Last Updated on September 22, 2023
So you’ve decided to buy a Chihuahua. Now, the only thing left is to decide whether you want a long-haired Chihuahua or a short-haired Chihuahua. Wrong! The deer head Chihuahua and the apple head Chihuahua are the same breed of dog, but they have different looks. This can lead to different health issues.
*The Chihuahua with the apple head is a name for Chihuahuas that have a larger forehead and more eyes than the deer head. His skull is narrower and his head looks the same as a young deer. Although the apple head is accepted by most international kennel clubs, he has more health problems than the deer head.
These pups should not be confused with chihuahua mix. We will examine the differences between the deer head Chihuahua Chihuahua, and then dive into the details.
Breed History
The Chihuahua originates as far back as the 9th Century, from what is now known as Mexico. Their ancestor is thought to have been a Techichi, who looked very similar but was much larger.
Their history in the early Toltec society is unknown, but when the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, the Chihuahua became very popular. They were believed to be able to heal the sick and predict the future. Their owners were also believed to have been guided by them in the afterlife. They became less popular after the Spanish conquered Aztecs and their numbers declined significantly.
When Americans became interested in the breed, most were found in the Mexican State in Chihuahua , which is how they got their name Chihuahuas.
Travelers brought them back to America, refined their breed, and entered them in shows. The first ‘official’ Chihuahua, named Midget, was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904, and he has been a big hit since.
They are a very popular family pet, and the AKC has them currently ranked as the 33rd most popular dog in America. He is described as charming and graceful.
They also have played leading role, such Legally Blonde’s sidekick, Bruiser woods, who was a Chihuahua deer head Chihuahua. They are also loved by celebrities like Paris Hilton’s Tinkerbell who was an Apple Head Chihuahua.
Appearance
There are two types of Chihuahua, long-haired and short-haired. You can choose between the apple or deer head. The breed is a small-sized dog . They should not weigh more than six pound and should be 5 to eight inches tall ..
He is the smallest dog breed among them all. Sometimes, it’s difficult to see the shape of the puppy’s head by looking at him. The best way to determine is to look at his parents. At the age of one, he will be fully mature and usually is fully grown by six months.
The apple-shaped head is the most popular Chihuahua because he is currently the only head shape that is recognized by the AKC breed standards, described as ‘a well-rounded “apple dome” skull.’ He has a shorter muzzle, with a 90-degree angle between the muzzle and the skull, or an ‘L’ shape as it is also described.
He also has more prominent, bulging eyes than the Chihuahua deer head Chihuahua. The apple head is also more likely to have a molera compared to the deer head, which is a soft spot on the skull. The ears of the apple head are smaller than those of his brother, the deer head.
The apple head is the only recognised head shape. He can be presented as a conformation show, while the deer head cannot. The deer head can still participate in obedience or agility, but not without restrictions.
The deer-shaped head may be the more popular, but it is not by much. Generally, deer heads are larger than apple heads with an extended jawline. They have a narrower skull, and the angle between their muzzle and the skull is less of an angle than the apple, normally at around 45-degrees.
They have a longer neck than the apple head and a larger head. He is also shorter than the apple head and has longer legs. Although the deer head is larger than the other, toydeer heads are still available. His ears slightly larger are more pointed than those of a baby deer.
Due to their mysterious Toltec past, it is not known why or when the two head shapes are different. Ancient Toltec art shows both the deer- and apple-shaped heads.
Because of his head shape, it is theorized that the deer head Chihuahua is a cross between the Techichi and the Chinese Crested canine, who is also part of the toy group and has a similar temperament.
Temperament
Although there is no scientific evidence that the Chihuahua’s head shape affects their temperament, many Chihuahua parent say that deer heads are more social and more loyal than the apple head. However, it is likely their environment and upbringing form their temperament, and the shape of their heads has no bearing.
Both the apple and deer heads are confident, intelligent, stubborn, and smart. They both employ a no-nonsense approach and do not suffer fools easily.
They are very happy and have a great love for life. They are playful and love to play. They are both described as having cheeky terrier-like temperament qualities. They crave companionship, which makes them very sociable, but also means they may suffer from separation anxiety.
Chihuahuas can bark quite a bit if they are not socialized or trained properly. This can result in the over-protectiveness of their family. If they are not corrected, they may become violent.
They are both wary of strangers, and if they don’t like something or someone, you will know about it. These guys can be very protective dogs if you need one.
Despite being in the canine “toy group”, they have a medium predator drive ,. This means that when they spot something small and furry they chase it! Both are very fast pooches. However, the deer head is faster and more athletic than the apple head, so if he sees something, he will quickly disappear.
Chihuahuas love to mix with other breeds because of their playful nature. Some great examples of this are the Chug Dog mix, the Pomchi, and the Dachshund Chihuahua mix.
Health
The Chihuahua’s average lifespan is 14 to 16 years, but they are known to have one of the longest canine lifespans, and often live to around 20 years old. The longest-living is the deer head. This is because it has fewer health issues than the apple head.
