The Chihuahua is a popular dog breed that has been featured in many movies, most famously in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “Legally Blonde“. These adorable pups come in a variety of colors, hair lengths, and head shapes, but most commonly, Chihuahuas are categorized into either the Apple Head vs Dear Head Chihuahuas variety.
The difference between Apple Head vs Deer Head Chihuahuas is the shape and size of their skulls. Apple Head Chihuahuas have a more vertical profile that descends from the top of the head to the muzzle by about 90 degrees.
Deer Head chihuahuas have a more sloped profile that descends from the top of the head to the muzzle by about 45 degrees. In this comprehensive article, we will delve deeper into the fascinating world of these Chihuahuas, exploring their unique characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.
Apple Head Chihuahua Overview
The general information for this adorable breed is as follows:
- Average Height (adult): 5-9 inches
- Average Weight (adult): 2-6 pounds
- Lifespan: 14-16 years
- Exercise: High
- Grooming needs: High
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Sometimes
- Trainability: High
The Apple Head Chihuahua is family-friendly and a fun-loving dog that enjoys the attention of its family members yet doesn’t mind spending time alone. This variety of Chihuahua is considered the breed standard, so they tend to be a little more expensive.
Their heads truly are shaped like apples, with a slight indent at the top of the head. Apple Head Chihuahuas tend to have shorter necks than their Deer Head counterparts, and their eyes tend to be more pronounced and noticeable.
They also seem to have slightly shorter snouts, giving them a “puppy” look that tends to stick with them throughout adulthood.
Personality
This type of Chihuahua is friendly with family members and other animals they live with, yet they tend to be wary of strangers. They like to bark when strangers intrude on what they perceive as their private territory.
Regular puppy socialization from a young age will help the Chi become an interactive dog that human friends and other dogs at the dog park can appreciate. They like attention and don’t enjoy spending time alone at home.
Training
These Chihuahuas are smart and can learn obedience commands and tricks easily. However, they do have a bit of a stubborn streak, so patients should be practiced during each training session. Opting for professional group training sessions will allow this slightly shy dog to gain confidence and learn how to properly interact with others.
Health and Care
Apple Head Chihuahuas tend to have shorter hair, but not always. Either way, they should be brushed weekly to keep their coats clean and free of tangles. Their nails should be trimmed once a month or so to keep them from cracking and chipping. These dogs are generally healthy and can live to be 16 years old if properly cared for.
However, there are health concerns to be aware of. Eye disease, idiopathic epilepsy, and patellar luxation are all conditions that the veterinarian should monitor in Chihuahuas. Other possible health problems include patent ductus arteriosus and heart abnormalities.
This Chihuahua variety makes for a great family dog. They are very good with kids and are fiercely loyal to their human pack leader. The pup can get along with other animals, but they must be well-socialized from a young age to do so.
They are fine in an apartment setting if they can get out for exercise and bathroom breaks several times a day. They will thrive in a house setting that has things like a fenced yard.
Deer Head Chihuahua Overview
Before you ask “Are Deer Head Chihuahuas good”, consider their overall features:
- Average Height (adult): 8-12 inches
- Average Weight (adult): 6-10 pounds
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Exercise: Moderate
- Grooming needs: Moderate
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Sometimes
- Trainability: High
This Chihuahua has a head shaped like that of a deer. They have longer necks and foreheads, and their eyes are less pronounced, giving them a slightly inquisitive look.
Deer Head Chihuahuas are usually larger in size and weight than Apple Heads. This type of Chihuahua became popular in the 1990s and has gained attention from families around the world ever since. These are energetic dogs that love company and adventures.
Personality
This Deer Head Chihuahua mix is slightly less exuberant than their Apple Head counterparts, yet they are still naturally inquisitive and fun-loving. They may run and hide when unfamiliar visitors come to the house, but it will not take long for them to come out of their shells and get to know everyone involved.
They need little exercise and prefer a walk each day just to stretch their legs and smell the flowers. Otherwise, a few toys to play with in the house should keep them engaged, exercised, and occupied.
They are independent enough to stay home while their owners work, but they would love to accompany their family on weekend outings.
Training
Deer Head Chihuahuas are intelligent and love to please their family members, so they tend to take to training well. Deer head Chihuahuas should start training while still puppies, or they could end up trying to take over the household.
Like the Apple Head Chihuahua, these dogs should be socialized with other animals and people from the time they are puppies to ensure that they do not become aggressive as they age. Training can be done in-house or in a group setting, depending on the owner’s preferences.
Health and Care
Interestingly, this Chihuahua tends to be prone to fewer health problems. Nobody knows exactly why, but it is thought that genetics plays a strong role.
This is not to say that there are no health issues to be aware of. These Chihuahuas are prone to reverse sneezing problems, tracheal collapse, and periodontal issues.
These Chihuahuas are excitable and interactive, yet they expect to have plenty of downtime throughout the day. They do not need much exercise, making them the perfect pet option for apartment dwellers. This kind of Chihuahua does enjoy the company of children but does not tolerate being pulled at or teased.
They can live with other animals, but they are territorial dogs, which could become a problem without setting strong boundaries within the household. They should always be supervised while spending time with other animals and children that do not live in their household.
The main differences between the two main Chihuahua types
Apple Head vs Deer Head Chihuahuas
Apple Head vs Deer Head Chihuahuas have multiple differences to consider before deciding which to adopt for your household. Apple Heads are more dependent, and they do not seem to need as much exercise. Both varieties enjoy outings, whether on foot or by vehicle.
They both make great family pets, but the Apple Head is more stubborn and tends to take a little more commitment when it comes to training than the Deer Head. We think that both Chihuahuas have so much to bring to the table and that any family should feel proud to have either as a family member.
And, if you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, you can check out a licensed breeder, and the answer of “can you breed an Applehead and Deer Head Chihuahua” will be answered once and for good.
