Discover the Applehead Teacup Chihuahua: History, Temperament and More

The Applehead Teacup Chihuahua is a beloved breed known for its big eyes and tiny frame. This charming dog originated in Mexico, where it was bred as a companion animal for the Aztecs.

One of the most distinctive features of the Applehead Teacup Chihuahua is its apple-shaped head, which gives the breed its name. This unique head shape is a result of selective breeding over the centuries.

The Applehead Teacup Chihuahua is a friendly and outgoing breed that makes a great companion for many families. They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, which makes them a perfect fit for homes with children or other pets.

Discover more: Deer Head Chihuahua Lifespan

The Apple Head Chihuahua is the smallest dog recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a purebred dog.

The Chihuahua breed is believed to have originated in the 1800s in the area of Chihuahua in Mexico, hence the Mexican name Chihuahua.

First recorded around the middle of the 19th century, the apple head Chihuahua is thought to have descended from the Techichi, a breed of dog that was historically kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as far back as the 9th century.

The Chihuahua breed is considered as the National Dog of Mexico, and ancient drawings of a tiny Chihuahua-type dog have been discovered across Central America with similarities to the ancient Techichi dog.

The apple head Chihuahua is more of a companion dog, and they are often compared to terrier-like dogs.

The Chihuahua became a registered breed with the American Kennel Club in 1960.

The popularity of the apple head Chihuahua took off around the 1930s and 1940s due to the influence of Xavier Cugat, a Latin music bandleader who held his Chihuahua, Pepito, while conducting the orchestra with his other hand.

A different take: Apple Head Chihuahuas

The applehead teacup Chihuahua is a toy breed, which means they're small in size. They typically reach a height of 6-10 inches and a weight of 4-6 pounds.

Their lifespan is around 14-16 years on average, and they can spawn a litter size of 2-5 puppies. Applehead Chihuahuas have a smooth double coat with soft and fine guard hairs on the topcoat and a downy undercoat.

Their official colorings include black, black & tan, blue & tan, chocolate, chocolate & tan, cream, fawn, fawn & white, red, and a mix of these colors.

Here are the official colorings of Applehead Chihuahuas:

Applehead teacup Chihuahuas stand between 6 and 9 inches tall on average, and they weigh between 6 and 8 pounds. They typically have short, smooth, and soft coats.

The Apple Head Chihuahua has a head shape like an apple, with a distinctive 90-degree angle where the muzzle meets the forehead, known as a 'Stop'.

The Apple Head Chihuahua's face profile is like a neat 'L-Shape', and it's the only dog breed born with a soft spot on their skull, like a human baby, known as a Molera.

Additional reading: Deer Head and Apple Head Chihuahua

This Molera is not a defect, but rather a designed feature to help the mother give birth to her big-headed puppies, and it typically closes over after about 3-4 months.

In contrast, the Deer Head Chihuahua has a head shape like a young Deer, but its head shape is smaller and it is not usually born with a soft spot on its skull: a Molera.

The face of the Deer Head Chihuahua has a distinctive 45-degree angle, its Stop, where the muzzle meets the forehead and ears shaped like a deer.

See what others are reading: What Not to Feed Chihuahuas

The Apple Head and Deer Head Chihuahuas may look similar at first glance, but they have some key differences.

The Apple Head Chihuahua has a distinctive head shape that resembles an apple, with a large head in relation to its body and a soft spot on its skull, known as a Molera.

This Molera is actually a normal feature of the breed, designed to help the mother give birth to her big-headed puppies, and it usually closes over after about 3-4 months.

In contrast, the Deer Head Chihuahua has a head shape that resembles a young deer, but its head is smaller and it's not usually born with a Molera.

The face profile of the Apple Head Chihuahua is like a neat "L-Shape", with a distinctive 90-degree angle where the muzzle meets the forehead.

The Deer Head Chihuahua, on the other hand, has a face profile with a 45-degree angle, and its ears are shaped like a deer.

The Apple Head Chihuahua is the only variety to fit the breed standard, standing at only 5-8 inches tall and weighing up to six pounds.

The Chihuahua Club of America recognizes both the Apple Head and Deer Head Chihuahuas as part of the breed, with their own specific breed club for each variation.

The Apple Head Chihuahua has a distinctive 90-degree angle where the muzzle meets the forehead, known as a 'Stop'. This is in contrast to the Deer Head Chihuahua, which has a 45-degree angle.

The Apple Head Chihuahua has a shorter jawline and shorter neck than the Deer Head Chihuahua. Deer Head Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have a longer nose and a much narrower, longer muzzle.

The Apple Head Chihuahua is known to have shorter legs while Deer Head Chihuahuas have much longer legs and a taller body. Deer Head Chihuahuas also tend to weigh more than Apple Head Chihuahuas.

The Apple Head Chihuahua's skull is a dome-shaped head with a large head in relation to the size of their body. This is due to a soft spot on their skull, known as a Molera, which is not a defect and is designed to help the mother give birth to her big-headed puppies.

Deer Head Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have a head shape like a young Deer and are not usually born with a soft spot on their skull.

Applehead teacup Chihuahuas are known for being sassy and loyal to their owners. They can be friendly and gentle, but may also be easily frightened and have a loud yappy bark.

