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Apple head VS Deer Head Chihuahuas

Depending on how they look and behave, chihuahuas are also referred to as “deer head” or “apple head.

Many people believe that Apple Head and Deer Head are recognized variants of the Chihuahua. Only long coat and smooth coat (short coat) variants are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and United Kennel Club (UKC). However, they require an “apple dome” head that is circular. What are the differences between Apple Head and Deer Head Chihuahuas?

Appearance Differences Beweet And Apple Head Chihuahua And A Deer Head Chihuahua

The main distinctions between an apple head and a deer head Chihuahua:

  • The skull (round vs. sloping),
  • The neck (moderate vs. long),
  • The stop (well-defined vs. sloped),
  • The muzzle (short vs. long),
  • The body proportions (off-square vs. long and tall)

The skull: 

  • An applehead’s well-rounded skull is frequently likened to a cooked apple, with most of the dome between the ears.
  • A deer head’s skull is narrower and more slanted, like a baby doe or an actual deer.

The neck:

  • An apple head often has a medium-length neck.
  • A deer head often has a slightly longer neck.

The stop

  • On apple heads, the stop is nearly a perfect 90-degree angle.
  • Deer heads have a more reasonable 30 to 45-degree tilt at which to halt

The muzzle

  • An apple head has a somewhat short muzzle.
  • A deer head usually has a longer muzzle.

The body proportions:

When comparing the length of the body from the front tip to the base of the tail to the height from the top of the shoulder blades to the floor:

  • The body of an apple head is typically slightly off-square.
  • On deer heads, the torso is typically taller and longer than the legs, with the body being smaller than the legs.

Apple head VS Deer Head Chihuahuas

 

How Two Different Head Shapes developed

You might be wondering how Chihuahuas can have such a wide range of skull forms, given that there are only two varieties of the breed, and those variations have more to do with coat length than head shape.

Breeds are created and improved with an emphasis on specific physical characteristics.
Some of these crucial features for the Chihuahua were weight and size, ear structure, tail, eyes, and shape of the head.

Since these rules have been established, breeders who are sincere about creating animals deserving of the show ring, gradually concentrate on achieving these “ideal” requirements. But there’s also a lot of hobby breeding going on, and a lot of litters are born to pet Chihuahuas, which frequently lack the deliberate dog pairings that result in the highly sought qualities that are evaluated so harshly in AKC show conformation.

While some physical characteristics, like the form of the skull, can be inherited from multiple generations past, most of the time two deer heads married together will result in more deer heads. To begin a whole bloodline of deerheads with several progeny, all it needs is one pairing.

Apple head VS Deer Head Chihuahuas

Spotlight on Apple Head Chihuahua

Introducing the Apple Head Chihuahua, the celebrity of the Chihuahua world and the personification of the official American Kennel Club breed standard. These adorable canines are especially endearing because of their unusual apple-shaped heads, which give them a distinguishing appearance that makes them readily identifiable.

Temperament

In terms of personality, Apple Head Chihuahuas are lively, perceptive, and frequently quite brave dogs! They have a bravery that belies their small, and they don’t think twice about taking a stand. Their intense devotion to their owners frequently manifests as a protective attitude, particularly in the presence of strangers or larger canines.

Health

Apple Heads have specific health risks, including dental problems, tracheal collapse, and heart difficulties, much like any other breed. They frequently have a sensitive patch on their heads called a Molera because of their apple-shaped skulls, which can make them more vulnerable to harm. Nonetheless, these tiny friends can have long lives with their owners if given the right care and frequent veterinary examinations; they frequently reach their adolescence.

Grooming

A Chihuahua named Apple Head requires very little grooming. While long hair kinds may require weekly brushing to keep their fur clear of tangles, short coat variations require less upkeep. Because of the breed’s predisposition for dental problems, routine dental care is especially crucial.

Training

For Apple Head Chihuahuas, proper training and early socialization are essential. Make training enjoyable and reward-based for these perceptive small dogs, as they react well to positive reinforcement methods. Since they can be a little stubborn, persistence and patience are essential.

