The deer head Chihuahua is one of two Chihuahua varieties, the other type of Chihuahua is the apple head. It’s not difficult to differentiate between the two Chihuahua types, but we will explain the difference between apple head chihuahuas and deer head in this article. Should you be contemplating owning a Chihuahua, we will give you all the insights you need.
Briefly, deer head Chihuahuas are the larger dog; they have more prominent ears and longer limbs. They are also often referred to as reindeer Chihuahuas. Both deer head and apple head Chihuahuas can have a long or short-haired coat.
Let’s look at the differences more closely.
Everything You Need To Know About The Deer Head Chihuahua:
Chihuahua Fanciers and breeders refer to the two types of Chihuahua as either deer head or apple head; this description depends on the characteristics of the dogs. It’s important to note that there is no official listing of two varieties as far as the Chihuahua breed standard’s description. The only distinction between Chihuahuas recognized by all the major kennel clubs is the coat; there is a long-haired Chihuahua and a short-haired Chihuahua.
However, the breed standard stipulates a “rounded, apple dome” head. This description eliminates the deer head Chihuahua from being entered into competitions because they don’t meet the breed standard. We’ll cover more on this later in the article.
1. Deer Head Chihuahua Vs. Apple Head Chihuahua
Deer head and apple head are not an official description of these two types of Chihuahua. Breeders use the terms to describe the physical characteristics of the dogs. There are no apparent differences in the temperament and personality between deer and apple head Chihuahuas; it’s all about the appearance.
Deer Head Chihuahuas have the facial features of a young deer; they have a longer muzzle and a narrow head. Where the muzzle meets the head, there is a gentle slope of about 45 degrees. On the other hand, apple head Chihuahuas have a much shorter, more round-shaped head; the top of the head should resemble the curve of an apple. A shorter head means a shorter muzzle, and it meets the head at a more abrupt angle.
There are some other different characteristics which we will discuss, but we should look at why there are different kinds of Chihuahua.
2. Why Are There Two Varieties Of Chihuahua?
During the Chihuahua’s history, two varieties of Chihuahua came into being, which we now call the deer head Chihuahua and the apple head Chihuahua. No one can offer a definitive explanation why this should have occurred. There is evidence that the separation happened before Europeans made the journey to South America.
The theory is an ancient dog, the Techichi, is the ancestor of the modern-day Chihuahua. The Techichi was a tiny mute dog that lived with the Toltec people from Mexico twelve centuries ago. The suggestion is the Techichi was crossed with an early version of the Chinese Crested (before they went to China) to produce the deer head Chihuahua. Chinese Crested dogs don’t originate in China, irrespective of their name; they come from Mexico; there are two hairless and the Powderpuff varieties.
We’ll never get to the truth of the matter; it’s far too long ago, and there doesn’t appear to be any documented evidence one way or the other. But whatever happened, we now have two varieties.
3. Difference Between Apple Head And Deer Head Chihuahua
- The deer head has longer legs, giving the deer head Chihuahua more height.
- They have more significant ears; although similar to the apple head, they sit erect on top of the dog’s head.
- Deer head Chihuahuas have a longer neck.
- The muzzle and jawline of the deer head are also longer than the apple head.
- The apple head’s muzzle meets the head abruptly, whereas the deer head’s muzzle meets with a gentle slope.
- Deer heads can have a moleras ( a gap in the top of the skull), although it’s less frequent than in apple heads.
- Deer heads weigh more than apple heads.
- Many owners believe the deer head to be less aggressive than apple heads.
- They also believe the deer head is the healthier of the two variants.
- Deer head Chihuahuas are more commonly found with fawn color coats.
- The AKC does not recognize the deer head as an official variety and is therefore banned from competitions because the dog doesn’t conform to breed standards.
4. Deer Head Chihuahuas Size And Look
If you’ve ever had reason to look closely at a baby deer, you can see the resemblance between them and the deer head Chihuahua. Both have a long narrow muzzle, significant ears, and a gently sloping forehead. As mentioned, the deer head Chihuahua can have either a short or long coat. Surprisingly, even though the breed standard calls for the physical features of the apple head, the deer head is the more popular variant.
