Chihuahuas with Big Heads: A Comprehensive Guide to Ownership

Owning a Chihuahua with a big head can be a delightful experience, but it's essential to understand their unique needs and characteristics.

These dogs are prone to a condition called hydrocephalus, which causes an accumulation of fluid in the brain, leading to a larger-than-usual head size.

Chihuahuas with big heads can be sensitive to temperature extremes, so it's crucial to keep them indoors during extremely hot or cold weather.

Their small size belies their big personalities, and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

A Chihuahua is a small dog breed that originated in Mexico. They typically weigh between 2-8 pounds and stand about 6-10 inches tall at the shoulder.

One of the distinctive features of Chihuahuas is their large head, which is often disproportionate to their small body. This is due to their unique skull structure, which is characterized by a flat forehead and a well-defined stop.

Broaden your view: Small Head

The apple head Chihuahua is the only type recognized in dog shows and by the American Kennel Club.

This type is obviously called an apple head because of its apple shape, with a well-rounded and domed head.

They have big eyes and a less prominent snout compared to other Chihuahua types.

The apple head Chihuahua has a more compact and sturdy body than some other types of Chihuahuas.

Broaden your view: Different Kinds of Chihuahua Dogs

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a purebred dog. This tiny breed has a rich history that's worth exploring.

The Apple Head Chihuahua and the Deer Head Chihuahua are two different types of Chihuahua; not separate dog breeds. They're often confused with each other, but they have distinct characteristics.

The Chihuahua breed has a unique head shape, with two distinct types: Apple Head and Deer Head.

On a similar theme: How Many Types of Chihuahuas Are There

Chihuahuas with big heads, also known as Deer Head Chihuahuas, have a similar personality to their Apple Head counterparts, being brave, alert, strong-willed, and independent.

They're also very intelligent and can form a strong attachment to a single owner, responding best to gentle but firm training methods. Both Apple Head and Deer Head Chihuahuas can be prone to destructive behaviors if not properly trained and socialized.

Chihuahuas as a whole are very friendly and affectionate towards their family, but may suffer from separation anxiety due to their strong desire for companionship. They're also known to be wary of strangers and can be quite protective of their family.

Both Apple Head and Deer Head Chihuahuas have a medium prey drive, meaning they'll chase small furry creatures if they see them. They're also very quick and can disappear out of sight if something catches their eye.

For another approach, see: Chihuahua Deer Head vs Applehead

Chihuahuas are known to be very sociable and affectionate toward their family, often described as having cheeky terrier-like temperament qualities. They crave companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Both Apple Head and Deer Head Chihuahuas are wary of strangers and can be protective of their family, making them good guard dogs. They will let you know if they don't like something or someone.

Chihuahuas are intelligent and confident, but also stubborn and strong-willed. They can be prone to destructive behaviors like growling, snapping, and biting if not properly trained or socialized.

Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have a medium prey drive and will chase small furry creatures if they see them. The Deer Head Chihuahua is more athletic and can disappear quickly in pursuit of a toy or a squirrel.

Chihuahuas are very vocal and can bark a lot if not properly trained or socialized. They may snap if their behavior is not corrected, but with gentle and firm training, they can learn to be well-behaved companions.

On a similar theme: How Long Does a Deer Head Chihuahua Live

In some cases, a litter of Chihuahua puppies can have a mix of Apple Head and Deer Head characteristics.

It's possible for one Chihuahua to display characteristics of both varieties, especially if the litter has one Apple Head and one Deer Head parent.

A litter can have both Apple Head and Deer Head puppies or identical individuals that look like a mix of the two varieties.

Related reading: How Long Do Chihuahuas Mix Live

Chihuahuas require regular grooming to stay healthy and shiny. They need to 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.

Brushing their teeth two or three times a week is crucial to prevent periodontal diseases, as they have smaller mouths and a higher risk of dental disease.

As they shed, managing their coat with regular grooming habits is essential, and they typically only need a bath every two months.

You might enjoy: How Often Should Chihuahuas Be Walked

Grooming is a vital aspect of Chihuahua care, and it's essential to understand their specific needs.

A short-haired Chihuahua requires a brush with a rubber mitt once a week to stay shiny and healthy.

For long-haired Chihuahuas, regular brushing is crucial to prevent tangling, and they need to be brushed twice a week.

As Chihuahuas shed, regular grooming habits can help manage this process.

Chihuahuas only need one bath every two months if they are brushed regularly.

