Introducing The Shi Pin! Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher Mix

Looking to adopt a Shiba Inu mix with less sass?

 ShiPins, also known as Shiba Inu and Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin) mixes, are an adorable option.

Being that both parent dog breeds are on the smaller side, the Shiba Pin, or ShiPin for short, is just as compact and adorable.

Think a Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher mix pup is right for you? 

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher Mix - Personality

When considering the personality of both Shiba Inu and Miniature Pinschers, it is safe to say that both breeds think they're MUCH bigger than they actually are - basically larger than life itself.

Both Shiba Inu and Min Pins have a lot of heart and intellect, though Shiba Inu dogs tend to be the more stubborn of the two. Miniature Pinschers are quieter, while Shiba Inu will vocalize more often.

For this reason, the ShiPin could inherit a mixture of these traits. You might have a quiet companion that is as aloof as a cat, or you could get a dramatic actor who steals your attention every five minutes.

However, Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher mixes are generally intelligent, well-behaved with enough obedience training, and mildly energetic.

They enjoy playtime with the family as much as they want to cuddle on the couch. 

You'll need to walk and play with your ShiPin puppy regularly to keep them from getting bored and possibly destructive.

Mental stimulation is also important in keeping your Shiba Inu Min Pin mix happy and healthy.

Furthermore, these dogs can be very standoffish around people they don’t know, so you'll to have to place an emphasis on early socialization and good manners training.

Shi-Pins are excellent little dogs for experienced owners and small families.

They may be overwhelmed in more crowded households, but they will be friendly with other dogs.

If over-excited, Shiba Pins may snap at small children, so supervision is required until the children are older. 

Temperament Profile:

• Courageous 
• Outgoing
• Protective of family
• Requires obedience training

Physical Characteristics of a Shi-Pin

Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher mixes retain the small stature of their parents and will be compact even as adults.

However, since both breeds have a lot of muscle and athleticism, this will by no means be a heavy set dog.

Sleek and agile, the Shiba Pin will have a lean yet powerful physique that helps the dog rocket around your yard or through obstacle courses. 

Male Shiba Pins are usually between 12-15 inches tall and weigh between 20-25 pounds. Females stand 11-14 inches tall and weigh 15-20 pounds. 

The coat will differ between puppies and which traits they received from their parents. Some ShiPin puppies will have a denser, fluffier coat, though most Shi-Pins will take on a neater, flat coat from their Min Pin side.

Colors depend on the coats of their parents. You might see red and black Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher mix puppies or ones with sesame, sable, fawn, gray, brindle - though the classic Min Pin coloring is typically most common. 

The features of a ShiPin tend to look like a Shiba Inu with a touch of Min Pin. The eyes are always brown, and the nose is black.

The ears stand erect most of the time, though there have been Shiba Pins with flopped over ears as well.

The rear legs are typically long, as is the tail. Some ShiPins have tails that curl, while others have long, straight tails. 

Health of a Shi-Pin

You can expect a Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher mix to live between 12-15 years when in good health.

There are some inherited medical issues that pop up often in Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher mixes that you need to consider.

Some of these are minor concerns that are easily treatable, while others could be life-threatening if left unchecked.

Be sure to schedule your ShiPin for routine veterinarian checkups. 

Here are some health concerns to keep in mind: 

• Patellar luxation
• Mitral valve dysplasia 
• Hip dysplasia 
• Elbow dysplasia 
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease 
• Allergies
• Entropion 
• Ectropion 
• Cataracts
• Eye lens luxation 
• Color dilution alopecia

Exercise Requirements 

Do you love outdoor activities?

If you said yes, then the Shiba Pin is right for you.

Although these are by no means high energy dogs who need hours of endless playtime each day, they do need enough activity to remain mentally and physically well.

Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher mixes need about 45 minutes of exercise each day, which translates into about 6 miles of walking each week. 

 If your Shiba Pin doesn’t get enough mental and physical stimulation throughout the week, they may develop destructive behaviors and separation anxiety.

Without proper socialization, some ShiPins can become aggressive. 

These dogs are intelligent, making them ideal for agility training, fetch, and barn hunting.

You can take them swimming and hiking, too; just keep in mind that their high prey drive means you can never let them off the leash. 

A fenced-in and secure yard is ideal for this dog though simply letting your pooch "play" in the yard is not enough exercise as dogs don't more motivation to get moving on a regular basis.

Conclusion

The Shiba Inu Miniature Pinscher mix, is an adorable lovable, and energetic dog who is adequately sized for both apartment and rural living.

These perky and intelligent dogs require plenty of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day, so a household that is always active will be best.

Early socialization and frequent training is necessary but the results are more than worth it.  

If you are single or have a small family, a Shiba Inu Min Pin mix may be the fun-loving and loyal companion you've been looking for!