So, when you picture a Chihuahua, I can imagine what comes to mind. A tiny pint-sized pooch tucked into a handbag, right? Think.. Paris Hilton circa 2001.. But there's a lot more to these little guys than just being adorable bite-sized or sometimes quite large companions!
Chihuahuas, believe it or not, come in all shapes and sizes. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the difference between Deer Headed and Apple Headed Chihuahuas. Trust me, it's a fascinating rabbit hole that's worth exploring - I got stuck there for a hot minute!
You wouldn't believe how many times I've been questioned about Bruce's breed. People often raise their eyebrows when I tell them he's a Chihuahua. I guess it doesn't help that he's not the most vocal pup around (lucky me, right?) I often get, Jackachi or Chi-cer or some other blend of small mutt.
After delving into this surprisingly interesting topic myself, and finding it kind of hard to find information, I realized it's something worth sharing with fellow small dog owners. Maybe, just maybe, spreading the word will save me from the endless genealogy interrogations from strangers!
Apple Head Chihuahuas:
Description:
These little cuties are the standard 'Chihuahua' most people think of, rocking a dome-shaped head that's just too adorable to resist. Fun fact - some Chi's even keep their soft spot on the top of their head for life! Their eyes? big and expressive.. and kinda bug-like, almost like they're trying to tell you a story - or giving you a serious side-eye. And let's not forget about that sniffer, or snout – short and sweet, just like their personality when they're treated well (but that's a whole other story). They're on the petite side, standing at around 5-9 inches tall and weighing in at a barely-there 2-4 pounds. But don't let their size fool you; they've got a big heart and plenty of love to give.
Characteristics:
- Dome-like, “apple” shaped head
- Short snout that connects to the head at a 90-degree angle
- Large, pronounced eyes
- Short jaw
- Small body with shorter appendages
- Often have moleras (a soft spot in the head, like a baby’s fontanelle)
- Can compete in traditional dog shows
Health Considerations:
- They might sneeze backward more often than you'd expect
- Keep an eye on those pearly whites – dental issues can creep up
- Watch out for eye infections; those big eyes need extra TLC
- They're known to sometimes get knee problems later in life.
Deer Head Chihuahuas:
Description:
Now, let's talk about the deer head Chihuahua. These guys are the definition of elegance with their slender, deer-like heads. Their snouts are longer and more tapered, almost similar to a Jack Russell, giving them a regal appearance. While they may not have the same roundness as their apple head counterparts, their eyes are just as soulful and soft. They're a bit bigger in size, standing tall at around 1 foot and weighing in at a sturdy 10-12 pounds. With their longer legs and necks, they've got a graceful stride that'll turn heads wherever they go... or have people question what they are!
Characteristics:
- Narrow, deer-like head
- Longer snout that meets the rest of the head with a slope
- Less pronounced eyes
- Longer jaw
- Larger body with longer appendages
- Can have moleras, though less common
- Cannot compete in traditional dog shows due to their head shape and size
Health Considerations:
- They might snore louder than your grandpa after Christmas dinner
- Dental and eye issues? Not as common, but still worth keeping an eye on
- No soft spot on the head, but still handle with care
Shared Characteristics:
- Whether apple head or deer head, both come in short-haired and long-haired varieties
- You'll find them in all the colours of the rainbow – white, black, tan, red, fawn, and sable.. there's over 30 Chihuahua varieties and colours!
- Markings? They've got 'em all – blaze, mask, kiss marks – you name it
- When it comes to personality, they're both feisty and fiercely loyal
- And just like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get – a single litter can have pups with characteristics of both apple head and deer head varieties