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The definitive guide to keeping your chihuahua happy, healthy and full of life.

 

Deer Head Chihuahua Versus Apple Head Chihuahua

by Renee Dietz on October 5th, 2005

The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog with a very, disputed origin. Regardless, most will weigh between four and six pounds and if cared for properly, can easily live to 18 years or more. Although the Chihuahua is not necessarily a good guard dog, simply due to size, they do have a keen sense of awareness, protection, and loyalty to the owner, which makes it one of the best watch dogs you could get. They will alert you to activity with a powerful bark that for such a little dog can be surprising.

This breed of dog is very alert, graceful, and swift moving. They have a huge heart but with a saucy attitude. The eyes are full and set wide apart with a somewhat buggy appearance, the ears large and erect, and the coat is shiny, which can be long or short. The head of the Chihuahua is one of this breed’s distinguishing marks. First, the Chihuahua has what is called a natural molera. Like a human, the skull has three sections and a soft pad at the top of the skull. For dogs, this is extremely rare.

Because the head is so round, many people refer to it as an “apple” head or “apple dome.” Now, when a Chihuahua has a different shaped head due to a much narrower skull, it is referred to as a deer head Chihuahua, resembling a deer. For example, the Chihuahua you see in the Taco Bell commercial is a deer head Chihuahua. Most people prefer the apple dome but with the deer head Chihuahua becoming so popular, in part due to the commercials, some breeders are deliberately breeding deer head Chihuahuas as a means of making money.

The problem is that while this does not affect the quality of the Chihuahua’s life, a deer head Chihuahua would not be show quality nor do they make good breeders since this trait would likely be passed on to other generations. In fact, in the world of Chihuahuas, this is considered a defect. Because some people think this is natural and how the dog should look, they will unsuspectingly purchase a deer head from a greedy breeder, only to discover the head is disproportional.

Sadly, because of the irresponsibility of some breeders, you will find many deer head Chihuahuas winding up in rescue situations. In this case, a person will buy the dog and once they discover the dog is “defected,” they want to get rid of it. Again, there is nothing wrong with the dog, just that it is missing the natural apple shaped head. In fact, some deer head Chihuahuas are abused simply because of a dissatisfied owner.

Therefore, if you are looking for a Chihuahua to breed or show, it is imperative that you work with a reputable breeder, one that will ensure you buy an apple head from quality stock. Now, if you are simply in the market for a sweet, loving Chihuahua, one that will remain devoted to you for life, check into Chihuahua rescues, looking at some of the deer head dogs that desperately need good homes.

Author’s Bio: Renee Dietz says she has “been blessed with the ability to write.” Over the past 25 years, she has written more than 150 ebooks, well over 18,000 articles, and web content. Renee has written on various subjects that range from teaching a parrot to talk to stock commodities to weddings and everything in between. Her style is creative, informative, and always reader-friendly. Renee goes on to say that “writing is my passion, something I take to heart. For this reason, I work diligently to ensure every client is a happy client.” One of Renee’s favorites quotes comes from Douglas Adams - “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

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9 Comments »

Comment by Renee
2008-07-08 00:23:10
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This was a wonderful description of the difference between deer and apple headed chihuahuas. All I have to say is that I love my chihuahuas! One is a deer head and one an apple head and I think their mightly little hearts are worthy of a thousand warriors at combat….

 
Comment by Nicole
2008-08-19 03:54:46
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I have a light brown deer head chihuahua and she is the smartest dog I’ve ever owned in my life. She knows about 18 different tricks and I have another one that’s white who is the sweetest little boy ever. I’ve had good dog breeders offer to buy their puppies for 200 dollars just because of their personalities. I never liked little dogs until I bought my chihuahua and now she’s my baby and I love her. People are fully aware she is a deer head and they still want to buy her puppies…..idk lol

Comment by Andie Hoehn
2009-10-26 00:09:37
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I love the deer head Chi- I rescued one - for 4 yrs and it just died and it was 7yrs old. It was a tea cup, weighing 2 1/2 lbs and I have a whole in my heart- I never had a small dog before, only a Golden and Siamese Lilac point indoor cats. I want another deer head Chi , they are so smart and I taught mine not to bark and he whined and squealed when he was getting my attention. I taught him to dance.. when I went backwards in a 2 step he copied and when I turned around .. he copied and turned around. They are fantastic sweet , smart animals.

 
 
Comment by michael hamm
2008-10-24 01:52:03
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hello!
I am a 41 year old man who has had a dog or dogs my entire life! my dogs have always
been mutts rescued from shelters or from the streets. I have never had the desire of having
a “full breed” dog because I love them individually for who they were/are. no status required for my canine friends!! but about 1 1/2 years ago I acquired a smooth hair, brown and black, deer head chihuahua I named “pepe”. At first a thought he was a “min pin” but
when I failed to find his original owners and took him to the vet they were impressed with his markings. and I found out for sure that he was a chihuahua! Though I love creatures of all kinds small or large I never thought my pick of a canine friend would be a small “ankle biter” (figure of speech) As I have researched the famous chihuahua I realize that the most
appealing to me is the deer head! I guess this may be ironic but the deer head is much more appealing as far as “looks”, they do not have that “mongaloid” look about them. For certain people who enjoy the status of having the “best” in things, I just don’t understand why the “apple head” takes presidence!? (though now that I have a new love for the chihuahua I would have absolutley no prejudices), but I just think the deer head is much more appealing! “Deer Heads RULE” love you pepe!!! (my little soldier) Michael Hamm Paducah, Ky

 
Comment by michael hamm
2008-11-02 23:54:48
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I guess I’m trash? SORRY !!!!!!!
not really !!!!! my babies are doing fine

 
2008-12-26 21:31:32
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Mardy = Apple Head

Cookie = longest nosed DEER Head ever!

 
Comment by LorettaB
2009-01-06 20:04:16
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Thank you so much for such a terrific description of the ‘Deer Head and Apple Head’ Chihuahua’s! This is perhaps the best I have seen and a link I will gladly pass along to others who ask the question. I learned allot myself! Thanks again! I have an Apple and a Deer head, I couldn’t begin to think of my Deer head as defected in any way!! Both and blessings in my life and family and more dear than words could express.

 
Comment by Steph
2009-02-19 16:48:41
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I have a deer headed Chihuahua. I wouldn’t call her defective at all. She’s the prettiest Chi I’ve ever seen. She’s 5 months now sleek looking reddish tan, white with a black strike down her back and curled back tail. I like that her eyes don’t bulge. (We adopted her brother that was tri-colored and deer headed but unfortunately he died of Parvovirus. :-( ).

Before I came upon these pups and other litter mates at a shelter website I didn’t find chi’s attractive at all (It was the bulging eyes and huge heads mostly!)

 
2009-12-16 07:03:21
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DCR is an Apple Head …. ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!!

:-)

 
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