The Chihuahua breed is more popularly classified as long-haired or short-haired. However, you can also identify these Mexican dogs as having deer or apple heads!
Among the two head shape varieties, the apple head is favored by many Chihuahua fanatics. But why is this so? Does this have something to do with health or just aesthetics?
Learning about the standard apple head Chihuahua can help shed more light on the breed in general. Together, let’s look into the facts about this Chihuahua type!
What Is an Apple Head Chihuahua?
An apple head Chihuahua is a subcategory of the popular Chihuahua breed. They have dome-like, apple-shaped heads that are considered standard to the breed. They are known to originate in ancient Central America and are believed to have descended from the ancient Techichi dog.
If you’ve seen a Chihuahua before, you probably noticed that most of them have rounded heads that resemble an apple. By default, this is how standard Chihuahuas look.
An interesting fact, though, is that this head shape doesn’t pass through the birth canal easily.
On another note, you might also come across a Chihuahua with a deer head which is not a separate breed but only a different variety.
You can also call the apple head Chihuahua by other creative names like apple dome head Chihuahua, apple head Chi, teacup Chihuahua, Chi-Chi, Hua-Hua, or Techichi Chihuahua.
Sometimes, it is also spelled as one word — applehead Chihuahua — but it is still the same breed.
Are Apple Head Chihuahuas Rare?
Since apple head Chihuahuas are considered the breed standard, they are the most common Chihuahuas you can find.
It might be more challenging to find deer head Chihuahuas than apple heads since breeders don’t prefer them.
However, it is rare to find a pure white apple head Chihuahua with a short or long coat. Solid colors like black, merle, and brindle are also uncommon. Cream or double-colored dogs are more popular colors.
Apple Head Chihuahua vs. Deer Head Chihuahua: What’s the Difference?
A Chihuahua can be an apple head or deer head. While the main difference between the two is obviously their head shape, there are also some distinctions you must catch to distinguish them.
Let’s first discuss their head shapes in depth. Apple head Chihuahuas have rounded “apple dome” heads positioned at a 90-degree angle where their short snout meets the forehead.
To better visualize how it looks, here is a photo of an apple head Chihuahua:
Deer head Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have longer head that resembles actual deer.
When inspected closely, it has a sloped junction of approximately 45 degrees where its long, pointed muzzle joins the forehead. Gidget, the famous Taco Bell Chihuahua, actually has a deer head.
To spot the difference, take a look at this photo of a deer headed Chihuahua:
Unlike apple head Chihuahuas, deer head Chihuahuas have less pronounced eyes due to their elongated face that resembles young deer.
They are also generally larger in size with longer legs and a longer neck than an apple head. The ears are also larger and more pointed for the deer head variety.
All apple heads tend to develop moleras which are soft spots found on top of a Chihuahua’s head. This soft spot can vary in shape and size for males and females. Deer head Chihuahuas can also have moleras, but it is less common.
In terms of eligibility in conformation dog shows, only apple head Chihuahuas are accepted to participate.
Since kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) prefers apple-like facial features, apple heads are the only ones allowed to be in the show ring.
Meanwhile, deer heads can only be registered as an official Chihuahua dog breed.
Healthwise, a deer head Chihuahua has fewer health problems than an apple head. There are also claims that a deer head is less aggressive than an apple head Chihuahua, although this has yet to be proven.
Despite the differences, these varieties also have several things in common. Both the apple head and deer head Chihuahuas can be short-haired or long-haired.
They can also come in the same coat colors, including black, white, tan, red, fawn, and sable.
Apple Head Chihuahua Appearance
Since you now have an idea of how an apple head Chihuahua looks, let’s take your knowledge to the next level!
According to the breed standards issued by the Chihuahua Club of America (CCA), the apple head Chihuahua has a rounded apple dome skull which makes its physical characteristics resemble a human baby.
Along with their round heads, apple head Chihuahuas feature a short muzzle, short jaw and neck, and large, protruding eyes.
Typically, their eye color is dark brown. Those with light-colored coats tend to have lighter brown eyes. Occasionally, fawn and white Chihuahuas have hazel or green eyes.
Some of the most common apple head Chihuahua colors are brown and black. But white and merle Chihuahuas also exist.
Their build is generally lean and rounded but not barrel-shaped as per the breed standard. Compared to the long legs of the deer head, an apple head has shorter legs. Their tails are moderately long and loop over their backs.
