Chin-Pin - Dog Breed Info, Temperament & Facts

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The Chin-Pin is a mix of a Japanese Chin and a Miniature Pinscher. They can come in various colors such as black, white, red, tan, rust, and chocolate, as they inherit traits from both parents. Their coats are usually fine, short, and sometimes very smooth. These dogs do not shed much and are low-maintenance. They are great with children and do not require excessive exercise, making them a good fit for apartment living. However, due to the strong personalities of their parents, it may take some patience when it comes to training your Chin-Pin.

Below, we look at Chin-Pin dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Chin-Pin, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Chin-Pins!

Dog Breed Chin-Pin
Size Small
Weight 7-18 lbs (average)
Height 7-13″ (average)
Location ​United States
Ancestry Miniature Pinscher, Japanese Chin
Date of Origin Unknown
Group ​Companion
Life Expectancy 11-15 years
Price $400 – $600
Family Canidae
Scientific Name Canis Lupus Familiaris

📖 Breed History

The Chin-Pin is a crossbreed between a Miniature Pinscher and a Japanese Chin. The Miniature Pinscher, originally known as the Reh Pinscher, was bred in Germany as a ratting dog and has a history of around 200 years. Despite resembling a mini Doberman, the Miniature Pinscher is a distinct breed. It was also bred in Scandinavia and remains popular there. The breed is believed to have descended from the German Pinscher, with possible contributions from terriers like the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound. German breeders established the Pinscher Klub, later renamed the Pinscher Schnauzer Klub, in 1895. The breed made its way to the United States around 1919 and gained recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1929.

On the other hand, the Japanese Chin, despite its name, has its origins in China rather than Japan. It is believed that these dogs were highly valued in the Chinese imperial court and were often given as gifts. Some historians even speculate that the Japanese Chin played a role in the development of the Pekingese breed, which also hails from China. In Japan, ownership of these dogs was restricted to individuals of royal lineage. There is evidence suggesting that the Emperor of Japan gifted the first Japanese Chin to an American naval officer, Commodore Matthew Perry, in 1853. Perry introduced Japan to international trade when he sailed into Uraga Harbor near present-day Tokyo. Out of the seven dogs he received, two survived the journey back to the USA. Some notable owners of Japanese Chin in America included President Franklin Pierce, then-Secretary-of-War Jefferson Davis, and Perry’s daughter, Caroline Perry Belmont. The breed gained official recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1888.

🐕 Chin-Pin Appearance

A Japanese Chin and a Miniature Pinscher unite to create the Chin-Pin. Since they will inherit numerous traits from their parents, possible hues include black, white, red, tan, rust, and chocolate. If they are like the Japanese Chin, their coats will probably be fine and short, but they could also be exceedingly smooth. The Chin-Pin doesn’t shed much and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Although it is commonly observed that this hybrid has the head shape and appearance of the Miniature Pinscher, with the tan and black mask, if your Chin-Pin has the facial traits of the Japanese Chin parent, the eyes will be wide set.

👀 Eye Color Brown
🐽 Nose Color Black
🐕 Coat Color Black, White, Red, Brown

Fun Fact: Chin-Pin dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.

🐶 Traits & Temperament of Chin-Pin

A Chin-Pin will inherit many features from its parent breeds, making it an ideal family pet, particularly with older kids. They are probably affectionate and vivacious like the Miniature Pinscher, also known as a Min Pin and dubbed the “King of Toys” for his cocky demeanor. They are highly inquisitive dogs who are constantly trying to investigate and are quite adept at slipping through the opening when a door is opened. They are bold, excellent watchdogs, and suspicious of outsiders. Given that they are little canines and might easily hurt smaller children, they are better suited for use with older children. They are prone to chase other dogs and can be difficult to teach. Your hybrid will also enjoy social interactions and be a joyful, lively dog. They love to climb and groom themselves, which makes them something like cats. The Chin-Pin may be trained through positive reinforcement, however while exercising outside, keep them on a leash as they have a tendency to chase other animals. They don’t require a lot of activity and dislike being left alone for an extended period of time.

🤝 Are Chin-Pins Friendly or Aggressive?

