Dog breed comparison
Chihuahua vs Miniature Pinscher
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Chihuahua tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Chihuahua | Miniature Pinscher |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 6 inches to 9 inches | 10 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 3 to 6 pounds | 8 to 11 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 18 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Chihuahua
Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it was found in the 1800s. It probably descends from the Techichi, a small dog kept by the Toltec and Aztec peoples.
It is the smallest recognised breed, and many have a soft spot on the skull (a molera).
Health to watch
- Patellar luxation
- Dental crowding and disease
- Collapsing trachea
- Hydrocephalus
- Mitral valve disease
The Miniature Pinscher
A German breed developed several hundred years ago to catch rats in stables and homes. It is not a miniature Doberman; it is the older breed.
It is known as the King of Toys for its proud, high-stepping gait.
Health to watch
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Patellar luxation
- Mucopolysaccharidosis VI
- Hypothyroidism
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Exercise needs
The Miniature Pinscher needs more exercise than the Chihuahua.
Good with children
The Chihuahua is better with children than the Miniature Pinscher.
Barking
The Miniature Pinscher barks more than the Chihuahua.
Energy
The Miniature Pinscher has more energy than the Chihuahua.
Easy to train
The Chihuahua is easier to train than the Miniature Pinscher.
Intelligence
The Chihuahua is quicker to learn than the Miniature Pinscher.
Which to choose
Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher?
Choose the Chihuahua if…
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that barks less
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Choose the Miniature Pinscher if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
Questions.
Is the Chihuahua or the Miniature Pinscher bigger, and which lives longer?
The Chihuahua tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Chihuahua or the Miniature Pinscher?
The Chihuahua is generally easier to train than the Miniature Pinscher. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Chihuahua or the Miniature Pinscher?
The Chihuahua is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Miniature Pinscher can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Chihuahua and Miniature Pinscher have?
The Chihuahua is prone to patellar luxation, dental crowding and disease, collapsing trachea. The Miniature Pinscher is prone to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, mucopolysaccharidosis VI. Both share a risk of patellar luxation. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