Overall, you can expect a tiny dog with either a long coat or a short coat variety. Long-haired Chihuahuas have soft coats that have flat or wavy hair.
Feathering on the chest, legs, and feet is also desired for this small dog. The tail should also be plumed.
This is what a long-haired Chihuahua with an apple head looks like:
Short-haired or smooth coat apple head Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have a soft and glossy coat texture that is close to the skin according to the breed standard.
A subtle ruff on the neck is preferred, while the hair should be sparse on the head and ears.
The photo below shows a short-haired, apple headed Chihuahua:
Aside from short and long hairs, the apple head can also appear in hairless Chihuahuas.
Moreover, as the dog reaches three to four months old, their soft spot called molera is expected to close up or get smaller.
If you want to witness the cuteness of an apple head Chihuahua puppy, check out the video below:
Apple Head Chihuahua Size and Weight
Apple head Chihuahuas are small dogs that grow between 9 and 10 inches tall and weigh around 3 to 6 pounds. They reach their full size between 10 to 12 months, and this applies to Chihuahuas with short or long hair.
If you want an even smaller purse dog, breeders also offer apple head teacup Chihuahuas or micro Chihuahuas. These cuties only weigh three pounds at most and have a maximum height of six inches.
Apple Head Chihuahua Temperament and Personality
Chihuahuas are known to be bold and confident dogs, so you can expect the apple head Chihuahua to be just as daring.
But because of their aggressive streak, these dogs are only well suited for single or adult couples and families without young children.
Regardless of their head shape, the breed standard says Chihuahuas are alert and courageous, making them excellent watchdogs.
They are extremely wary of strangers and very sensitive to the people around them. If energetic kids are to engage in rough play with an apple head Chihuahua, they might be at risk of getting injured.
Having two apple head Chihuahuas at home might be a call for trouble. It’s very likely that they will not get along.
However, you can condition your dog to be more welcoming and friendly to other pets, especially larger dogs and cats, with early training.
As a toy dog breed, an applehead Chihuahua is often spoiled by its owners. This is a very dangerous way of raising a dog because they will grow insecure and develop separation anxiety.
It’s important to let them become independent while simultaneously providing guidance and support.
Apple Head Chihuahua Lifespan and Health Issues
Luckily for owners, an apple head Chihuahua can live anywhere between 15 and 20 years. Despite their long life expectancy, you need to watch out for diseases and common health problems associated with this dog breed.
If you want your pet to be your companion for a long time, you need to ensure that they won’t develop the following health issues:
- Patellar Luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap of your dog is misaligned. Small dogs like the apple head Chihuahua are genetically predisposed to patellar luxation. Through surgery, the position of the kneecap can be corrected.
- Hypoglycemia: A dog with hypoglycemia has a low sugar blood level, resulting in disorientation and even coma. Some of the clinical signs of this condition include weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite, and seizures. Puppies that are less than three months old can also develop hypoglycemia.
- Mitral Valve Disease: When the heart’s mitral valve wears out over time due to high pressure in the left ventricle, a dog can have mitral valve disease. This often results in heart murmurs that can develop as early as 4 to 6 years old.
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Due to their skull shape, apple head Chihuahuas can experience breathing problems, more commonly known as brachycephalic airway syndrome. This is a set of abnormalities that obstruct the respiratory airways. Over time, difficulty in the dog’s breathing can cause a strain on the heart.
Now that you are armed with knowledge about these various diseases, you can take extra measures to ensure the health of your apple head Chihuahua.
How to Care for Your Apple Head Chihuahua
Taking care of an apple head Chihuahua means knowing how to handle a small dog with strict needs. Food and exercise should be restricted to their size, while grooming should also be done regularly.
To know the specific know-how of being an apple head Chihuahua owner, here is a detailed guide on feeding, grooming, and training one.
Food and Diet
Start by choosing the best quality dog food for your pup. Consult your veterinarian about what ingredients to look out for since Chihuahuas are prone to being fat.
If you plan to give a raw food diet, make sure to provide a good balance of meat and vegetables such as peas, carrots, and broccoli.
A three-month-old puppy should be fed at least four times a week. Meanwhile, an adult apple head Chihuahua should be fed only twice a day.
Cleaning and Grooming
In terms of grooming, an apple head Chihuahua is relatively low maintenance, especially if you have a short-haired variety.
