The Chipin is a new and relatively rare mixed breed. They are one-half Chihuahua and one-half Miniature Pinscher, sweetly known as the Chipin. This pint-sized cutie is ideal for anyone who cannot decide between these breeds, as they combine the best of both doggy worlds. Their small frame, charming markings, and larger-than-life ears are adorable.
Chipins are energetic and love to play. They have a fair bit of energy for such a small canine and are more than happy to join their family for adventures. Affection and endless love are always available for any human willing to spend time with them. Their grooming and nutritional needs are simple, but training can be tricky because of their stubbornness. But with fun and consistent training, they are polite pups who make good canine citizens.
If you’re wondering whether the Chipin is the next pup to join your family, this is where you can find out. Learn everything there is to know about the Chipin, from their history, personality, exercise needs, and more. We also look at puppy prices and how to find a responsible breeder so you know that your next family companion has had the best start in life. Let’s take a closer look.
History
Contents
Little is known about the Chipin’s precise history. But the likelihood is that they were created sometime during the late 20th century when the craze for new designer doggos boomed in America. To learn more about what a Chipin is like as a family pet, let’s examine their parent’s breed and history.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a Mexican dog breed that dates back over a thousand years. The Toltec’s breed of choice was the Techichi, a larger version and ancestor of the Chihuahua. It is believed that when the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, they refined the breed by making it smaller. Over time and many conquests, it was thought that the Techichi became extinct. But this little dog lived in secret in the remote villages in Mexico.
During the mid-19th century, Americans rediscovered this breed. As many of these dogs were found in the state of Chihuahua, they were named as such. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the first Chihuahua, called Beppie, in 1908. Chihuahuas have always been in the Hollywood spotlight, thanks to famous shows such as “Beverley Hills Chihuahua,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Sex and the City.”
The Chihuahua is an iconic breed, but their popularity has declined slightly over the years. However, they are still charming, graceful, and as sassy as ever. Chihuahuas are pint-sized pups that do not weigh more than six pounds and only measure between five and eight inches tall. They have two coat types: smooth and long. The smooth coat is short and glossy, and the long coat is medium to long, soft, and silky. Most Chis have a double coat, but not all of them do.
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher‘s journey began several centuries ago, although an exact date is difficult to pinpoint. Canine historians believe this pooch is a cross between the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. Others believe they are descendants of the German Pinscher, the progenitor of most German breeds, including the popular Doberman.
The Min Pin came to America sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century, and the AKC accepted them into their studbook in 1925. They aren’t as popular as Chihuahuas but are just as cute. They are slightly more significant than the Chi at eight to 10 pounds. Min Pins stand between 10 and 12.5 inches tall. They have a short and sleek coat that comes in rich colors, some solid and some with rust and tan markings.
Miniature Pinschers are known as the “King of Toys” because they are one of the most assured and sassy canine characters packed into a tiny toy frame. They aren’t popular for the Hollywood set because they can’t sit still long enough. But they are incredibly fun for active families looking for a larger-than-life character.
Temperament
Chipins are a small but feisty Fido that provides endless entertainment for their family. They are spunky with lots of energy and love to play games for most of the day. Sure, they have a streak of lapdog in them but don’t expect them to laze around all day. Chipins love to explore and join their family on adventures.
Don’t let their small frame fool you. They are full of spicy attitudes and can give a Doberman a run for their money. They like to think they are the guardian of the house, and they take this role very seriously. Chipins can be very vocal and bark at anything that passes by their home. This is great if you’re looking for a watchdog but not ideal if you aren’t after a canine alarm.
Chipins are very sweet and affectionate with their family. They need plenty of cuddle time throughout the day and become unhappy without it. This velcro pup loves to be the center of attention and has to have a family that can spend most of their time with them. If you work long hours away from home, this might not be the best breed choice for you. But if you’re after a loving breed, you can’t do much better than this pup.
Size & Appearance
A Chipin usually measures between 7 and 11 inches tall, from paw to shoulder. This dinky doggo weighs between 5 to 8 pounds and is small enough to fit into your purse. This is ideal as they don’t like to be left alone for long. It’s important to specify the size of their parents from the breeder as this roughly determines their size. This is especially important as unscrupulous breeders might try to sell you a tiny Chipin from a teacup Chihuahua. Sadly, there are many health issues to consider with these petite pups.
