Applehead vs Deer Head Chihuahua: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Applehead vs Deer Head Chihuahua debate has been a long-standing one among Chihuahua enthusiasts. Both types are adorable and loving companions.

Applehead Chihuahuas have a distinctive "apple-shaped" head, which is characterized by a rounded skull and a short, upturned muzzle. This head shape is a result of their breeding history.

Deer Head Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have a longer, more pointed muzzle and a slightly longer skull. Their head shape is often described as "deer-like" due to its resemblance to a deer's head.

In terms of overall appearance, Applehead Chihuahuas tend to have a more compact, rounded body shape, while Deer Head Chihuahuas often have a longer, leaner body.

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The main difference between an Applehead and a Deerhead Chihuahua is their head shape and size.

Applehead Chihuahuas have a rounded, apple-shaped head with a short, flat skull and a well-defined stop. This is due to their brachycephalic skull structure.

Deerhead Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have a longer, narrower head with a more pointed muzzle and a less pronounced stop. Their skull structure is also longer and narrower.

Applehead Chihuahuas typically weigh between 2-8 pounds, while Deerhead Chihuahuas can weigh anywhere from 4-12 pounds.

Deerhead Chihuahuas are generally considered to be a healthier breed than Applehead Chihuahuas due to their longer, narrower skull structure.

The Chihuahua breed comes in two types: long-haired and short-haired.

The Chihuahua is a small-sized dog, with a weight limit of six pounds and a height of 5 to 8 inches.

There are two distinct head shapes: the apple head and the deer head.

The best way to determine a Chihuahua's head shape is to look at his parents.

The apple head and deer head Chihuahuas can be either long-haired or short-haired.

Chihuahuas mature fully at the age of one and are usually fully grown by six months.

Ancient Toltec art depicts both the deer and the apple-shaped heads, but the reason for the two head shapes is still unknown.

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Chihuahuas are very cheery pups who have a love for life.

They love to play and are very friendly and affectionate toward their family. Chis crave companionship, which makes them very sociable, but also means they may suffer from separation anxiety.

Both kinds are wary of strangers, and if they don’t like something or someone, you will know about it. They may bark a lot when not properly trained or socialized, which can result in over-protectiveness of their family.

Chihuahuas can have a soft spot on their skull, known as a molera, similar to a newborn human baby. This is because their skull hasn't fused properly.

The molera is more common in apple head Chihuahuas than deer head Chihuahuas. This soft spot can be a concern because it leaves an area of no protection on the head.

The Chihuahua Club Of America requires parents to undergo cardiac, ophthalmologist, and patella evaluations to test for Mitral Valve Disease, eye health, and knee joint health.

Training is essential for Chihuahuas, as they can quickly pick up commands, but also have a stubborn streak that makes early obedience training key.

They are fiercely independent and may decide not to partake in training, so consistency and patience are crucial. Chihuahuas are notorious for leaving unexpected surprises around the house due to their small size and lack of potty training.

Early socialization is vital to help them feel comfortable with other humans and larger dogs, reducing their yappy barks and aloofness with strangers. You must train out any nippy or biting behavior early on, as they often get away with it due to being smaller.

Crate training can be helpful in managing separation anxiety, which can develop if they become super attached to their owners.

The apple head Chihuahua's health concerns are a serious consideration for any owner.

The apple head is more prone to breathing problems due to its shorter muzzle and flatter face, which can lead to Brachycephalic Syndrome.

This condition is an umbrella term for severe respiratory diseases caused by a flat face, and it can be life-threatening.

The apple head is also more susceptible to heat-related issues and difficulty regulating body temperature.

A collapsing trachea is another potential issue for the apple head, with the cause unknown but believed to be related to a smaller and weaker windpipe.

Smaller dogs like the apple head Chihuahua breathe more rapidly, which can lead to airflow blockages in the neck.

The apple head's protruding eyes also make it more prone to eye injuries and infections.

If you notice any issues with your apple head Chihuahua's eyes, it's essential to take him to the veterinarian immediately.

Pet insurance can be a valuable investment for any Chihuahua owner, especially considering the potential medical costs associated with these health concerns.

Regular grooming habits are a must for Chihuahuas, regardless of their head type. They should be brushed once a week with a rubber mitt if they have a short-haired coat, or twice a week if they have a long-haired coat.

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Chihuahuas only need to be bathed every two months if they're brushed regularly. Shedding is a problem for these dogs, so managing it with regular grooming is essential.

Their teeth are compact and require brushing two or three times a week to prevent periodontal diseases. Smaller dogs are at a higher risk of developing dental disease, so keeping their teeth clean is a top priority.

A well-groomed Chihuahua is a happy Chihuahua!

For another approach, see: Why Is My Cat's Head so Small?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes only one type of Chihuahua in dog shows, which is the apple head Chihuahua.

