Chipin Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

2.2-8.1 kg

Height

18-31 cm

Lifespan

10-16 years

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About the Chipin

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

The Chipin dog is a small dog that brings the full package. Whilst it might be prone to having that small dog syndrome, they are highly adorable pups that are intelligent and have a lot of love to give. Chipin puppies are a highly sought-after dog type due to their stature. They are also very manageable in comparison to some of the bigger dog breeds available.

As a crossbreed, they might not be for everyone, but they sure do adapt to many households across the world, making them a popular one for those who want small-sized dogs. If you’re looking at adopting or buying a small dog this year, then the Chipin is one you should certainly consider. Here’s everything you need to know about this ‘chip’ off the old block breed!

What is the history & origin of the Chipin?

These designer dogs were first bred back in the early 2000s, and it’s considered that the first breeders were located in North America.

The purpose of this breed existing is relatively unknown; however, it can be considered that dog breeders wanted to create another new breed to help minimise certain health issues or to combine personality traits and temperaments.

The breed is crossed between a Chihuahua, which is an ancient breed from Mexico and the Minature Pinscher. This dog type is known on the International designer canine registry, but due to their designer breed status, they’re not officially recognised by the American Kennel Club.

Despite their lack of recognition within this breed club, it doesn’t make them any less sought-after and popular by dog owners around the world. This Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher breed is still a loved one!

What is a Chipin breed?

The Chipin dog is one that’s distinguished through its short and smooth coat. They have a round head, big ears and a pointed muzzle. Their small bodies are something they’ve got from both parent breeds, and they often have a darker face than a Miniature pinscher mixed breed.

They’re known as a Pinhuahua or a Minchi, and these little dogs are full of personality, despite their small frame.

Who is a Chipin best for?

The Chipin are those that prefer the company of adults and older children. Whilst they do cope with other pets in the home, they don’t always get along with them. It’s something that should be considered before adopting or buying this breed if you have other dogs.

Early socialisation is important to ensure they get on with most people and pets. As Chipin puppies, they’ll learn to socialise if you teach them correctly. They’re prone to social anxiety, so it’s important that you’re giving your Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher mix plenty of attention.

Chipin Grooming & Shedding

The Chihuahua and miniature pinscher mix come with coats that are often short to medium in length. They’re also very straight and smooth, making them fairly easy to groom with the right brush and dog grooming products. A mild dog shampoo will work well with these pups as it helps clean their coat but also loosens any hair that might be actively shedding.

Chipins aren’t hypoallergenic, meaning they’re not the ideal solution for those who have dog allergies. Bathing is recommended at least once every month to prevent matting and any smells from forming.

Brushing is required a few times a week to keep their short coat in good condition, and as well as trimming their nails and brushing their teeth daily, this is the extent of their grooming needs.

Do Chipins bark a lot?

With Chipins, they tend to be little dogs that love to guard over their owners. As such, they do tend to get very protective and territorial of their owners. This isn’t something that can necessarily be prevented, making it difficult for some owners to manage when guests are around.

When it comes to their barking, they do tend to bark a lot as a result of guarding and fear. It’s always good to introduce your dogs to strangers slowly and guests before they enter your home. That way, you can prevent them from barking too much or getting aggressive.

They do have a loud bark, considering they’re such miniature in stature. It’s not a bark that all owners will appreciate having, so it’s important to factor this in when it comes to owning a dog breed like this one. The Miniature pinscher and the Chihuahua are exactly the same when it comes to their yappy barking.

What is the average weight & height of a Chipin dog?

You can guarantee that you’ll have a very small dog on your hands. This dog type is one that you’ll be able to pick up very easily and with little effort.

Typically they are classed as toy to small in size and weigh around 2.2-8.1kg, which is a fairly diverse weight range. They also stand around 18-31cm tall. With their tiny to small stature, they make a great apartment or studio dog.

Are Chipins easy to train?

Training Chipins are going to be fairly easy as they are intelligent and can pick up commands fairly easily, especially when treats are involved. They need around 45 minutes of daily exercise and this will help with any behavioural issues that tend to crop up from being underexercised or stimulated mentally.

How do Chipins behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Chipins are small but they have a lot of love to give, especially when it comes to their owners. They demand a lot of attention, so you’re going to be an owner who lives for their dogs and wants to give as much love and time to their dogs as possible. They’re energetic, which certainly makes them fun to be around and they’re constantly curious.

You’ll love their sweet and loyal nature that comes from their Miniature pinscher and Chihuahua parents.

Does the Chipin have any common health issues?

Chipin health issues can be inherited from their Chihuahua parent or Min Pin parent. These include any of the following:

Cataracts: A condition that causes clouding of the lens in the eye, potentially affecting vision.
Low Blood Pressure: This can occur in small breeds and may lead to health complications.
Spina Bifida: A congenital condition that affects spinal development.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye condition that can lead to vision loss over time.
Obesity: Like many small breeds, Chipins can easily gain weight, which can lead to other health problems.
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, potentially causing pain and mobility issues.

As far as these health problems go, they tend to be fairly common in most dogs. It’s not something that you can prevent for the most part with most of these ailments. However, for problems like obesity, keeping track of their diet and ensuring they get enough exercise, is a good way to combat weight gain.

It’s inevitable that they will have health problems as they get older, just like us humans! The longer you can prevent them from having those issues though, the better quality of life they’ll have.

It’s recommended by veterinarians to take your dog for regular checkups, vaccinate them and treat them for parasites.

What is the lifespan of a Chipin?

The average lifespan of a Chipin is around 10 to 16 years of age. This is something that is fairly decent when it comes to the lifespan of most small dogs.

As long as you’re looking after their wellbeing by providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation, as well as taking them regularly to the vets, you should have no problems!

How much does a Chipin need to be fed?

This mixed breed doesn’t need a huge amount of food to keep it sustained throughout the day. For the most part, it’ll need around half a cup of food per day. You should limit their treats in order to prevent your Chipin puppies from gaining too much weight.

Their diet will need to change as they get older, so it’s important to consult your vet, should you have any concerns.

How much can you expect to pay for a Chipin in Australia?

Despite other pets and designer breeds in general, the Chipins are affordable for most. You would typically expect a Chipin to cost anywhere between $150 to around $600 depending on the breeder and your location.

Chipin FAQs

Are Chipin dogs good with kids?

Chipin dogs are easily injured if they’re not handled in the right way. Whilst young children may always have the best intentions at heart, they can easily injure these small dogs from simply heavy petting and handling.

With that being said, if they’re taught to handle the dog properly from an early age, they can certainly adapt to this type of household.

Do Chipin dogs suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, due to their small stature, they can tend to suffer from separation anxiety and a fear of being alone. This is something that you’ll want to consider carefully, especially as it could mean that you decide to opt for a different breed altogether.

How do I tell if my dog is a Chipin?

The Chipin is a small dog and will have a short, hard coat that comes typically in a black or tan colour. It can also often come in a combination of both. You’ll certainly recognise this breed for looking like a perfect mix between its parents.