Chipin Dog Breed

Chipins can be lively, loving companions or alert watch dogs. They inherit a charming sassiness from the Chihuahua and a fun-loving feistiness from the Min Pin. Small and low maintenance, they make ideal indoor dogs for small living spaces. If you are considering a pet for your family and you have young, rambunctious children, consider other breeds. Also, if you have other pets, socialize them when your Chipin is a puppy for the most harmonious results. Here are a few quick facts for this hybrid:

PROS

• Energetic, attention-loving companion
• Ok for other pets if socialized early
• Low maintenance grooming
• Good watchdog
• Exercise needs easily met
• Usually friendly and social after getting used to a visitor
• Not as needy as a purebred Chihuahua
• Perfect size for apartments or small living quarters

CONS

• Not the best choice for families with young children
• Not hypoallergenic, sheds regularly
• May suffer separation anxiety if left alone frequently for long periods
• Not as much a cuddle buddy as the Chihuahua
• Best if kept indoors
• Not an exercise partner
• Not a guard dog

These hybrids are small, compact dogs that usually weigh 5-11 pounds. The overall head shape is usually described as apple-shaped or deer-shaped with pointed little faces. The have characteristically large, bat-like ears that stand atop and round eyes that may or may not protrude like the Chihuahuas. The low maintenance, typically short coat comes in a plethora of colors but the most popular is the black and tan (like the Miniature Pinscher).

There is intelligence in those little bodies, to be sure, but they are not easily trained. Frequent repetitions and consistency are key and it is very important to treat them as pets and not babies, lest they develop the dreaded Small Dog Syndrome. Treats are best motivators for this hybrid.

She will be an alert watch dog that barks at the approach of strangers but isn't as yappy as the Chihuahua; social and friendly at heart, they will warm up eventually. Most current Min Pin Chihuahua mix information is in agreement that this breed is best for older, well behaved children (if any children are in the household). Other pets are fine if they are socialized early.

Chipins will be active indoors and in the yard. They are easily exercised due to their small stature, making them great choices for the average owner.

Chipins, especially first generation crosses (F1s) will vary quite a bit from one puppy to the next. Even within the same litter some will be Chihuahua like while others will display more Miniature Pinscher traits, and there are those that seem an equal mixture.

Most potential owners for this crossbreed have questions about whether their pet will be long or short haired. The quick answer is while most will be short haired, they do have the potential for a longer coat. There are both short haired and long haired Chihuahuas so if your potential pet is a Min Pin x Long Hair Chihuahua mix, they may inherit the longer coat. Once again, this is easiest to predict when you have information about the mom and dad of your puppy.

Chipin characteristics will vary based upon which parent this hybrid takes after the most; perhaps they will be charming (but sassy) like the Chihuahua or courageous and spunky like the Miniature Pinscher. These little dogs will certainly be energetic, playful and social; although not as needy as the Chihuahua, they still crave plenty of human interaction every day.

They will likely be alert, barking at strangers and even remaining cautious of visitors, however, they desire to be social and will probably warm up to the person after awhile. Older, well behaved children are best for this breed if they are entering into a family setting. If socialized early most do fine with other pets and another buddy may limit the separation anxiety (if any) they may experience in your absence.

Remember to never treat small dogs like babies, train them early and correct bad behaviors; Small Dog Syndrome is a real condition that manifests as nuisance behaviors like yapping, destroying furniture, going potty in the house, etc. Chipins are selectively intelligent-- the smarts are there but they are energetic and easily distracted. It will take patience, firmness, consistency and plenty of praise and treats to do so.

Chihuahuas typically live 14-16 years while the Minpins average 13 years-- it's reasonable to expect a lifespan of 13-16 years from this hybrid. Although cross breeds tend to be healthier than their purebred predecessors, they may still be susceptible to diseases and disorders that can be passed down from both sides including:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Eye Injury (if they inherit the protruding eyes)
• Low Blood Sugar
• Obesity
• Von Willebrand's Disease (related to blood clotting)
• Heart Disease

Visit the Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher pages for a complete list of health concerns for each parent.