Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua Mix – Is This Cool Cross Right For You?

Welcome to our guide to the Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix.

This combination of two toy breeds creates a pint-sized puppy packed with personality.

We’ll take an honest look at this hybrid breed who’s also affectionately known as the Chipin.

To get an idea of the appearance and temperament of this mixed breed, we’ll look at both parent breeds closely.

Where does the Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix come from?

The fearless, fun Miniature Pinscher and the feisty, charming Chihuahua are the parents of this hybrid dog.

Like many mixed breeds, their exact history is a bit cloudy, but they’ve likely been in existence for the last two decades or so.

There’s plenty of debate about mixed breeds.

Purebred purists object to mixed breeding on the basis that it taints the bloodline and makes the outcome unpredictable.

Mixed breed fans claim purebred dogs have a higher risk of health problems due to inbreeding.

History of the Miniature Pinscher

The actual origins of the Min Pin cannot be pinned down.

One thing is certain: despite the similar name, this is not a much smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher.

The Miniature Pinscher is believed to have originated in Germany several hundred years ago as a barnyard ratter.

Breed historians consider them to be a cross between the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound.

History of the Chihuahua

The diminutive Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed.

Their ancestry appears to date back to pre-Columbian times.

The Aztecs were said to have refined the larger, heavier Techichi, an ancestor of the Chihuahua, into a smaller, lighter dog.

Americans visiting Mexico in the mid-1800s became fascinated with these tiny dogs found in the State of Chihuahua and brought them home.

Fun facts about the Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix

The Miniature Pinscher has a unique gait.

This high-step way of walking is almost prancing and shows their confidence.

A small body and a regal bearing have earned them the nickname “King of Toys.”

The Chihuahua has the biggest brain of all dog breeds in relation to their size.

Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Britney Spears, Mickey Rourke, and Reese Witherspoon rank among their devotees.

Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix appearance

This mixed breed’s appearance can vary depending upon which parent he takes after.

Even within the same litter, one puppy can look more like the Miniature Pinscher, while his siblings take after the Chihuahua.

One thing is certain: he will definitely be cute.

The head will be small and round with a tiny pointed muzzle, dark eyes, and huge ears.

His short, smooth coat will come in many colors, but most likely will be black and tan.

Other colors include cream, chocolate, golden black, white, and tan.

There is the potential for a longer coat if the Chihuahua parent was long-haired.

Small and compact, the Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix will usually weigh between 5 and 11 pounds.

Height will range from 7 to 12 inches.

Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix temperament

As with appearance, temperament can vary with mixed breeds.

The Miniature Pinscher is known to be intelligent, independent, and energetic, while the Chihuahua is loyal, sassy, and entertaining.

Both of these dogs think they’re the center of the universe and will lap up attention.

Despite their size, Chihuahuas can be aggressive.

The Miniature Pinscher can also be antagonistic if not socialized properly.

Each of these breeds is protective of those they love and make excellent watchdogs.

You can expect your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix to want to be around people all of the time.

Both parent breeds can suffer from separation anxiety and get bored easily if left alone.

This can lead to destructive behavior.

They will likely be suspicious of strangers and must be socialized early, especially if other pets are in the home.

Training your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix

It’s not uncommon for potty training to be a problem for small dogs, and the Chihuahua and Mini Pinscher are no exception.

Once poor toilet routines have been established it’s very difficult to retrain.

Establishing a schedule and sticking with it early on is essential.

The Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua Mix is known to have a stubborn streak.

Consistency is key.

This is a dog who can become distracted.

Patience, consistency, and plenty of praise and treats are required for successful training.

Crate training is an excellent tool when you’re not at home.

Dogs will avoid soiling their own space if possible.

Any breed requires early socialization.

This means exposing them to a wide variety of people, places, and situations as soon as possible.

It’s very important that a small dog like the Chipin gets accustomed to being handled so they don’t become aggressive and bite.

Exercising your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix

While the Chihuahua can usually get enough exercise trotting around a small space and going for short, slow walks, the

Miniature Pinscher is a very active and athletic dog.

There’s a good chance your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix will require two good walks and daily outdoor play sessions where he can run around.

This is not only to keep him fit and trim, but also to avoid behavioral problems like digging, chewing, and excessive barking.

Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix health

Being small is a health advantage for dogs, but being too tiny can create some special problems.

The Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahua share quite a few health concerns that could be passed on.

Dental problems

Little dogs have little mouths and teeth crowding makes decay more likely.

Daily cleaning, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding high sugar content is your best defense against dental problems.

Eye problems

Eye problems, some of which may cause blindness, can be a significant cause for concern for both parent breeds.

The Chihuahua is especially at risk for a host of eye diseases including glaucoma, cataracts, corneal ulcer, lens luxation, and cherry eye.

Other issues

Heart defects are a leading cause of death among older Miniature Pinschers.

Patellar luxation, in which the kneecap pops out of place, is a common concern for both the Miniature Pinscher and the Chihuahua.

Other health problems found in the Mini Pin include Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which involves disintegration of the hip joint, and hyperthyroidism.

Health screening

Choosing your dog from a breeder who health screens their breeding stock for genetic problems is the best way to reduce health risks for a puppy.

