Deer Head Chihuahua

The Chihuahua may be among the smallest of all dogs, but its big, charming personality and striking features have made it a symbol of an entire country and one of the most popular breeds around the world. Originally descending from an ancient Mexican breed called the Techichi, this dog survived the fall of the Toltecs and the Aztec Empire, only to be later rediscovered in remote Mexican villages. This breed is characterized by erect ears, big and expressive eyes, and a compact body. The Chihuahua has traditionally come in two different variations: a long or a short coat, both of which have black, white, fawn, red, silver, chocolate, or gray markings. But there is one other dividing line: the shape of the head.

Evolution

Evidence suggests that this breed descended from the ancient Techichi, which dates back all the way to the 9th century in Mexico. It was so popular at the time that it permeated many aspects of Mesoamerican culture in paintings and artifacts. After the conquest of the Aztecs, the Techichi retreated to Mexico’s countryside. When it was rediscovered by the wider world in the 19th century, the breed had undergone significant change. In fact, the modern chihuahua is largely Eurasian in influence — somewhat changed from the original Mexican chihuahua.

Deer Head Chihuahua vs. Apple Head Chihuahua

The apple-head Chihuahua is considered to be the breed standard. It has a more rounded head and a smaller overall body. By comparison, the deer head Chihuahua has a narrower head, a longer snout and jaw, smaller eyes, and a larger body. However, as it’s not considered to be part of the traditional breed standard, the deer head might disqualify it from many dog shows and competitions. Deer-head chihuahuas are purebred dogs if born to purebred parents and can even be born to two apple-head chihuahuas.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Deer Head Chihuahua

Size and Weight

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. Some individuals are so small that they weigh only one or two pounds. These “teacup dogs” are so named because they can fit inside a teacup. The deer head Chihuahua is generally larger than the apple head counterpart, but it does come in teacup size. However, be wary of breeders who claim to breed for teacup dogs specifically, since these dogs can develop more health problems.

Common Health Issues

The Chihuahua is a relatively healthy breed of dog with a typical lifespan of around 14 to 16 years for both apple head and deer head Chihuahuas, though some deer heads may occasionally live up to 20 years with excellent care. Chihuahuas have a predisposition toward developing several health conditions, including eye diseases, epilepsy, cancer, low blood sugar, a loose kneecap condition called patellar luxation, and several types of heart problems like patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease. The deer head Chihuahua is usually less prone to these problems than the apple head. They can also develop a soft spot on the head called a molera, but this condition is actually less common than it is in the apple head variety.

There are a few things that you, as an owner, can do to ensure the health of your dog. First, never buy from puppy mills, pet shops, or breeders that cannot guarantee the health of their dogs. Second, regular checkups at the vet are always necessary to catch health problems as soon as possible.

Temperament

The deer head chihuahua is a sweet, energetic, and charming little companion who will want to follow you almost everywhere and crawl up into your lap whenever it gets the chance. They tend to form a deep bond with a single person, and they are eager to please. Their charming personality and ease with which they adapt to small living spaces make them excellent choices for apartment dwellers. They can also double as watchdogs. Socialize these dogs as pups so they will be calm around other people and dogs as they get older.

How to Take Care of the Deer Head Chihuahua

The deer head chihuahua should be a suitable breed for owners of all experience levels. It’s easy to groom, easy to train, and doesn’t require a whole lot of exercise. If you have any other questions or concerns about how to raise your dog, then you should talk with your vet.

The Best Dog Food

A fully grown adult deer head chihuahua will only need to consume about half a cup of dog food per day, although the exact amount will depend on the dog’s size, age, and activity level. The Chihuahua can be a picky eater, but small-sized dry kibble rich in proteins and fats may be the best for this type of dog.

Maintenance and Grooming

As mentioned previously, the Chihuahua comes in two different types of coats, which will affect how often it needs to be groomed. The short-haired Chihuahua should only be brushed and bathed whenever the need happens to arise.

The long-haired Chihuahua, on the other hand, needs to be brushed about once a week to remove the tangles and mats in its fur. This should be combined with a good dental hygiene program as recommended by your vet. You should also check the ears on a regular basis and remove any excess wax and debris. And trim the nails whenever they become particularly long.

Training

Based on past experiences with other dogs, owners may naturally come to dread the training process. But the deer head chihuahua is a different matter altogether; these intelligent and curious dogs can make training fun and entertaining. They grasp human commands quickly and respond very well to positive reinforcement methods. If you are struggling with the entire process, then you might want to hire the services of a professional trainer.

Exercise

The deer head chihuahua needs about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise every single day. Short walks and playtime should be sufficient to keep this breed satisfied. Although energetic, athletic, and capable of excelling at some sports, this is not an intense or high-endurance breed. If your dog begins panting and overexerting itself, then you need to give it a short break. Fortunately, they’re small enough that you can carry them home once they become tired.

Puppies

Deer head chihuahua puppies will need to undergo proper obedience training and socialization within a few months of age. Dog parks, classes, puppy kindergarten, and even arranged social gatherings all offer opportunities for socialization. Chihuahuas are relatively easy to housetrain, but unless you’re willing to take your dog outdoors every hour or two, it might be a good idea to invest in a crate to teach your puppy how to control itself. Crate training is also a great way to stop your dog from engaging in destructive behavior; just don’t treat it like a punishment or confinement that you can lock it away in. As for their physical development, Chihuahua puppies should be treated with extra care. Due to their fragility and size, they are sometimes prone to injury.

Deer Head Chihuahuas and Children

The deer head chihuahua is a great companion for children. It’s friendly, affectionate, playful, relatively low maintenance, and easy to train. But because their small, fragile bodies are not well-suited for rough play, it definitely requires plenty of supervision with children under the age of eight.

Dogs Similar to the Deer Head Chihuahua

If you’re attracted to some of the characteristics of the deer head chihuahua, then you might be interested in these similar breeds:

• Papillon: Originally bred in France, this small toy breed, measuring no more than 10 or 11 pounds, is a friendly, alert, and lively dog of exceptional athleticism and beauty. Featuring wing-shaped ears, a plumed tail, and a long and silky coat of fur, they make great companions for all members of the family.
• Pomeranian: This spirited little breed typically weighs no more than 8 pounds, but it can be a real whirlwind of energy and fun. Originally descended from the part of northern Europe that bears its name, the Pomeranian sports a thick double coat of fur that can come in many variations of black, white, orange, red, and tan, including spotted and brindle patterns. Fortunately, they are quite easy to train.
• Pugs: Once a favorite of the nobility from all over the world, the small and adorable pug with short hair and a wrinkled face will win the heart of its owner with a charming, fun-loving, and mischievous personality. They come in three main colors: silver, apricot-fawn, or all-black.

Famous Chihuahuas

The chihuahua is well-represented in plenty of movies, TV shows, and commercials. Gidget, who lived between 1994 and 2009, was the one-time spokesdog of Taco Bell. Moonie, who actually lived with Gidget for a time, also played the dog, Bruiser Woods, in the film “Legally Blonde” with Reese Witherspoon.