Toxirn

6-7 lbs
8-9"
Unknown
Cairn Terrier
Chihuahua

A Toxirn is a delightful designer hybrid. He is a mix of the Cairn Terrier and the Chihuahua. This small dog is confident and friendly. He forms a very close bond with his family. Unfortunately, he is very protective and can become aggressive towards strangers in an attempt to protect his humans.  He is also a bit territorial when it comes to other dogs and will stand up for what he thinks is his home. This perky and confident dog stands 8 to 10 inches and weighs 6 to 8 pounds. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua

Toxirn Health

Average Size
Male Toxirn size stats
Height: 8-10 inches Weight: 6-8 lbs
Female Toxirn size stats
Height: 8-9 inches Weight: 6-7 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia
  • Perianal Fistulas
  • Diabetes
  • Corneal Dystrophy
  • vonWillebrand’s Disease
  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy (Lion Jaw)
Minor Concerns
  • Hypothyroidism
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Blood and Urine Tests
  • Wellness Check
  • Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap
  • DNA for VWD

Toxirn Breed History

The Toxirn brings together the playful nature of the Cairn Terrier with the spunky bravery of the Chihuahua to create an ideal companion dog that is perfect for any living situation. The brave little Cairn Terrier was bred to hunt prey between the cairns of Scotland and that is how it received its moniker. For hundreds  of years, this small dog has been a beloved pet of the Scottish people. In 1938, this compact breed skyrocketed in popularity when the iconic movie, The Wizard of Oz, was released in movie theaters. Dorothy, the main character, owned a feisty Cairn Terrier that she called Toto. The Cairn Terrier was also the breed of choice in the sitcom I Love Lucy. Little Ricky, the child star of the show, owned a Cairn Terrier named ‘Fred’. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1938 and it was entered into the Terrier Group. The Chihuahua is often called the ‘Taco Dog’. Originating thousands of years ago in Central America and Mexico, this tiny breed is believed to have been owned and bred by the Toltec civilization. The Aztecs also raised the wee canines as a food source and something to barter. These slight in size dogs also made ideal bed warmers and were also used for healing because it was believed that the pain and suffering of the person could be transferred to the dog. They were often cremated with their deceased owners as part of a funeral rite. It was believed that the rite exonerated the human’s sins for the afterlife. In 1904, the Chihuahua was officially entered into the Toy Group by the American Kennel Club.

Toxirn Breed Appearance

The Toxirn is a cute combination of the Cairn Terrier and the Chihuahua. He has a wiry, bristle coat that isn’t overly long. The hairs tend to stick out at all angles making him look a bit frumpy but cute. His coat color is usually a combination of tan, grey, and black. His nose is a small black button and his dark eyes are bright. His tiny ears are upturned and pricked in shape. His body is firm and muscular. Although tiny, there is nothing physically frail about the dog. He is a robust little package.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Toxirn eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Toxirn nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Toxirn coat
Brown
gray Toxirn coat
Gray
black Toxirn coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Toxirn wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Toxirn Breed Maintenance

The fur of the Toxirn is virtually maintenance free. It requires only occasional brushing and rarely tangles. It doesn’t grow so he does not need clipping. The fur also rarely sheds. His tiny little toenails often wear down from walks and play but some owners have to clip their dog's nails once a month to maintain their length. His pricked ears sometimes accumulate debris. A once a week washing with a warm cloth readily clears out the dirt from his ears. He usually only requires a bath once every month or two to remove the doggy smell. Some owner’s brush their dog's teeth once or twice a week to remove plaque and prevent unwanted doggy breath. Brushing also helps prevent gum disease later in life.

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Brushes for Toxirn
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Toxirn requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Toxirn Temperament

The Toxirn is a spunky little dog that doesn’t know he’s tiny. He thinks he’s a king and can conquer anything. His outgoing attitude makes him a beloved family pet. Unlike Chihuahuas, the Toxirn usually adores gentle children. He bonds very closely with his family.  His small size and love of being pampered make him an ideal lapdog. The spunky Toxirn is always ready for a walk or a game of fetch. He loves to enjoy life and he has a very happy character. He should get along just fine with other animals within the home, but supervision is always recommended, especially when tiny rodent like animals are present.