You can find a comprehensive list of tests available on the Dog Breed Health website for the Miniature Pinscher and the Chihuahua.

The Miniature Pinscher has a lifespan of 12 to 16 years and the Chihuahua 14 to 16 years.

Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix grooming and feeding

Neither the Miniature Pinscher nor the Chihuahua requires much in the way of grooming due to their short dense coats.

Brushing once or twice a week should suffice.

Shampoo with a mild dog shampoo as needed and check their ears to remove excess wax or debris.

Nails should be trimmed regularly so they don’t get too long and daily teeth brushing is also recommended.

Feeding your Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix a high-quality, age-appropriate dog food at regular times, in regular amounts, is important.

Chihuahuas have a tendency to become overweight so watch the calorie consumption, including treats.

If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight, check with your vet.

Do Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mixes make good family dogs?

The Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix is not the best choice for families with young children.

These small dogs can be easily hurt if accidentally dropped.

Conversely, an inherent prey drive means they’ll chase after anything that runs, including children and other pets.

Any interaction with young children should always be supervised.

Loyal to those they love, they can be protective of their territory, including their food and toys.

The lively and sociable Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix will not like to be left alone.

These dogs are ideally suited to a retired couple or family where someone is home throughout the day.

Rescuing a Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix

Have you considered the advantages of adopting a dog?

Busy families might find it easier to adjust to an older dog than to an energetic puppy.

This is particularly true for first-time dog owners.

There’s a good chance a rescue dog will be housetrained.

Getting a dog from a shelter will almost always be less expensive and they will typically have their shots as well.

Finding a Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix puppy

In the last two decades, the popularity of mixed breed dogs has soared.

They can look different than any dog you’ve seen before and have funky names like Chiweenie and Bo-Jack.

Genetic diversity may also lower the chances of passing on a particular health problem if only one parent is a carrier.

If your heart is set on a Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix puppy, seek out a good breeder.

Always avoid buying a puppy from a pet store or a puppy mill as these dogs often have an increased risk for serious health issues.

Make sure to see where the puppies were living and the puppies’ parents. This is the best way to gauge how they’ve been cared for.

Obtaining health certificates for both puppy’s parents is crucial.

When you’re choosing a dog breed that’s this small, it’s a good idea to select a puppy who’s slightly larger than average.

They’ll be less fragile and have a better chance of having a long and healthy life.

Check out this guide, which has everything you need to know to find a puppy.

Raising a Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix puppy

Raising a puppy can be a daunting undertaking.

The Happy Puppy Handbook and Total Recall: Perfect Response Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs will give you plenty of information on how to raise a happy puppy.

Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix products and accessories

These products and accessories, which are designed for the Chihuahua, can be helpful for a Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix as well.

Choosing the best Chihuahua shampoo can help to avoid dry skin and other skin problems.

Small dogs like the Chipin need to be kept warm in cold climates.

Check out these stylish clothes to keep your puppy warm during the winter.

Adjustable dog harnesses are designed for a Chihuahua’s small size and will remove pressure from the delicate tracheal area.

Pros and cons of getting a Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix

Still having trouble deciding whether this is the right pet for you?

Here are some handy pros and cons!

Cons

These dogs are not well-suited for homes with kids.

If left alone too much they can suffer separation anxiety and become destructive.

Their small size means you need to be mindful of avoiding accidents and injuries, both at home and while out on walks.

They can be difficult to housetrain and aggressive if not socialized properly.

Pros

In terms of grooming and exercise requirements, the Chipin is quite low maintenance.

They’re ideally suited for small living spaces.

They’ll be an alert watchdog, but typically don’t bark as much as the Chihuahua.

The Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua has a friendly, playful personality and can be quite entertaining.

Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix rescues

This is a growing list of Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahua rescue organizations.

If you would like us to add you to the list, please post your organization’s details in the comments box below.

• Minpinerie
• Miniature Pinscher Rescue 
• Internet Miniature Pinscher Service 
• Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport 
• Chihuahua Rescue UK 
• Chihuahua Rescue Australia 
• Chihuahua Rescue & Transport 

Is a Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix right for me?

Are you able to give a small dog plenty of love and attention?

If you’re away from home a lot or have children in the house, you would probably do better with a different dog breed.

Since the Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix is a hybrid breed, be prepared that their temperament can be unpredictable.

If you’re a fan of both of the Miniature Pinscher and the Chihuahua, you should be pleased with the puppy regardless of the parent he favors.

References and Further Reading

• The Institute of Canine Biology
• American Kennel Club
• Miniature Pinscher Club of America Inc.
• Dog Breed Health
• Duffy, DL et al. “Breed differences in canine aggression.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2008.
• O’Neill, DG, et al. “The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England.”  Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2016.
• Kander, M., et al. “Retrospective analysis of co-occurrence of congenital aortic stenosis and pulmonary artery stenosis in dogs.” Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 2015.
• Capík, I. “Periodontal Health vs. Various Preventive Means in Toy Dog Breeds.” Acta Vet. Brno, 2010.
• Kanemaki, N., et al. “Dogs and Humans Share a Common Susceptibility Gene SRBD1 for Glaucoma Risk.” PLOS One, 2013.