The Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix, otherwise known as the Chi Pin, is a small mixed-breed dog created by breeding the Mexican Chihuahua, with a miniature version of the German Pinscher. The “Chi Pin” as it is otherwise known will be an active and athletic breed, combining the best characteristics of each parent breed – the excitable Chihuahua and the alert watchdog Miniature Pinscher.
Image credit: charlie.matthews
Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua Mix – At a glance
| Weight: | 5–15 pounds |
| Height: | 8–12 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, chocolate, golden, cream. |
| Temperament: | Energetic, affectionate, needy, spry, loyal. |
| Suitable for: | Active families, single individuals, apartment dwellers. |
What does a Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix look like?
This high-energy breed will borrow it’s physical characteristics from each parent breed. It will likely have the short, slender body of the Chihuahua, with the upright, rounded ears of the Miniature Pinscher. It will have medium-length legs with muscular hips and a short tail.
Your Chi-Pin will have a short coat that will require regular brushing, as they are moderate shedders. This smooth coat will require semi-regular washes to help keep their coat healthy.
It’s face will resemble that of a Chihuahua, with a short snout and button nose. As with many mixed-breed dogs, the Chihuahua Pinscher mix’s physical appearance can be difficult to predict accurately, as it largely depends on the predominant gene.
The history of the Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua Mix
Unfortunately, not much is known about the history of Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix. It is thought that the breed originated between the late 1990s and early 2000s, as crossbreeding became popular in the United States during this time.
Image credit: lemur.eyed.mouse.pup
To learn more about the Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher mix, we’ll look into the history of each parent breed – the Chihuahua and the Miniature Pinscher, to gain a better understanding of where the Chi-Pin comes from.
The history of the Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a miniature version of a German Pinscher, which was created by mixing the Pinscher with an Italian Greyhound and Dachshund to create the Mini Pinscher. The Mini Pinscher was originally bred to hunt vermin in stables and homes, including rats, mice and other small rodents that would be problematic for homeowners and farmers.
While precise history of the Miniature Pinscher is the subject of much debate – some say the Pinscher appeared roughly 200 years, as there are paintings that place the Pinscher around that time – however, the first drawing of the German Pinscher first appeared in 1888. Their progenitor, the regular Pinscher was first recorded in 1836.
Renowned for their terrier instincts, the Miniature Pinscher is often a popular family pet in Europe and has become increasingly popular in North America. It first arrived in the United States in the early 20th century and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925.
How Popular Are Miniature Pinschers?
Miniature Pinschers have spent almost a century in American homes, first used as rat-catching dogs, then becoming firm family pets.
In 2021, the Miniature Pinscher ranked as the 76th most-popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club’s population statistics.
Who Are Miniature Pinschers a Good Dog For?
Given their small size, the Miniature Pinscher is a wonderful option for those looking for a small companion with an active side. Their watchful nature – likely dating back to their Pinscher roots (Pinschers were often guard dogs for carriages) – makes them excellent watchdogs.
They are good apartment dogs, however, their terrier nature may lend itself to destructive behavior. Though this can be rectified with behavioral training.
How Did Miniature Pinschers Come About?
The exact history of the Miniature Pinscher is largely unknown. However, they first appeared in German illustrations in the late 19th century. They are thought to have been bred from traditional Pinschers, Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Miniature Pinscher?
Unfortunately, little is known about the early history of crossbreeding of the Miniature Pinscher. However, more modern crossbreeding of the breed likely began in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as the Miniature Pinscher gained popularity as a parent breed in the United States.
Several popular Mini Pinscher crosses include:
- Miniature Pinscher Beagle Mix (Meagle)
- Bichon Frise Miniature Pinscher Mix (Min Pin Frise)
- Boston Terrier Miniature Pinscher Mix (Bos Pin)
- King Charles Spaniel Miniature Pinscher Mix (King Pin)
- Corgi Miniature Pinscher Mix (Corpin)
The history of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua has an ancient history that dates back to the 9th century, when the Aztecs ruled South America. The Toltec Peoples bred a small, mute dog known as the Techichi. Similar to the Chihuahua, the Techichi had a curious nature and a high-pitched bark.
The modern history of the Chihuahua begins in the mid-19th century, when they were first noted in the Mexican state of the same name. Over the next fifty years, the Chihuahua was sold and traded with American tourists in many Mexican border towns, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 in their toy breed category.
Given their small size, Chihuahuas are mostly companion pets but some are used as emotional support dogs.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
Since their recognition in 1904, the Chihuahua has steadily become a wonderful companion for Americans young and old.
In 2021, the Chihuahua was the 37th most-popular dog in the United States, according to the AKC’s population statistics.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Given their small size, Chihuahuas are often most at home in an apartment building, or a small family home. They are easy to control on walks and easy to pick up and carry, making them popular among America’s senior citizens. Chihuahuas are also a phenomenally intelligent breed, but they can also be a dominant breed with other pets.