Toxirn Activity Requirements

The Toxirn is an ideal combination of attitude and activity. He is always ready and willing to go for a walk or enjoy a run at the dog park. The little guy is also happy to spend his time curled up on his owner’s lap. His versatility makes him a great choice for an apartment where outdoor exercise opportunities are limited. He is highly intelligent and loves learning tricks and basic obedience. The Toxirn tends to get along well with other pets and enjoys the company of other dogs at the dog park. However, remember that this modest sized guy thinks he’s a big dog so he isn’t afraid if confronted by a bigger, meaner dog.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Toxirn Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.90 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Toxirn Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Toxirn size stats at six months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 3.5 lbs
Female Toxirn size stats at six months
Height: 5.5 inches Weight: 3.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Toxirn size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
Female Toxirn size stats at 12 months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Toxirn size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
Female Toxirn size stats at 18 months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 6.5 lbs

Toxirn Owner Experiences

Snowball
7 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
Tug-of-war
Chase
I love my dog he's so sweet and and cute he's pretty small but not like teacup small he's very playful with everyone he meets and loves going on walks he's doesn't do well with other dogs but that's only because he hasn't grown up around them he's lovely tho
9 months, 2 weeks ago
Josie
4 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hiking
Cuddling
going for walks
Josie was a rescue dog that was abandoned by her original owners at only 3 weeks old. She was taken in by a couple I knew who later rehomed her to me. When I received her, she was 10 months old and came with a lot of anxiety and separation issues. It took her about a month to adjust to her new home, and I fell in love with her. Some of her anxiety has eased, but she still gets very anxious when strangers come around. She does not like when something gets in her face. She loves her bubble and would rather approach you instead of the other way around. She also gets nervous around tall men with deep voices. I'm not sure if that's rooted in a past experience from her original owners. So, it takes her a minute to warm up to people. Once she does, she is SUPER affectionate and wants to lick all over you. She is SO smart. I always tell people that she knows EXACTLY what I’m saying because of how well she listens and learns tricks. She can be very energetic, but she can also be very lazy. She loves to lay on the porch in the sun and cuddle up under the covers to sleep. She will also lay on her back for belly rubs. She can be very vocal when someone enters her space, but once she sees who it is, she stops barking. She is a picky eater, and I have only found 1 treat that she likes. She does not play with her toys too much. She would rather drag them all to her bed and sleep with them. Josie is very faithful and will follow you around everywhere. I would say this breed is a great family pet for those who want an energetic dog but also want a lapdog. She is always happy and can adapt to whatever you are doing or whatever the situation is. Besides the issues that we are working through, she has so much love to give and has been a great fur baby!
2 years, 4 months ago
Tony
3 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Chase
Tony is a very loving, energetic, loyal dog. Growing up with chihuahuas, I was used to their temperament and protectiveness, which Tony does show, however he is much more trainable than any chihuahuas I have lived with. We've had him since he was 6 months old and its been great teaching him basic commands (sit, down, rollover) as well as more complex ones. We have various names for his 5+ toys and if we call one out, he will bring it over without hesitation. Smart little dog and is trainable although a bit stubborn at times. Outside, he is very curious and cautious of things and enjoys digging around too (loves getting dirty). He is dog friendly towards smaller dogs, but anything over 40 pounds he may react too, just depends on the environment. He is friendly towards people but can get aggressive with strangers in the house. We have found that it is best for him to meet new people outside the front door in our house. A lot of this article describes him perfectly. He can be very active or a coach potato. He enjoys fetching and playing tug of war, which I was never able to do with my chihuahuas. Loves to burrow under blankets so we lose him sometimes lol! Can also be very vocal, not like barking or whining, just makes noises if he is bored, has to go potty, wants to play, needs you to grab something to high for him to reach, etc.
2 years, 6 months ago
Bella
9 Months
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is super sweet and well behaved. She has bonded with our family and is a total joy. She is about 6 lbs and has a beautiful chocolate coat. She has a great beard and looks like an old man.
3 years, 1 month ago
Chester
1 Year
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Throwing the frisbee
I think this is my favorite breed I’ve had so far. Agree with everything the article said.
3 years, 2 months ago
Pancho
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
He’s very aggressive with humans de dont know
3 years, 3 months ago
roxy
2 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing chase
only had her for a short time but very affectiinate very loyal dog
3 years, 3 months ago
Spike
18 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playdate
Fetch
Playing catch,snuggling by fire,
Bath time
Flyball
Shopping
I got my Spike when he was 12 weeks,he was the most lovable,protective and feisty little guy. He was always by my side. He loved playing catch with atennis ball even though the ball was bigger than his mouth ,he'd never miss! He was a very good boy although stubborn and very persistent. In his late years very territorial, marking everything in view so i had him wear a pamper diaper and let me tell you, it never slowed him down, he walked aroung tough/tuff as ever like he owned the world. Which he did, he owned our world and my heart. Very healthy all his life til his 17nth year. Started slowing down gradually. This past Saturday i could see he was in distress ,old age had taken its toll. We went to vet. Heart failure was diagnosed. He went over the rainbow bridge peacefully in my arms. I love that little guy more than i can say. Most loving,protective, faithful friend and family member. Hug your babies!