Chipins usually look like an equal blend of both parents. They often have the Min Pin’s more athletic frame and the Chihuahua’s head. Chihuahuas have two head types: apple-heads and deer-heads. So, if you have a preference, it’s essential to ask your breeder what head shape their Chihuahua parent has. Most Chipins have super-sized ears compared to their head, giving them a comical but cute bat-like appearance.
Coat & Colors
Most Chipins inherit a short and smooth coat. However, some inherit the longer coat of the Chihuahua if their Chi parent has the longer coat. Most Chipins have a double coat that sheds seasonally. Just because they have a single-coat Chi parent doesn’t mean they will inherit it. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed, you are better off looking at a Poodle or Poodle mix breed.
The Chipin mainly sports the colors shared by both parents. These are black, brown, cream, red, and tan. Many inherit the cute rust or tan markings seen in the Min Pin breed. These markings are around the eyes, ears, muzzle, chest, and legs and resemble the protective Doberman, making them look like mini guard dogs.
Exercise & Living Conditions
Chipins are surprisingly active thanks to their Min Pin influence, but they are a bit more chilled thanks to their Chi sway. Expect your Chipin pup to need around 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily. They might need slightly more than this during their puppy and teenage years to burn off extra steam. Chipins also have a lot of mental energy, and if they become too bored, they become destructive and problematic. A great way to counteract this is to supply them with doggy toys to keep their minds busy throughout the day.
Chipins are pint-size pups who are great canine picks for people living in apartments or cities. At the same time, they thrive in large homes, too. As long as they exercise daily and spend most of their day with their family, they are happy in most homes. Chipins do best in homes with older children who are dog-savvy and can respect their small size and need for space. Over-excited kiddos might not play as gently as this fragile pup needs.
Training
Early socialization is the key to a well-rounded and polite Chipin. Expose them to as many dogs, animals, humans, and new experiences as often as possible. This should eliminate their chances of becoming fearsome, confused, or unsocial adult dogs. The first part of their socialization begins when they are with the breeder, which is one of the many reasons why you should work with a responsible breeder.
Chipins are not the easiest to train because they can be stubborn. Training needs to begin early, and you must be consistent with your training. Sessions should be short and fun to captivate their attention because they become bored quickly. Chipins love receiving praise and treats, and they also love squeaky dog toys that satisfy their moderate prey drive. They can also be quite vocal, so you might want to try training them out of being too barky.
As separation anxiety is likely with this pooch, crate training is recommended. They might resist their crate at first, but with positive training, they should come to love it in no time. Dogs naturally crave shelter and a space to relax when overstimulated. Plus, it gives owners peace of mind knowing they don’t have unlimited access to your home when you aren’t there. For any training queries, trainers like Doggy Dan can help make the process much simpler.
Health
Chipins are relatively healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 13 to 16 years. To keep your Chipin healthy, feeding them a high-quality diet, regular exercise, and a loving home is essential. Plus, regular health checks with the vet help to detect any health problems early, increasing the chance of recovery. Consider a pet insurance plan that can help offset the costs associated with healthcare and ease the financial burden you might face as a result.
Chipins are predisposed to health concerns that run on both sides of their family. Not all Chipins experience these problems. Some might suffer entirely different health problems. All Chipins are different. But here are the main concerns to make yourself aware of.
Eye Conditions
There are several eye conditions that Chipin owners need to be aware of, including dry eye, glaucoma, and cataracts. Dry eye is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and it occurs when the cornea and surrounding tissues become sore and inflamed due to insufficient tear production. You must see your vet immediately if you notice any dryness, soreness, reddening, or other problems. Not only is it painful for your pup, but many undetected eye conditions can lead to total vision loss.
Heart Problems
Both of the Chipin’s parents are predisposed to patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease. These heart conditions cause the heart to function inadequately, putting strain on other bodily functions. With early detection, heart conditions are manageable with daily medication or sometimes surgical correction. But if untreated, it can lead to heart failure, which is why seeing the vet regularly is essential. Symptoms of heart conditions include fatigue, exercise intolerance, excessive coughing, loud coughing, and collapse.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is most commonly seen in small dog breeds like the Chipin. It is an orthopedic condition that is referred to as a “floating kneecap.” Look for symptoms including hopping, kicking out, limb weakness, and general uncomfortableness. More often than not, vets can slip the knee back into place. However, for severe or persistent cases, surgical correction might be required.