The shape of the apple head, their shorter muzzle, and flatter face mean he suffers more intensely from breathing problems more so than the deer head. One common issue is Brachycephalic Syndrome, which is an umbrella term for severe respiratory diseases caused by the flat face. They also suffer from heat and can’t regulate their body temperature when they get hot. Because these are life-threatening concerns, be sure to research what it means for you and your pup and how best to manage it.
The apple head is also more prone to suffering from a collapsing trachea. Although the cause of this condition is not known, it is believed that he has a smaller and less powerful windpipe. The Chihuahua can breathe faster than larger dogs. If you picture a soda straw being sucked into the neck and the walls jamming together, this is what could happen.
The apple head, because of his protruding eyes, is also more prone to eye injuries and infections, more so than the deer head. If you notice that his eyes aren’t what they should be, take him to the vet immediately.
The molera is a condition that both the apple and deer heads can have. This is simply a soft area on his skull that has not fused properly. It’s similar to a newborn human baby. However, the molera on the Chihuahua’s head does not normally fuse when they mature.
Although this defect is accepted according to breed standards, this ultimately is an area of no protection and it could be dangerous to his health. This should be eradicated from the breed, according to vets and breed fans. The deer head has a higher likelihood of having a molera, while the apple head is less likely.
They are also known to have the same health problems. According to the national breed club, the Chihuahua’s parents are required to undergo a cardiac examination to test for Mitral Valve Disease, an ophthalmologist evaluation to test the health of his eyes, and a patella evaluation of his knee joints. This is all required for the pup to obtain their health certificates.
Exercise
Both the apple and the deer head are considered to be medium energy dogs who need about 30 minutes a day. Walking is sufficient for the Chihuahua. They don’t require any intense exercise. If you plan to harness train your Chihuahua, make sure you look at Chihuahua-sized harnesses to make that transition easier for this headstrong breed.
If you have an enclosed yard, they will happily have a good romp around chasing birds and squirrels. You should monitor the exercise of your apple head as he is more likely to have problems with his breathing during hot days. If you have to, take them out only in the morning or at night when it is cooler.
Training
These guys are quite intelligent pups, and they are known to quickly pick up commands. However, they are fiercely independent, and as such, if they decide that today is not the day to partake in training, then you are unlikely to be successful.
Because they are stubborn, it is important to start obedience training early. It is also important to socialize them very early so that they are comfortable with other humans and larger dogs. This will reduce their aloofness and yappy barking.
Nutrition
The nutritional requirements of the apple head and deer head are the same. Both require 1/2 c food per day. This will depend on the size of their dogs and how active they are. They will require slightly less food if they are a lapdog. If they go out hunting squirrels all day, they will require slightly more.
Despite being one of the smallest breeds he still needs the best nutrients to keep him healthy, so be sure to feed him superior quality kibble. As most Chihuahuas can’t eat standard-sized treats, make sure treats aren’t too big for him.
Grooming
The grooming requirements for the apple and deer heads are the same. This is due to the type of hair he has. A brush with a rubber mitt and a brush once a week is enough to keep his hair shiny and healthy if he’s a short-haired Chihuahua. He will need to brush his hair twice per week if he has long hair.
As long the Chihuahua is groomed regularly, he should only need one bath every other month. Chihuahuas do shed, so you’ll want to manage it with regular grooming habits.
As small dogs, they have smaller teeth than larger dogs. Their teeth will require brushing two or three times a week to prevent any periodontal diseases.
Puppy Price
The average price of a Chihuahua puppy is $300 to $500 from a reputable breeder for both the apple head and the deer head. If you are looking for a Chihuahua from a championship lineage, then expect to pay a lot more, starting around $1,500. This is just for the apple head, as deer heads can’t be shown.
The birth of an apple head Chihuahua is more difficult due to the skull shape and difficulty in passing through the birth canal. They are usually delivered by cesarean ,, so the cost of the pup might be slightly higher. Breeders don’t usually consider this additional cost because they are a common breed.
Breeders and Rescues
The Chihuahua Club of America (CCA) lists breeders in America by each state who have signed their code of ethics, meaning they pledge to uphold stringent processes to ensure the best breeding practices. If you are interested to purchase a particular head form ,, please inform the breeder.
It is great to rescue a dog. You will not only save money, but also give a orphaned dog a loving home. If you are interested in rescuing a Chihuahua, then the CCA also lists rescuers state by state.
Final Thoughts
The heads of the apple and deer heads are very different. You don’t need to be a Chihuahua expert in order to notice the differences. The deer head is rounder and has a smaller forehead than the apple head. Due to the differences in their noses and heads, there are different health issues that all potential owners need to be aware of.
The shape of their heads has very little to do with their temperament. It is most likely that this is due to their upbringing. It does not affect their training, grooming, and nutritional requirements.
Whoever you choose to adopt, you can be sure that you’ll get a wonderful family pet, who, despite being small, will bring you laughter and memories for many, many years.