6 years, 6 months ago
Shenzi
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Playing chase
Shenzi acts like an idiot most of the time but I swear she’s smarter than she looks. We adopted her from the OSPCA when she was 4 months old as a birthday present for my husband because she wouldn’t go to anyone but him and he thought he had finally bonded with a dog. We changed her name to Shenzi after the character from The Lion King because she looked like a hyena. 2 weeks later when the adoption was final she stopped caring about my husband. She stopped cuddling him, stopped following him around, and wouldn’t listen to him. She had found a new person to bond with, me. We joke that she knew the only way into the house was by suckering my husband because I wasn’t a fan of small dogs. Ever since then if I’m sitting down she’s on my lap, if I’m up and moving she’s following me around or waiting just outside the door. She’ll follow me to the car when I’m bringing groceries in and won’t leave a 3 foot radius around me. She’s a very high anxiety dog and doesn’t like leaving the house for even walks. We have 2 other dogs and a cat and for the most part she’s good with them though she can go through periods where she refuses to share my attention with anyone. She’s terrified of kids and new people but hasn’t bitten one because she usually tries to climb me to get away. She’s extremely stubborn and took forever to house train, even now if she sees any sort of rug or mat on the floor she assumes it’s a pee pad. Ultimately while she has her issues and quirks she’s a really sweet, fairly low maintenance dog that stole my heart.
6 years, 4 months ago
Yuki
3 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Yuki is a very nice and calm dog. She loves people but I cant say the same for dogs. Instead of parking afar, she attacks them, even the little ones. Aside from that she's a very calm and nice dog. She loves to cuddle and sleep, alot.
6 years, 4 months ago
Buster
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Buster loves running and playing with his Toxirn buddy. He is a ferocious mouser and catches small rabbits as well. He is incredibly dedicated and loyal, loves hanging with the family and hanging out in my lap. Requires bathing about once a month or when he rolls in bat guano! Doesn’t care for young children and can bark at strangers. Great watch dog at the house, very protective of his human mom.
5 years, 11 months ago
Dazey
13 Years
2 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Company
Dazey has been with us through thick and thin. She adapts to whatever we are doing, and she has the heart of a lion. She is definitely a family member and very much loved.
5 years, 3 months ago
Buddy
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
daily walks
We got Buddy from a dog rescue. He was removed from a filthy home by animal control.He is a wonderful little dog that has adjusted to our home with ease. Definitely a lap dog who enjoys his human family.
4 years, 7 months ago
prissy
4 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Best and smartest dog i ave ever had Dont shed
4 years, 7 months ago
Milo
9 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
A perfect little dog, with a fun bright and plucky character. He’s loyal and protective and an excellent guard dog
4 years, 6 months ago
Trigger
9 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tag
Run
Playing in the snow
He is really close to me, he is a good boi and loves cuddles and he likes brushing his teeth
4 years, 6 months ago
Princess
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Tv
Play
sleep
She a sweet girl and will be by your side when you are in pain. She's a friend and healer when ever possible.
4 years, 5 months ago
Tiffany
3 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
I've only had her about a week and she is a spunky little snuggle bug. She's tiny 3.4 lbs oflove
4 years, 4 months ago
Copper
9 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Tug-of-war
sleep
He's my perfect match! I've had him since he was just a few months old and he's been a wonderful addition to my family. He is very relaxed and happy to be pet all day and cuddle on top of soft blankets, but when he wants to play he brings his toy over to me! He occasionally gets into scuffles with my other dog, but they are both quite jealous dogs. He can be snippy with new people but once he warms up to them, he loves to play! He likes to play hard to get sometimes and can be picky with his food. He seems to think hes the king of the house and finds the tallest pile of pillows or blankets to sleep on. He takes time to train, but only because he doesnt feel like it. With the right treats I've found he's really quite smart and learns well. Grooming is infrequent though his fur does manage to get everywhere even after brushing.
4 years, 4 months ago
Yoda
5 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is our first rescue. Possibly was abused as he is weary and can be aggressive with males. Will tell you when he doesn’t want to be bothered by growling. Loves to sit on laps and/or snuggle.
4 years, 3 months ago
Ninja
18 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Anything we can do together
He is a rescue.Skin and bones when we got him. During this shelter in place, He has made friends with 2 children behind us. He will run to the back fence stick his head under and bark to get them to come play. I toss a toy to them and they squeak it and toss it back. His partner in crime is another rescue Toxin They play, wrestle and chase each other. Made the shelter in place enjoyable.
4 years, 2 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

How can I get my toxirn to stop barking at other dogs so aggressively. He’s not wanting to harm them I think he is being protective. We can’t take him in public.

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Nutrition
Question

My dog is a very picky eater. What is the best food for her

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd