Toxirn

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Toxirn

Weight
6-18 lb
Height
8-10 inches
Group
not applicable
Best Suited For
active families with older children, those seeking a watchdog, those wanting a companion dog
Temperament
confident, affectionate, energetic, cautious
Comparable Breeds
Chihuahua, Cairn Terrier
Lifespan
12-15 years
ADVERTISEMENT

Toxirn Basics

The confident little Toxirn brings the sassy but devoted nature of the Chihuahua together with the spirited, playful personality of the Cairn Terrier for a fun little dog that makes a great family pet once properly socialized. His devoted character means he is a loyal and loving pooch but can be a little territorial and aggressive towards other animals if not trained from his puppy days.

The Toxirn brings the sassy Chihuahua together with the playful Cairn Terrier.

Origin

The Toxirn is a relatively new addition to the Designer Dog world that first surfaced in the 1980’s in response to a desire for smaller, calmer or hypo-allergenic dogs. The Cairn terrier’s sturdy frame and agility coupled with the waif-like features of the Chihuahua produced a solid little companion dog that also had the energy level many active families seek.

Pedigree

ADVERTISEMENT

Because the Toxirn is not a purebred dog, he is not registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Both parent breeds however, are long-time members.

Food / Diet

The Toxirn is a small-breed that will require a top-quality kibble that has been formulated to meet the nutritional needs of an active, small dog. They can experience sensitivities to ingredients like wheat, corn or soy so foods should identify “meat” as the primary ingredient. Preservatives should also be avoided and Chihuahua’s can even be sensitive to food coloring. Meals should be served in smaller portions, 2 to 3 times per day versus free-feeding as this little guy can be prone to obesity.

The little Toxirn is an energetic dog who will need regular long walks

Training

The Toxirn is the product of two intelligent breeds that have a mind of their own so training results will come slowly but steadily. This little dog can be aggressive towards other animals and snappish towards children if not properly socialized so this must begin at an early age. He is a highly sensitive dog so training should not be harsh or he will shut down. As with most breeds, a consistent, firm, rewards-based approach with lots of praise for a job well done will go a long way to him becoming an ideal family dog.

Weight

Your Toxirn will likely tip the scale at 6 to 18 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

ADVERTISEMENT

The Toxirn is a bold little dog that is cautious around strangers so quick to bark and therefore a great potential watchdog. He comes from two feisty little breeds so bringing him into a family with young children and other pets will require him to have been fully socialized. He thrives on human companionship and is highly devoted to his owner. This little dog is a wonderful companion or lap dog and is best when not left on his own for long periods of time.

Common Health Problems

Designer or cross-breed dogs often side-step the health issues that can plague their pure-bred parents. Regardless, you need to be aware of what your pup could inherit and in the case of the Toxirn, this can include patella luxation and joint issues from the Chihuahua as well as liver and heart problems from the Cairn. Obesity can also be an issue so a healthy diet and plenty of exercise are important.

Life Expectancy

The Toxirn has a life expectancy of 12-15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The little Toxirn is an energetic dog who will need regular long walks to keep him fit and active play to keep him mentally stimulated. The terrier in him will always want to explore and chase new things so off-leash parks may not be the best idea – a fenced yard where he can catch balls and show-off his agility talents would be his idea of heaven.

The bold little Toxirn will need early socialization so he knows how to play nice with kids and other animals.

Recognized Clubs

The Toxirn is also known as the CairnHuaHua, Cairn-Chi or Cairnchi and because he isn’t a pure-bred he isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however is by the following clubs: Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)

Coat

Whether your Toxirn has a single- or double-coat and soft or wiry hair will be down to which side of the gene pool he inherited. Either way, he is considered a low to moderate shedder who will require brushing 2 to 3 times per week to keep him looking great. If double-coated, a period trip to the groomer may be needed. Because small dogs can run into dental issues, daily brushing should be an important part of his maintenance regimen.

Puppies

This little dog can have a big attitude if not properly socialized from a very early age. Because he comes from two intelligent breeds, training – including obedience – will be something he can begin as soon as he can walk. Although he is active, he can also suffer from joint issues later in life so curb your desire to get him up and moving too soon or too aggressively.

Photo credit: Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock; jordanalisa/Shutterstock

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Why Do Felines Love Cat Trees?

Perching isn''t just for the birds. Have you ever noticed how your kitty loves to climb up cat trees? Let''s look at why cats love an indoor tree with a view!

8 Tips For Boarding a Dog With Separation Anxiety

Ways to make the experience of staying at a kennel easier for your anxious dog Going into a boarding kennel can be stressful for any dog, but even more so fo…

The Jolly Jet-Setter’s Holiday Guide For Boarding Your Dog

Indispensable tips to ensure your pooch is happy and safe while you’re away for holidays The holidays are upon us, and not everyone will be spending th…

Lilac Crowned Amazon

Considered as one of the smallest of the Amazons, the Lilac Crowned Amazon is also one of the liveliest and energetic birds in this family.

7 Gifts for People Who Love Dog Training

Are there any dog training or dog sport fanatics on your holiday list? Our resident dog training pro hints at what she''d like to see under her tree.

Why Do Cats Like Boxes?

Why do cats like boxes? We''re about to let the cat out of the box! Here are a few reasons why cats love to hide out in these fortresses of solitude.

Lipizzan Horse

The Lipizzan Horse is known for being highly intelligent and trainable. Considered a horse of royalty, the Lipizzaner is renowned for its proud carriage.

Snorf’s Kickstarter Puts The Fun In Functional With Fleece BatHats A

Listen up! This cool custom winter apparel line keeps your dog’s ears toasty warm. We’ve created creatures of habit, animals conditioned to a cer…

BARK Customizes Dog Food To Ensure The Best Diet For Your Best Friend

You’ve probably heard about lots of different BARK Products: BarkBox, Super Chewer and even BARK Dental.

Best Cat Litter Mats

Take a look at our comprehensive list buying guide on best cat litter mats to find one that will eliminate litter tracking- for good.

Gar

Characterized by their long bodies and similarly elongated jaws, gar are kept in large aquariums and require very specialized care by experienced aquarists.

Bordatella: Kennel Cough Symptoms And Treatments

Also referred to as Bordatella, this illness is not just a common cold. Be on the lookout for these kennel cough symptoms and know what to do about it.

Best Couch Covers for Dogs

These couch covers for dogs are ideal for protecting your bed, armchair, or sofa, while still allowing your dog to take a well-deserved nap on them!

Shelter Dogs in a Photo Booth Guarantees Big Smiles

What happens when you put adoptable dogs in a photo booth? You get an adorable book of stunning photography that helps shelter pets.

Product Review: Head-Lites LED Collars

At this time of the year, days are shorter and the nights are longer. What’s an uber-active musher, skijoring and all-around outdoorsman and dog lover…