dental chews, expect some pretty gnarly breath by age four.
Tracheal collapse is another Chihuahua trait that sometimes sneaks in. If your mix starts making a "honking" sound when they get excited or pull on their leash, that’s a red flag. Use a harness, not a collar. Protect that throat.
Longevity
The upside? These dogs live forever. Well, not literally, but 12 to 15 years is standard, and it’s not rare to see them hitting 17 or 18. You are making a long-term commitment. This isn't a "phase" dog; it’s a "will be with you through three different jobs and two breakups" dog.
Training: Can You Actually Teach Them?
Yes, but stop using the "alpha" mentality. It doesn't work with a fox terrier and chihuahua mix. If you try to bully them or use harsh corrections, a Chihuahua mix will either shut down or snap back. They are sensitive but proud.
Positive reinforcement is the only way. But here's the trick: you have to find what motivates them. Some are food-motivated (Chihuahua side), while others just want a squeaky toy (Terrier side).
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Short sessions are key. Five minutes. That’s it. Their brains move too fast for a 30-minute obedience class. If you do five minutes of "sit," "stay," and "touch" three times a day, you’ll have a genius on your hands. If you try to do an hour-long session on a Saturday, they’ll just stare at you with that classic head tilt and then go find something to chew on.
Exercise Needs: More Than a Walk Around the Block
Don't let the size fool you. A bored Taco Terrier is a destructive Taco Terrier.
They need mental stimulation as much as physical. Flirt poles—basically a giant cat toy for dogs—are a godsend for this mix. It taps into that Terrier chase instinct without requiring you to run a 5k.
Puzzle feeders are also great. If you just put their kibble in a bowl, they wolf it down in thirty seconds. If you put it in a Snuffle Mat or a Kong, it burns off that frantic mental energy.
Finding One: Rescue vs. Breeder
You’ll rarely find a "reputable" breeder specifically making a fox terrier and chihuahua mix because it isn't a recognized breed; it’s a designer cross or, often, an "accident."
Be wary of anyone selling these for thousands of dollars as "Exotic Taco Terriers."
The best place to find them is actually in shelters or through breed-specific rescues like Rat Bone Rescues (which focuses on Terriers) or Chihuahua-specific groups. Because they are high-energy, people often surrender them when they realize they aren't just quiet lap dogs.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you’ve already brought one home or are about to, here is the immediate game plan to keep your sanity.
1. Harness over Collar
Get a high-quality Y-shaped harness. These dogs are prone to neck injuries and are notorious escape artists who can back out of a standard collar in a heartbeat.
2. Socialization is Non-Negotiable
Between 8 and 16 weeks—or immediately if you adopt an adult—expose them to everything. Tall men with hats, umbrellas, bikes, and especially other dogs. Chihuahua mixes are prone to "reactivity" (barking out of fear), and early exposure is the only way to dampen that "I must fight the world" instinct.
3. Set Up a "Den"
Because they can get overstimulated, give them a crate or a covered bed in a quiet corner. When they get too "revved up," a five-minute time-out in their den with a chew toy helps them reset their nervous system.
4. Professional Dental Cleaning
Budget for it now. Starting around age three, have a vet check their teeth annually. It’s cheaper to pay for a cleaning than it is to pay for ten extractions later.
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5. High-Protein, Low-Calorie Diet
These dogs get fat easily, and even one extra pound puts massive strain on those tiny kneecaps. Keep them lean. You should be able to feel their ribs easily, even if you can't see them.
This mix is a massive amount of heart packed into a tiny, vibrating frame. They will make you laugh with their "zoomies" and drive you crazy with their barking. But if you want a dog that is truly, deeply devoted to your side—and has the brains to actually learn tricks—the fox terrier and chihuahua mix is a top-tier companion. Just don't expect them to be "just a small dog." They are a big experience.