It’s highly probable Gidget, the Taco Bell mascot is the reason why. For eight years, she was on national television in front of millions of Americans extolling the virtues of the Mexican taco. Through the 1990s, she single-handedly ensured the enduring popularity of the deer head Chihuahua.
By the mid-1800s, these tiny dogs were popular in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, which is how the dog came by his name. By the 1880s, enterprising Mexicans began selling the dogs to American tourists on their way out of Mexico and back into the States.
5. How Big Does A Deer Head Chihuahua Get?
As mentioned, deer head Chihuahuas are more significant than their apple head counterparts. They are taller, and they weigh more. Of course, they are still tiny dogs, and breeders consider them toy dogs. The AKC puts the Chihuahua (for all intents and purposes, the apple head Chihuahua) into their Toy Group.
Deer head Chihuahuas weigh between 7 and 10 pounds and grow as tall as 15 inches; the average for the deer head is typically around 8 to 12 inches.
6. Deer Head Chihuahua Temperament
A Chihuahua’s personality and attitude go before it. Often seen as aggressive little dogs and referred to by names such as “ankle biters.” While they have wacky and quirky personalities, it’s unfair to tarnish a Chihuahua with these less than desirable names. Yes, without a doubt, they do have a fiery, scrappy, and not a tiny amount of cockiness-type personality.
But how would you feel if you had to view the world from only six inches off the ground; you would develop defense mechanisms as well. But Chihuahuas are animated and hugely expressive dogs. They love their owners with a passion, and even though they are so tiny, they would attempt to protect them from harm.
Suppose a Chihuahua puppy is on your shopping list, and he’s going to be a family dog. In that case, you should be aware Chihuahuas tend to gravitate towards one member of the family. That’s not to say they won’t love the entire family; it’s just Chihuahuas love one person more than any other; even when it comes down to obedience, they will listen and obey their “special” person more.
7. Deer Head Chihuahua Personality
Two factors will determine the personality of a deer head Chihuahua more than anything else. These are the breeding lines of your puppy and the level of training and socialization. You must research the breeder thoroughly. Check the parents and grandparents out and ensure you have all the health guarantees necessary.
We shouldn’t be so quick to blame the Chihuahua’s personality for their bad behavior or aggressive tendencies because it’s the fault of many owners. This attitude is not just with Chihuahuas; it extends to many of the toy breeds.
Because they are tiny, owners don’t feel the need to train, take to obedience classes, and generally socialize their dogs correctly. Not only that, but they don’t punish bad behavior; some owners would instead attempt to soothe and make excuses for the dog. It’s a shame because Chihuahuas are bright sparks and learn quickly. They are an easy dog to train given patience, firm, and consistent handling.
8. Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Good With Children?
Chihuahuas don’t accept being handled roughly by young children. They run out of patience very quickly and can snap and growl at young children. If you have older children and bring a Chihuahua puppy home, as long as you teach the kids how to behave with tiny delicate dogs, Chihuahuas can make excellent pets for them. Very young children or toddlers can be clumsy when they try to grab and pull on a tiny dog like the Chihuahua; it’s easy to damage their fragile bones this way.
9. How Long Do Deer Head Chihuahuas Live?
A healthy and well-looked after deer head Chihuahua has a life expectancy between 15 to 20 years, which is an incredible lifespan for a dog.
The Above physical characteristics and Chihuahua lifespan are the same for a short or long-haired deer head Chihuahua. Remember, when you choose a long-haired Chihuahua over a short hair, you give yourself a lot more work. They need grooming frequently, especially the fringes of hair growing down from their ears. These can gather tangles and mats very quickly.
Summary – The Deer Head Chihuahua
The deer head Chihuahua is a tiny dog but in that petite frame is a powerhouse of personality, masses of energy, and enough courage for five dogs.
Remember to give your deer head Chi plenty of socialization and training if you want to avoid any personality issues down the road. You don’t want or need to be making excuses for him all the time. It’s so much better for you and your deer head Chihuahua to be proud of his behavior, not embarrassed.