Chihuahuas have been owned by American celebrities such as Britney Spears, Reese Witherspoon and require plenty of positive attention.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
While the exact history of Chihuahuas generally remains a mystery – they were first noted in Mexico in the mid-19th century and were exported to the United States shortly thereafter. Their ancestry can be traced to the Techichi – a small, mute dog kept by the Aztec tribe, the Toltec Peoples of the 9th century.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Given their popularity, it’s no surprise that the Chihuahua is one of the more popular small-dog parent breeds! These toy breeds tend to blend best with breeds of their own size. They were likely first crossbred in the 1990s or early 2000s.
Several popular Chihuahua crossbreeds include:
- Chihuahua Pitbull Mix (Pit Chi)
- Chihuahua French Bulldog Mix (French Bullhuahua)
- Chihuahua Greyhound Mix (Grey Chi)
- Chihuahua Cairn Terrier Mix (Cairn Terrier Chi)
- Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua Mix (Cocker Chi)
How important is a dog’s temperament to your family?
Finding a dog that’s of similar temperament to your family unit will ultimately make your life – and the life of your new dog – easier. For example, if you have small children, it’s unlikely that you’ll want a dog with the potential for aggression. Or, if you’re a stay-at-home family, you’re going to want a dog that’s happy to be in the house, rather than that will be climbing the walls if they’re left indoors.
Finding a dog that matches your family’s temperament involves researching the possible temperaments of the breed you’re looking for adopt and see if they’d be a good fit for your family without investing time and money into extensive training. Ideally, you’ll want a dog that’s going to fit right in.
What is the temperament of the Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahua mix?
You can expect your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix to be an incredibly loyal breed that’s constantly seeking positive attention. Your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix comes from two active purebred parents, so you can expect your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua to be an equally active companion.
Unfortunately, the Chihuahua Mini Pinscher is known to suffer from separation anxiety, so urban dwellers shouldn’t leave their Chihuahua Mini Pinscher alone for an extended period of time.
Is the Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher mix friendly?
In general, your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix should be a very friendly pet – particularly toward family. It may display standoffish behavior toward strangers. It’s terrier instincts might clash with those who have other pets such as rats, birds, or other smaller rodents.
Is the Chihuahua mixed with Miniature Pinscher easy to train?
Your Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher mix should be relatively easy to train – despite the Chihuahua’s tendency to be stubborn. Positive reinforcement is a great way to get their stubborn nature under control. They are also a phenomenally intelligent breed, so expect them to pick up on concepts quickly.
How Much Can A Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher mix is between 5 and 15 pounds.
How Tall Can A Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Mix Get?
The average height of a Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher mix is between 8 and 12 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher mix. These include:
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Shih Tzu
- Cairn Terrier
- Miniature Dachshund
- Havanese
Does the Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Mix Shed?
Despite being a short-haired dog like both purebred parents, you can expect your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix to be a moderate shedder, requiring a weekly brush. Visits to a professional dog groomer are also beneficial.
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Mix Require?
As an active companion, your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix will require a moderate amount of exercise. Roughly 30 to 45 minutes daily, along with off-leash time and mental stimulation should be enough to keep your Chipin dog happy and healthy.
How Long Can a Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher mix is between 10 and 14 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Mix Have?
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Heart Disease (Cardiovascular Diseases)
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap Dislocation)
- Cataracts (Eye Disease)
- Low Blood Pressure
- Tracheal Collapse (Progressive Respiratory Condition)
How Can You Find a Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before searching for a Chipin dog for sale, we recommend you consider adopting a Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher mix! Many people drop off a Chipin dog at their local animal rescue shelter or vet clinic. These should be the first places you check out when looking for a Chipin dog to adopt.
If you’re unsuccessful in your search at a rescue shelter or vet clinic, you can check online at AdoptAPet.com, to see if there’s a Chipin dog up for adoption in your local area.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Chipin dog is between $500 and $800. In contrast, you can pick up a Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher mix puppy at a rescue shelter or vet clinic for roughly half of the cost from a breeder.
However, if you’re searching for a breeder of Chihuahua Mini Pinschers, we highly recommend you read our article on how to find a reputable breeder. Our article will help you sort the wheat from the chaff and avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills, who’s only goal is to make money.
Is the Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’re searching for an active, loyal and loving smaller dog, with a zest for life and an excitable temperament, then a Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix might be the perfect breed for you and your family!
However, if you’re not convinced that the Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher is the right breed for you – we’ve created dozens of other breed guides to help you find the ideal family pet to add to your unit!
Sources:
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_hip_dysplasia
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders-of-dogs/diagnosis-of-cardiovascular-disease-in-dogs
- https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/patellar-luxations
- https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/cataracts-dogs
- https://www.dogingtonpost.com/low-blood-pressure-dogs/
- https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/tracheal-collapse-dogs
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-of-2021/