Nutrition
The Chipin is a super small dog, so food bills shouldn’t be very high compared to larger dog breeds. They don’t need too much food, but how much you feed them depends on a range of factors, including their age, size, activity levels, and the type of diet you provide them. It’s imperative not to overfeed your Chipin as excess body weight can lead to obesity. This can lead to secondary health problems and further strain their cardiac system and joints.
The most important aspect of a Chipin’s diet is receiving high-quality nutrition. Always look for food with the Association of American Feed Control Official’s (AAFCO) approval. This means it meets your dog’s nutritional needs. It’s also vital to pick a diet for puppies’ growing needs during their developmental stage. Puppy food contains extra energy and beneficial omega fats they need to develop healthily.
The Chipin has a tiny mouth, so choosing a diet they can chew, like small pieces of kibble, is essential. Alternatively, wet and fresh food is excellent for small dogs as they can eat it without worry. Why not consider one of America’s leading fresh food diets, such as The Farmer’s Dog?
Grooming
Most Chipins have a short and smooth coat that only needs brushing weekly to keep them looking and feeling healthy. Brushing helps to remove dirt, debris, and dead hair. Plus, it stimulates the skin, which helps to keep their coat healthier. The best type of brush for a Chipin is a slicker brush. For the shedding seasons, they also benefit from a de-shedding tool.
If your Chipin has a longer coat, a pin brush is ideal to help remove tangles and prevent matting. Dogs with longer coats need additional brushing throughout the week to keep their coat in good condition. When searching for a brush, always look for one with round pins or safety ends to protect their sensitive skin from scraping. Never use too much pressure, as you risk injuring or scaring them.
Chipins have tiny mouths with compact teeth, which makes them more at risk of periodontal diseases. Brushing their teeth daily helps to freshen their breath and keep bacteria at bay. Start their dental regime early so they get used to it. Keep their nails trimmed to prevent sore pads, too. It’s also important to clean their eyes regularly to prevent infection. Use specially designed wipes for doggy eyes.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
Chipins are rare breeds, so it’s likely that you need to spend extra time researching and finding a responsible Chipin breeder. Working with an ethical breeder who only breeds healthy dogs and does everything they can to produce and raise healthy pups is essential. Ask the breeder to see the puppies and mother, and ask for the relevant health certificates. There are many irresponsible breeders out there, so make yourself aware of the tactics they use to sell unhealthy pups.
The typical price of a healthy Chipin from a responsible breeder is usually in the region of $500 to $800. Many factors affect puppy prices, such as location, health, bloodline, registration, demand, etc. Be wary of breeders selling puppies for anything much less or more than this, and stay away from breeders selling “teacup” or “extra small” Chipins. Additional costs, such as food, supplies, healthcare, and insurance, are additional to the puppy price.
Rescues & Shelters
As Chipins are rare mix breeds, the chances of them finding their way into a rescue are slim. And when they do, they are likely to be snapped up quickly. Head to your local shelter and speak to the staff who might be able to assist you in your Chipin search. They might know of one in a nearby shelter. Alternatively, use online rescue organizations that list adoptable pups nationwide. The cost of rescuing a dog from a shelter is usually much less than buying a puppy from a breeder.
As A Family Pet
- Chipins are small dogs with a big attitude.
- They are entertaining and active.
- Their needs are relatively simple to meet.
- Training can be tricky due to their stubbornness.
- Chipins are very affectionate and loyal.
- They can live with dog-savvy children and other pets when socialized well.
- Chipins have an averagely long life span.
- They make fantastic watchdogs and bark at everything.
- Please provide them with plenty of toys to keep them stimulated throughout the day.
Learn More About Chihuahuas & Miniature Pinschers
Chipins are mighty cute and have lots of attitude to boot. If you’re interested in learning more about this mix breed, be sure to head over to our comprehensive breed guides on the Chihuahua, Chihuahua Mixes, and the Miniature Pinscher. Chihuahuas and Mini Pins are both challenging to train, so it is important to research how to get the best out of them. These dogs love to snuggle, so investing in a comfy bed is important. And they need a high-quality diet to look and feel their best, too.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog owner with over 20 years of experience. She has also worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years, taking care of countless dog breeds with different needs, including Chihuahuas and their mixes. Emma dedicates countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible. She works alongside a professional and experienced team to bring the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information to our readers.