Regular brushing is required for those with long coats. Weekly grooming should be done to keep the hair clean and free from ticks and fleas.
Using a damp cloth or eye wipes, clean off any eye discharge or tear stain that accumulated. Trim their nails every month and also brush their teeth at least two to three times a week.
Training and Exercise
Apple head Chihuahuas are intelligent but also very strong-willed. However, with reward-based training, it’s possible to teach them basic commands and obedience.
Start training them at an early age to prevent stubbornness as adults.
Despite their size, apple head Chihuahuas need a lot of exercises every day. Allocate at least 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity outside or inside the house to help them stay active and stimulated.
How Much Does an Apple Head Chihuahua Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
When purchasing from a reputable breeder, an apple head Chihuahua puppy costs between $700 and $1,500.
In general, apple heads are priced higher than deer heads. The final price of a puppy is also affected by the bloodline of the Chihuahua’s parents, coat color, breeder reputation, location, and other expenses.
Before starting their new life, your Chihuahua should have a complete set of essential dog items. To get an idea of how much you need to prepare for initial expenses, refer to the table below:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
To avoid spending a hefty sum of money on products, search ahead of time for cheaper options online or at the nearest pet shop in your area.
Places to Find Apple Head Chihuahua Puppies for Sale and Adoption
As the national dog of Mexico and a favorite lapdog of many canine lovers, there’s no denying that Chihuahuas are in demand across the globe.
In the United States alone, you’ll find many breeders offering apple head Chihuahuas.
If you want to buy top-quality apple head Chihuahuas, check out the breeders from this list:
- Terlingua Chihuahuas – This is a heritage Chihuahua breeder that preserves the breed of the traditional Chihuahua. They strive to produce Chihuahuas that are smart, healthy, well-tempered, and with features according to breed standards. They cater to those residing in Tennessee.
- Salem’s Finest AKC Chihuahuas – This is another reputable breeder that provides home-raised, pre-spoiled, and companion apple head Chihuahuas. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns. They offer both long and short-haired types.
- Brislin Chihuahuas – All of the apple head Chihuahua puppies produced by this breeder are suited for conformation shows. They all come from a bloodline of champion Chihuahuas. Those who are not interested in getting a show dog can purchase a pet puppy instead.
If you find adoption more ethical and budget-friendly, drop by or message the following rescue groups on this list:
- Chihuahua Rescue & Transport (CRT) – You can adopt apple head Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes from this foster-based rescue. Operating since 1996, they were able to place thousands of dogs into permanent homes. You can also get a pup for free if you choose to become a volunteer.
- Texas Chihuahua Rescue (TXCR) – This is a fairly new rescue organization established in 2015. Their service is not limited to the state of Texas alone. They work with various groups in different states so that an unwanted Chihuahua won’t end up getting euthanized in an animal shelter.
- Ay Chihuahua Rescue – Based in Austin, Texas, this rescue aims to rehabilitate and rehome all abandoned Chihuahuas, including apple head and deer head types. Behavior assessment is also done on all rescued pups.
Instead of adopting from a local shelter, you can bring home an apple head Chihuahua from a rescue organization that ensures their health and overall condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Apple Head Chihuahuas Bark a Lot?
Applehead Chihuahuas are known to be prolific barkers. They usually bark when they want to seek attention or when they are provoked. Strangers will most likely be barked at aggressively.
Are Apple Head Chihuahuas More Active?
In general, Chihuahuas are an active breed. Daily exercise and interactive play should be routinely done every day to keep your apple head Chihuahua occupied. Without physical stimulation, they will grow bored and frustrated.
What Are the 2 Types of Chihuahuas?
The only recognized types of Chihuahuas, according to American Kennel Club, are long-haired and smooth-coat varieties.
Apple head and deer head Chihuahuas are only informal varieties of the breed. However, many Chihuahua lovers identify them through their head shape.
Final Thoughts
If you want a toy breed with an adorable look and energetic personality, an apple head is the right fit for you.
Unlike a deer head Chihuahua, this dog can be registered to join competitions in the show ring. Similarly, they make good house pets.
However, if you have young children at home, an apple head Chihuahua may not be a good choice. You are also better off having them as your sole pet since they don’t get along well with other animals, even other Chihuahuas.
They will be happiest with an owner who gives them enough (but not too much) attention and keeps them stimulated with indoor or outdoor activities.
Do you think an apple head Chihuahua is the right pet for you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