They are alert and protective of their homes and owners, making them good watchdogs. This breed is always on the lookout for potential threats and will bark loudly to alert their owner.

Applehead teacup Chihuahuas are intelligent, but can be stubborn and strong-willed, requiring patient and consistent training. They are eager to please and love spending time with their owners, but may be selective with strangers and newcomers.

They thrive in adult-only homes where they can receive the attention and care they need, and are not recommended for families with young children due to their territorial and sassy nature.

Chihuahuas are alert and easily frightened, but can also be friendly and loyal to their owners.

They have a gentle nature and love human company, but can be snappy and have a loud yappy bark.

Apple head Chihuahuas are known for being sassy, loyal, and affectionate to their owners, and are often fearless and protective of their families.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Are Chihuahuas Loyal

They can be selective with strangers and newcomers, and may be territorial or aggressive if they feel threatened.

Chihuahuas are social, sassy, and affectionate, but can be stubborn and mischievous, and need regular mental stimulation to keep them entertained and regulated.

They are very trainable and eager to please, but may be prone to reactivity, anxiety, and behavioral problems if not properly socialized or handled.

Apple head Chihuahuas are likely to bark when they're excited, scared, or protective of their territory, and can be trained to minimize unnecessary barking.

They are lap dogs and love to cuddle with their owners, but can be possessive and only affectionate with one or two people.

Chihuahuas are of average intelligence and can pick up training at about average speed, but may be stubborn and need repeated consistent lessons.

They are intelligent but strong-willed, and need to be trained and socialized early to become sociable and well-behaved at home and in public.

Apple head Chihuahuas are loyal and loving to their owners, but may not be the best fit for families with young children or for people who are away from home for long periods of time.

They require consistent, patient effort to train, and may be difficult to train due to their stubborn nature.

A different take: Are Chihuahuas Affectionate

Meet 5 Apple Head Chihuahuas that showcase the breed's distinctive features, such as their tiny size and unique head shape.

One of the most recognizable characteristics of Apple Head Chihuahuas is their small stature, with Chihuahuas generally being the tiniest of all dog breeds.

Their distinctive head shape is a key identifier, with a rounded skull and large, round eyes that make them irresistibly cute.

Chihuahuas are known to be fiercely loyal and attached to their owners, often forming strong bonds with their family members.

In fact, their small size belies a big personality, with Chihuahuas being known to stand up for themselves when they feel threatened or scared.

Their tiny size also means they require careful handling and care, particularly when it comes to exercise and training.

Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are capable of living long, healthy lives with proper care and attention.

On a similar theme: Adorable Toy Poodles

Apple head Chihuahuas are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues due to their small size. Brushing their teeth regularly is essential to help prevent dental disease.

Dental disease can lead to overcrowding, plaque buildup, and infection, causing pain and discomfort for your Chihuahua. Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to catch any potential health problems early.

Apple head Chihuahuas need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks of 15-20 minutes and dedicated playtime of 30 minutes to an hour are essential to keep them energized and engaged.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Apple head Chihuahuas:

It's also essential to provide a balanced and nutritious diet, with 4-10 ounces of food per day depending on their body weight and caloric content.

Apple Head Chihuahuas are relatively healthy and long-lived as a breed, but like any dog, they can inherit certain genetic health problems due to their small size.

Dental disease is a common issue in Chihuahuas, caused by their very small mouths, which can lead to overcrowding, plaque, and decay. Regular brushing of their teeth is essential to help limit disease.

Luxating patella, a hereditary condition causing dislocation of the kneecap, can lead to arthritis and further bone pain.

Apple Head Chihuahuas may also suffer from heart problems, such as patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease, which typically require surgery.

Hydrocephalus, a condition where a puppy is born with an abnormally larger head, can be a serious issue, with a grim outlook.

To keep your Apple Head Chihuahua healthy, it's essential to take them to the vet regularly, ensure they're eating properly, and exercising as much as they can.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Apple Head Chihuahuas:

Remember, regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or detect these issues early on, ensuring your Apple Head Chihuahua lives a long and healthy life.

Your Apple Head Chihuahua will need its own space in the home with a bed and plenty of toys to play with.

They should not be left alone for more than 6 to 8 hours at a time, as they can get lonely and need interaction with their owners.

You'll need to walk your Chihuahua twice a day, with walks lasting between 15 and 20 minutes, to keep them healthy and energized.

Dedicated playtime lasting between 30 minutes and an hour is also essential to keep them mentally stimulated.

Regular vet visits are crucial to catch any breed-specific health problems early on.

You'll need to train your Chihuahua with basic obedience and manners to prevent territorial or aggressive behaviors.

Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and they'll need baths every so often to stay looking and feeling their best.

A high-quality, protein-based dog food is recommended, with the right size and weight for your Chihuahua's needs, as advised by your vet.

Be careful not to overfeed, and make sure they have plenty of water to drink.

They'll need regular brushing to remove shed fur and prevent matting, especially for long-haired varieties.

You may need to take them to a groomer occasionally, depending on how easy it is to bathe them at home.

They shed about an average amount, but regular baths and brushing can help reduce the amount of fur around the property.

A fresh viewpoint: Do Chihuahuas Shed