Chin-Pin dogs are generally amicable with other pets, strangers, and cats. They tend to have an average level of friendliness towards children and other dogs. Additionally, Chin-Pins are often comfortable around elderly individuals.

This breed is known for being:

  • Playful
  • Loving
  • Independent
  • Energetic
  • Alert
  • Intelligent
  • Friendly
  • Outgoing
  • Responsive
  • Loyal
  • Clever

🐩 Chin-Pin Care & Maintenance

Although neither of the parent breeds is hypoallergenic, your pet won’t require much grooming to stay looking nice and he also doesn’t shed much. Your pet probably won’t require brushing more than once a week, just like the parent breeds. Maintaining the coat’s smooth, glossy appearance just requires a thorough brushing with the slicker brush. The Min Pin seldom requires a bath; instead, if they have been playing outside and are dirty, they may only need to be cleaned with a damp towel. Small dogs frequently have dental concerns, so try to brush your dog’s teeth every day and check the ears for debris. Moisture buildup may be a problem for your hybrid depending on whether it has perkier ears or a pair that is folded down, so keep an eye out for that.

Chin-Pin dogs have a moderate amount of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Brushing their fur regularly can help minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The extent of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed they belong to. In terms of bathing, it is recommended to give Chin-Pin dogs a bath every 6-8 weeks.

🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.80 – $1.00 daily, or approximately $25.00 – $30.00 a month.

🐾 Exercise: Chin-Pin dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 7 miles per week, which equates to about 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.

Did you know: Chin-Pin dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

❤️‍🩹 Chin-Pin Health & Issues

Some of the major concerns for Chin-Pin Dog Breed can be:

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

While minor concerns include:

  • Epilepsy
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

🤧 Important: Is Chin-Pin hypoallergenic? No.

Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Chin-Pin.

⚡ Chin-Pin Dog Breed Facts

What makes the Chin-Pin a great choice for families with young children?
The Chin-Pin is a great choice for families with young children because they are good with children and are known to be loving and energetic. However, it is important to note that they are small dogs and could be easily injured by younger children, so they are better suited for families with older children.

Is the Chin-Pin breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Chin-Pin breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They don’t require a lot of exercise to stay in shape and are well-suited to living in smaller spaces.

How much exercise does a Chin-Pin require compared to other breeds?
Compared to other breeds, the Chin-Pin does not require a huge amount of exercise. They don’t need a lot of exercise to stay in shape, making them a low-exercise breed.

Is the Chin-Pin breed known for being good with other pets?
The Chin-Pin breed is not known for being good with other pets. They can be prone to chasing other dogs and may not get along well with other animals.

What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Chin-Pin?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Chin-Pin include the French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the Bichon Frise.

What are the common health issues that Chin-Pins are prone to?
Common health issues that Chin-Pins are prone to include patellar luxation, dental problems, and eye issues such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

Are Chin-Pins known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Chin-Pins can be a challenge to train, as both parent breeds are quite strong-willed. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, they can be trained successfully.

Are Chin-Pins more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Chin-Pins may be more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds, as they love being with people and do not like being left alone for too long.

Are there any dog breeds similar to the Chin-Pin that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Chin-Pin that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Portuguese Water Dog, as they have hypoallergenic coats.

What sizes of dogs similar to the Chin-Pin are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Chin-Pin, such as the French Bulldog or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, would be a better fit.

Is the Chin-Pin breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Chin-Pin breed is known to be good with children, but it is important to note that they are small dogs and may not be the best choice for children with special needs. It is always recommended to supervise interactions between any dog and children.

How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Chin-Pin?
In terms of grooming and shedding needs, the Chin-Pin is a low-maintenance breed. They don’t require a lot of grooming and don’t shed much, making them a good choice for those who prefer a dog with minimal grooming requirements.


We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Chin-Pin dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.

Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy is a seasoned writer and an enthusiast of dog breed expertise. Having dedicated over 5 years to studying the intricacies of different dog breeds and their unique characteristics. His profound insights and love for our four-legged friends have made him an invaluable part of our DogsInsights.com team.

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