Spotlight on Deer Head Chihuahua

In the world of Chihuahuas, another important participant is the Deer Head Chihuahua, which is less well-known but just as adorable. Deer Heads provide a distinctive perspective on the Chihuahua breed, with a different set of physical characteristics and a little different disposition than their Apple Head counterparts.

fawn deer head chihuahua looking at her owner

Temperament

Compared to Apple Heads, deer-head Chihuahuas normally have a slightly calmer demeanor. They are lively, perceptive, and often less hostile toward other animals and strangers. But they still have that distinct Chihuahua charm and confidence, which makes them wonderful friends.

Health

Deer Heads are a generally healthy breed, but they can have specific health problems. These can include the possibility of joint difficulties because of their longer legs, heart problems, and dental problems. Nonetheless, Deer Heads can live long lives if they receive proper care, frequent examinations, and a balanced diet.

Grooming

Apple Heads and Deer Head Chihuahuas require comparable levels of grooming. While long-coated dogs benefit from frequent brushing to maintain the health of their fur, short-coated dogs require less care. Because the breed is more likely to experience oral issues, routine dental care is equally vital.

Training

Deer Heads require early socialization and appropriate training, just like Apple Heads do. They can pick things up quickly and are intelligent dogs. When training, employ techniques for positive reinforcement and maintain consistency in your rules and directives.

Combinations of the Two Breeds

When you look at your Chihuahua, you can see that its muzzle is quite small, yet its skull is narrow and sloped. Or the cranium might slightly swell, but not to the same extent as a traditional apple head. This is because it happens frequently for Chihuahuas kept as pets to fall between an apple and a deer head, so there’s no need to worry too much about it.

Head form is only really important when it comes to breeding. The ‘betterment of the breed’ is one of the oaths taken by AKC breeders, which means that every coupling will be made with the breed standard in mind, hoping to produce dogs that come as close as possible to matching these extremely tight requirements.

Head shape is a hereditary feature, hence deer heads would not be included in the breeding program if the goal was to produce litters that met the breed standard.

Only Apple Head Chihuahuas Meet Breed Standards

AKC and other major dog associations do not make a distinction between deer head and apple head Chihuahuas. According to the Chihuahua breed standards, the skull must have a well-rounded “apple dome,” either with or without Molera. Other head variations—such as the deer head—are prohibited.

Many owners believe their deer-head Chihuahua isn’t a true Chihuahua when they learn this information for the first time. According to popular belief, a Chihuahua who doesn’t match the AKC’s breed requirements isn’t a Chihuahua, is he? Not always. If your purebred Chihuahua has parents who are already registered with the AKC, you can still register him even though he doesn’t have the typical apple-shaped head. But because he doesn’t match the breed standards, he won’t be awarded any prizes for showmanship at conformation competitions like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the National Dog Show, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, or Crufts.

Dogs are judged according to breed standards developed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other dog organizations during confirmation events. A competing dog will not be eligible to win the championship title if the judges determine that it does not match the standards set forth by his breed. Dogs that have had spaying or neutering are not eligible to compete in conformation shows, even if they still match the standards of their breed.

In the end, deer head Chihuahuas are legitimate Chihuahuas. They simply cannot win championship titles or points at confirmation events. Chihuahuas that weigh more than six pounds are likewise ineligible, for the same reason.

Apple head chihuahua

What is The Right Option For Me?

Your preference will determine whether you choose an Apple Head or Deer Head Chihuahua. Both varieties are affectionate, energetic friends, each with a special quality. Choose a trustworthy breeder who puts health and temperament first, no matter what kind you choose.

Last Word

Both Apple Heads and Deer Heads have their special charm in the colorful and adorable world of Chihuahuas. Despite having a similar breed heritage, these two varieties of Chihuahuas have unique physical attributes that influence their personality and even health profiles.

Recall that owning a dog, no matter what breed or type, requires a lifetime of dedication. Give the dog’s personality and overall health more weight than its outward look. Make sure you deal with a trustworthy breeder at all times, and be prepared to give these endearing dogs all the love, care, and attention they need. You’ll receive in return a devoted, fun-loving, and kind friend who will bring joy and laughter into your life for many years to come.

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Deer-Head Chihuahua: A Breed Complete Guide

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