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Chihuahua vs Min Pin: What Are the 8 Key Differences?

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Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Chihuahua are very small dogs that share many characteristics. No wonder most people confuse these two dog breeds. But don't be fooled, there is a big difference between the two. In this article, we will compare the Chihuahua and the Miniature Pinscher in terms of appearance, characteristics and health.

Chihuahua vs Civilian: A Comparison

dog food for chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the smallest dogs in the world, standing between 6 and 9 inches tall.

©Ratchat/Shutterstock.com

main difference Chihuahua Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin)
high 6 – 9 inches 10 – 12 inches
weight 2 to 6 lbs. 8 to 10 lbs.
jacket type beautiful rough
color chocolate, beige, tan, cream, red, black Rust, Chocolate, Red, Tan, Black
temperament Alert, Focused, Lively, Agile Smart, playful, energetic, outgoing
energy level Average above average
life expectancy 14 to 18 years old 12 to 15 years old
health problems Tracheal collapse, heart murmur, tremor Epilepsy, hypothyroidism, PRA

Key Differences Between Chihuahua and Min Pin

Miniature Pinscher - isolated
Miniature Pinscher – Stands between 10 and 12 inches tall.

©Dora Zett/Shutterstock.com

Because they are both small canids, the Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahua look alike. But they are very different breeds. For example, Min Pin has a long head and a square body. Chihuahuas can have different head shapes, such as a deer head or an apple head. Let's talk a little more about their appearance.

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appearance

chihuahua puppy
Small, curious, loyal, the Chihuahua is a very charismatic breed.

© iStock.com/Koika

Chihuahua vs Minpin: Height

Chihuahuas are known as the smallest dogs in the world. They can vary in height from 6 to 9 inches. Male and female Min Pins range in height from 10 to 12.5 inches. Min Pins are often called the king of toys, despite their diminutive stature.

Chihuahua vs Minpin: Weight

The average Chihuahua weighs between 2 and 6 pounds. The smallest pin weighs between 8 and 11 lbs.

Chihuahua vs Min Pin: Coat Types

The Miniature Pinscher's coat is strong, short, and stiff. Although it has a low dropout rate, you should expect your min-pin to drop out from time to time. It turns out that controlling it is very easy.

Chihuahuas come in two coat types: short and long. The Chihuahua's smooth, straight hair clings to his body. It's not thin, it's not thick – it's in the middle. The long coat is longer than the coats of other small dogs, but will not drop to the floor. The ears, mane, belly and tail are thick. The longer coats shed as well as the short-haired Chihuahua.

Chihuahua vs Minpin: Color

Chihuahuas are one of the most colorful dog breeds in the world. It's easy to see why The Kennel Club accepts only a handful. However, the AKC states that "any color: solid, marked or spotted" is permissible for Chihuahuas. Common colors include chocolate, beige, tan, cream, red, and black.

Min Pin colors include Solid Red, Deer Red, Blue Deer Red, Chocolate Deer Red, and Fawn Red with Tan or Rust Spots. AKC disqualifies all colors except solid red, black, or chocolate with rust spots.

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feature

Miniature Pinscher - sitting on a rock in the water
Miniature Pinscher – An alert, watchful dog who is also sensitive and loving.

© katamount/Shutterstock.com

Chihuahua vs Minpin: Temperament

Min Pin is a confident puppy. These dogs are fearless, alert and curious. They make great watchdogs because they are naturally curious and alert. Miniature Pinschers love to be the center of attention and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long. They get along well with children, however, they are very possessive of food and toys, and can even be detrimental to children. Most Miniature Pinschers are also dominant or aggressive towards other dogs.

Chihuahuas are naturally territorial and will protect their owners. When they are scared and need to protect themselves, they bare their teeth, growl, bark and bite. The breed's alertness and vigilance toward strangers makes them excellent watchdogs. They are also loving but sensitive. They are reserved among outsiders and are usually associated with a family member. However, if socialized well early on, Chihuahuas are pleasant and accepting of others.

Chihuahua vs Min Pin: Energy Levels

Despite their small stature, Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers are active and need regular exercise. Chihuahuas love to play and will keep playing as long as you let them. They love to fetch toys, explore the neighborhood, and play in the backyard.

Min Pins have a lot of energy. Therefore, they are best for people who are physically active and like a challenge. The Miniature Pinscher is an energetic breed that needs a lot of room to play. Both types love to play outdoors, but they should be kept indoors as they are vulnerable to larger dogs, hawks and other predators.

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health factor

royal chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the longest-lived dog breeds, living up to 20 years.

©Chaisit Rattanachusri/Shutterstock.com

Chihuahua vs Civilian: Life Expectancy

The average lifespan of a Miniature Pinscher is 12 to 15 years; however, the pups have been known to live up to 16 years. Many factors, including your dog's nutrition and exercise routine, can affect their life expectancy. Chihuahuas are a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 14-18 years. Some can even live 20 years! They are one of the longest-lived dog breeds.

Chihuahua vs Minpin: Health Issues

Chihuahuas can get parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which are bacterial and viral diseases. Many of these diseases are preventable through vaccination, especially as we age. Miniature Pinschers can suffer from Legg-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and heart problems. They were also known to suffer from PRA, a condition called "progressive retinal atrophy," which refers to the slow degeneration of the retina.

Summary Chihuahua vs Minpin

Miniature Pinscher - Red Pin Portrait
Miniature Pinscher – This dog can live to be 12 to 15 years old.

© iStock.com/anytka

There is no such thing as a better or worse dog breed. It is important that you choose the breed that best suits your interests and lifestyle. Both the Min Pin and the Chihuahua are considered ideal family dogs. They're smart, but Miniature Pinschers are more independent and harder to manage than Chihuahuas. Both can live anywhere as long as they spend a lot of time with their owners.

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Miniature Pinscher - isolated
Miniature Pinscher – isolated

© Dora Zett/Shutterstock.com


about the author


I have spent a large part of my life as a writer and artist with great respect for viewing nature analytically and metaphysically. After careful investigation, the natural world reveals truths far beyond the obvious. For me, the source of everything we have is embodied in our planet; the process of writing and creating art around this subject is an attempt to convey the wonder of it.

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