Apple head Chihuahuas have a well-rounded and domed skull, big eyes, a less prominent snout, and a more compact and sturdy body.

Deer head Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have a skull shaped more like a deer's head, with a sloped forehead and a longer, narrower snout.

Deer head Chihuahuas are still considered purebred Chihuahuas, but they are not allowed to show in dog shows because they don't meet the breed standards.

It's worth noting that deer head Chihuahuas are often preferred by pet owners and are generally healthier and have fewer genetic issues than apple head Chihuahuas.

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If you're set on bringing a Chihuahua into your family, working with a reputable breeder is a great option. The Chihuahua Club of America (CCA) lists breeders in America who have signed their code of ethics, ensuring they follow strict breeding practices.

The CCA also lists rescuers state by state, making it easy to find a loving home for an orphaned Chihuahua. Rescuing a dog can be a rewarding experience, and you might even save some money compared to buying from a breeder.

Remember to mention your preferences, like a specific head shape, to the breeder so they can find the perfect match for you. If you're interested in rescuing a Chihuahua, check with your veterinarian and local shelters to see if any dogs in your area need a good home.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes only one type of Chihuahua breed standard, which includes a "well rounded 'apple dome' skull, with or without molera." This means that deer head Chihuahuas, which have a different head shape, do not meet the breed standard.

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Deer head Chihuahuas are still considered purebred Chihuahuas, but they won't win any ribbons at conformation shows like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show or Crufts.

If a Chihuahua doesn't meet the AKC's breed standards, it's not necessarily not an actual Chihuahua. You can still register him with the AKC if his parents are also registered.

Deer head Chihuahuas might not be recognized as a separate variety, but other breeds have been recognized as separate varieties in the past. For example, the AKC separated the English Cocker Spaniel into two varieties in 1936.

Chihuahuas can have characteristics of both apple head and deer head varieties, and breeding two Chihuahuas of the same variety doesn't guarantee a litter of the same type.

Many Chihuahuas are born with or develop characteristics of both apple head and deer head, with some featuring a longer muzzle and larger ears, while others have a sloped muzzle and cobby body.

Breeding two apple head Chihuahuas can result in puppies with deer head characteristics, and vice versa.

Chihuahuas with deer head characteristics are often preferred by pet owners and are generally healthier with fewer genetic issues.

The pear head Chihuahua is a less common type, often resulting from breeding an apple head with a deer head Chihuahua, and is characterized by a more pear-shaped head and a flatter skull.

If you're trying to determine if your Chihuahua is a pure-bred, consider the skull shape. A deer head Chihuahua has a longer, more pointed skull.

Mixed breed Chihuahuas can inherit traits from both parents, making identification tricky.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn't distinguish between apple head or deer head Chihuahuas, but rather requires a "well-rounded 'apple dome' skull, with or without molera" in their breed standards.

You can still have a purebred Chihuahua without the characteristic apple-shaped head, and you can still register him with the AKC, assuming he's a pedigree whose parents are also registered.

The AKC and other canine organizations use breed standards for judging dogs at conformation shows, which means that deer head Chihuahuas, like any other Chihuahua that doesn't meet the standards, won't win points or championship titles.

The difference between an apple head and a deer head Chihuahua can be subtle, but it's not just about the head shape. You have to look at the whole body, leg length, and body shape to determine which type your Chihuahua is.

The Chihuahua breed has two main variations: apple head and deer head. These terms describe the shape of the dog's muzzle and facial structure.

The apple head Chihuahua has a round, apple-like head with a 90-degree angle where the muzzle joins the forehead.

Deer head Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have a longer, deer-like head with a sloped junction of approximately 45 degrees where the muzzle joins the forehead.

Pre-Columbian artifacts discovered in Central America depict small dogs with both apple and deer-shaped heads, suggesting this evolutionary split occurred before the Europeans discovered the New World.

Some breed experts believe the Techichi, a small ancient dog, is the Chihuahua's true ancestor, while others think the Techichi is the deer head variety's true ancestor.

Here's a summary of the key differences between apple head and deer head Chihuahuas:

It's worth noting that the difference in head shape can be subtle, and other characteristics, such as leg length and body shape, can also help determine whether a Chihuahua is an apple head or a deer head.

On a similar theme: Bull Terrier Head Shape

In conclusion, understanding the breed is key to being a responsible and loving owner.

The Chihuahua's fierce and confident personality shines through in both the apple head and deer head varieties.

Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a first-time pet parent, it's essential to remember that your Chihuahua's unique characteristics don't define their temperament.

Both types of Chihuahuas are known for their fun-loving nature, making them a great companion for families and individuals alike.

With patience, love, and proper care, you can help your Chihuahua thrive and become a beloved member of your family.