Differences Between the Pinscher and Chihuahua Breeds

The differences between the Pinscher and Chihuahua breeds aren't obvious to everyone, especially when it comes to the short-haired Chihuahua. Both dogs belong to small breeds and their coats come in similar colors, though there are clear details that let you tell them apart.

Want to become an expert at telling these two breeds apart? Let's look at the key details that will help us tell them apart. Ready?

Characteristics of the Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is a relatively recent breed, with records dating back to the early 20th century, when it was bred in Germany. It's a small version of the German Pinscher; both males and females stand between 25 and 30 centimeters at the withers.

It has a square body with an elongated head and a flat forehead. The nose is black and the bite is a scissor bite, while the eyes are oval. The ears are straight and V-shaped, falling toward the dog's cheeks.

As for the coat, it's very glossy, short, and dense, and comes in two varieties: solid color in shades of red, reddish-brown, or dark brown, or bicolor with a mix of black and tan.

Mini Pinscher

Characteristics of the Toy Chihuahua

Before getting into the differences between the Pinscher and Chihuahua breeds, it helps to know a bit more about this dog of Mexican origin. The body is somewhat square, but the head is shaped like an apple.

The Chihuahua can have a nose of various colors, a short muzzle, and either a level or scissor bite. Its eyes are round and very expressive, while its ears are large and V-shaped, standing out with the tips angled away from the head.

This breed's coat can be short or long, but only the short-haired variety can resemble the Miniature Pinscher. This coat lies very close to the body and is even fairly sparse around the throat and belly. Chihuahuas can be found in every shade, whether solid-colored or in combinations of several colors.

Mini Chihuahua

Main Differences Between the Pinscher and the Chihuahua

To spot the differences between these two breeds, pay attention to these details:

• Body: although both are square-shaped, this trait is more pronounced in the Pinscher.
• Head: the Pinscher's head is square, while the Chihuahua's is apple-shaped.
• Size: although both are small, the Pinscher is taller and heavier than the Chihuahua, reaching between 4 and 6 kilos, while the Chihuahua weighs a maximum of 3 kilos.
• Eyes: the Pinscher's eyes are oval, while the Chihuahua's stand out for being round.
• Bite: both have a scissor bite, though some Chihuahuas have a level bite.
• Nose: the Pinscher's nose is always black, while the Chihuahua's varies in shade depending on coat color.
• Ears: both dogs have V-shaped, pointed ears; however, the Pinscher's fold down over its face, while the Chihuahua's stay upright.
• Muzzle: the Chihuahua has a short, wide muzzle that tapers toward the tip; the Miniature Pinscher, meanwhile, has a longer muzzle with a blunt wedge shape.
• Coat: the Pinscher's coat is dense and even, while the Chihuahua's body has some sparser patches.
• Coat color: the Chihuahua's coat comes in a variety of colors, while the Pinscher shows specific, always dark, shades.
• Temperament: both dogs are independent, though the Chihuahua tends to try to override its owners' wishes, so it needs obedience training from puppyhood.