Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua Mix (Chipin Breed Information) (2024)

Parent Breeds:

Chihuahua & Miniature Pinscher

Breed Nickname:

Chipin

Size:

Small

Height:

8 to 11 inches

Weight:

5 to 12 pounds

Life Span:

10 to 12 years

Coat Colors:

Cream, black, brown, and fawn

Friendliness

Intelligence

Good for First-Time Owners

Good with Children

Easy to Train

Exercise Requirements

Ease of Grooming

Amount of Shedding

Amount of Drooling

Tendency to Bark

What Is A Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua Mix Called?

The offspring between a Miniature Pinscher and a Chihuahua is called a Chipin. They are also sometimes called Pinhuahuas or Minchis, but Chipin is the most common name used.

These dogs are tiny bundles of joy, and they’re fast learners. They bring the best of both breeds to create one lovely companion dog. These dogs are amazingly adaptable and therefore are quickly becoming a favorite breed in many households.

Keep reading to discover more about the Chipin!

Chipins were most likely first bred in North America during the early 2000s.

This was around the time that designer dogs were becoming popular, and every celebrity was competing to see who could be photographed with the smallest dog.

Chihuahuas were incredibly popular during this time as they could be carried around in purses, so it makes sense that the Chipin originated around the same time.

Chihuahuas are thought to have originated in Mexico, although no one can ever seem to fully settle on their background.

However, if you believe that they originated from Mexico, they’ll have first been seen over 3,000 years ago.

Another belief is that they were used as tiny sacrificial animals in South America. Another theory is as simple as the Chihuahua was first bred in the 1800s in Chihuahua, Mexico, and this is where they get its name.

The Miniature Pinscher has a slightly simpler history, originating in Germany in the 1600s. They were used for hunting rats and mice due to their small size.

Unreputable breeders wanted to cash in on their popularity during the 1800s, but this led to several birth defects and deformities. This was rectified by trusted breeders throughout the 1900s.

Many owners would agree that the Chipin is a larger-than-life character that instantly energizes and improves the mood of any household. They’re fun, frantic, and aloof – perfect for almost any household.

They’re fiercely loyal to their owners and therefore make good watchdogs. They can be territorial, so you’ll need to announce visitors and carefully introduce them to people you know.

However, you can train this behavior out of them to an extent, with lots of patience and positive reinforcement.

Chipins don’t like to be left alone. They love running errands with their owners and being by their side every minute of the day.

If you’re going to be out of the house for long periods of time, consider bringing them with you. Keeping them cooped up inside all day might lead them to destructive behaviors.

Thanks to their Chihuahua parent, they tend to latch onto one member of the household more than the others. They would be best suited in a single household or a small family unit, as they need lots of attention at all times.

As far as mixed breeds go, the Chipin is rather healthy. Small dogs tend to suffer from more health concerns than larger dogs, and this is especially true for the Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher.

These small breeds are so popular that many are overbred to keep up with demand. This can lead to numerous health issues that are then passed down the genetic line.

However, mixed breeding is a great way to minimize these health concerns, making the Chipin relatively healthy. With that being said, there is always a chance that they’ll still inherit health issues.

The main concerns to be aware of as a Chipin owner are Patellar Luxation and Color Dilution Alopecia. Minor issues include Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Spina Bifida.

Routine vet appointments and checkups will prevent these concerns from turning into anything too serious. Your dog will also get treatment quicker, preventing them from suffering for too long.

Chipins are considered good dogs to train as they like to please their owners. However, they might inherit a stubborn streak from their Chihuahua parent, which might make training a little more difficult.

Chipins tend to bond with one owner more than the other, so use the main owner to conduct all training sessions. It will be easier to train them if they actually want to be there.

Keep training sessions short and fun, and use positive reinforcement to motivate them.

The Chipin isn’t the most active dog, but they can also get bored very easily. They need to be outside for at least 45 minutes a day to get enough mental stimulation and exercise to tire them out.

Luckily, Chipins consider any outdoor-time exercise. Running errands, brisk walks around the block or playing fetch are all good options. Chipins are ideal for families who don’t have hours of free time to spend walking their dogs.

As long as you can spend most of the day with your Chipin, they’ll be happy. Due to their small size and low exercise need, Chipins are ideal for apartment living.

However, they wouldn’t say no to a yard where they can burn off energy throughout the day.

Feed a Chipin a diet formulated for small dogs with moderate energy levels.

They tend to gain weight easily so make sure you’re only feeding them enough based on their body weight.

All dogs will fluctuate in weight during their lifetime, so it’s important to get them weighed every year at your annual vet checkup. You can use this to change their portion sizes to prevent overfeeding them.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas
• Best Puppy Food for Chihuahuas
• Best Dog Food for Miniature Pinschers
• Best Puppy Food for Miniature Pinschers

On average, Chipins cost around $500 to $800. Remember to always choose a reputable breeder. This is especially important for Chipins due to the issues both parent breeds have had regarding overbreeding before.

Ongoing costs include food, toys, and maintenance. Insurance premiums might be higher for Chipins due to the health concerns of the parent breeds.