Smaller mouths mean smaller teeth, which require brushing two or three times a week to prevent periodontal diseases.

Keeping their teeth clean is a top priority, especially for Chihuahuas, as they are at a higher risk of developing dental disease.

Chihuahuas need regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort and health issues.

Their nails should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks, or as needed, depending on their lifestyle and environment.

Chihuahuas are prone to dental problems, so regular brushing is essential to prevent tartar buildup and promote good oral health.

Their teeth should be brushed at least 2-3 times a week, using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.

Their ears should be cleaned weekly to prevent wax buildup and infections.

See what others are reading: Common Ailments in Chihuahuas

Training an Apple Head Chihuahua requires early socialization and obedience training to ensure they become well-behaved at home and in public.

As they have a delicate build, exercise-based training needs to be slow and careful, without forcing them to do too much too quickly.

Establishing clear boundaries and being firm but gentle is crucial, as this breed can be strong-willed and want to do things their own way.

Reward-based training and plenty of praise for good behavior and obedience will work well in shaping their behavior.

Training a dog requires patience and consistency. This is especially true for Apple Head Chihuahuas, which need to be trained and socialized early to become well-behaved at home and in public.

These tiny dogs have a strong personality and may want to do things their own way, so it's essential to be firm but gentle and persistent when training. Boundaries need to be set early and enforced to prevent unwanted behavior.

Exercise-based training should be slow and careful, as Apple Head Chihuahuas have a small and delicate build. They can tire easily, so it's crucial to pace yourself and avoid forcing them to do too much too quickly.

Reward-based training and plenty of praise for good behavior and obedience work well for this breed. Establishing who the leader is early on is also vital, as Apple Head Chihuahuas can be prone to taking charge.

Suggestion: How Long Do Applehead Chihuahuas Live

Chihuahuas are tiny and fragile, so they can get hurt easily, making a secure living space with outdoor run-around space a must.

This small dog is energetic and would benefit from regular short, brisk walks.

Even as a puppy, they need lots of daily exercises and to be kept occupied, which is why early leash training is strongly recommended.

A closed yard is ideal for providing a safe space for them to run around and get the exercise they need.

Early leash training and road awareness are crucial to keep this determined puppy safe.

Feeding your Chihuahua with a big head requires careful attention to their specific needs. They need high-quality, protein-based dog food, as recommended by your Vet.

A good option is to feed them small dog kibble, with size and weight appropriate for their breed. Be careful not to overfeed, as this can lead to health problems.

They need lots of water to drink, so make sure their water bowl is always full and easily accessible.

Take a look at this: Average Lifespan of a Large Dog

Chihuahuas with big heads, also known as Deer Head Chihuahuas, have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from their Apple Head counterparts. They have a more angular and narrower head shape, with a gentle 45-degree slope from the forehead into the snout.

Their heads are more deer-shaped, without the broad dome of an Apple Head Chihuahua. They also have larger and less-pronounced eyes compared to Apple Head Chihuahuas. Typically, Deer Head Chihuahuas are a little bigger than Apple Head Chihuahuas, with some dogs approaching a foot tall and weighing 10 or 12 pounds.

In terms of size, Deer Head Chihuahuas are usually taller and heavier than Apple Head Chihuahuas, with a height range of five to eight inches and a weight range of up to six pounds.

A different take: Pictures of Applehead Chihuahuas

The Apple Head Chihuahua's most distinctive feature is its dome-shaped head, resembling an apple with large, protruding eyes and a short snout that meets the head at a 90-degree angle.

Typically, Apple Head Chihuahuas are smaller than the Deer Head variety, standing at five to eight inches in height and weighing up to six pounds.

They usually have short necks and legs, with a compact build that's easy to recognize.

Apple Head Chihuahuas may have long or short coats, and come in a variety of colors including white, tan, black, fawn, sable, and other colors with markings.

Related reading: Different Colors of Chihuahuas

White-tailed deer are a common species found in North America, while mule deer are more commonly found in the western regions of the continent.

Mule deer have larger ears compared to their head size, whereas white-tailed deer have relatively small ears.

White-tailed deer have a more slender build and longer legs than mule deer, which makes them well-suited for running.

Mule deer have a more robust build and stockier legs, which allows them to move through dense vegetation more easily.

The white-tailed deer's coat is typically reddish-brown in the summer and grayish-brown in the winter, while the mule deer's coat is more grayish-brown year-round.

Both species have a similar lifespan, typically living between 2-5 years in the wild.

You might like: White Fluffy Chihuahuas