Deer Head Chihuahua

Canis lupus

Last updated: February 20, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© TanyaCPhotography/Shutterstock.com

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world.


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Deer Head Chihuahua Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Deer Head Chihuahua Conservation Status

Deer Head Chihuahua Locations

Deer Head Chihuahua Locations

Deer Head Chihuahua Facts

Fun Fact
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world.
Temperament
Charming, intelligent, and friendly
Diet
Omnivore

Deer Head Chihuahua Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Grey
  • Fawn
  • Black
  • White
  • Silver
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
15 to 20 years
Weight
12 lbs

Deer Head Chihuahua as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Warm climate
Exercise Needs
Low
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$350 to $2,500
Dog group
Toy
Male weight
1-12 lbs
Female weight
1-12 lbs

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The Deer Head Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state from which it originated.

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.

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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 back to Mecico’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

Pros!Cons!
Friendly and Affectionate
The Chihuahua loves to be around people.
Fragile
The Chihuahua cannot tolerate a lot of stress or rough play.
Loyal
The Chihuahua can develop a strong bond with its owner.
Sensitive to Cold Weather
This breed may need a sweater or coat when it goes outside in cold weather.
Easy to Train
This breed grasps human commands very quickly.
Bossy
If not properly trained, this breed has a tendency to boss people around.

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.

Health and Entertainment for your Deer Head Chihuahua

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Height (Male)5 to 12 inches
Height (Female)5 to 12 inches
Weight (Male)1 to 12 pounds
Weight (Female)1 to 12 pounds

Common Health Issues

The Chihuahua is a relatively healthy breed of dog with a lifespan of around 14 to 16 years for apple heads, and 15 – 20 years for deer heads! 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 moleras, 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. In summation, these are the most common health problems you are likely to experience as a Chihuahua owner:

  • Eye Diseases
  • Heart Conditions
  • Low Blood Sugar
  • Cancer
  • Loose Kneecap

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 for Deer Head Chihuahuas

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.

There’s great news for Deer Head Chihuahua owners. Royal Canin makes an ideal dog food designed for the exact nutritional needs of Chihuahuas that they’re sure to crave: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Dry Dog Food.

The bits of kibble is just the right size and shape for this toy breed. This food’s formula has B vitamins, DHA, Omega 3, and biotin, with fiber to aid digestion. Taurine and Vitamin A work to keep Deer Head Chihuahuas’ eyes in good condition.

Check Chewy and Amazon for this product.

Our Top Pick
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Custom-formulated for Chihuahuas
  • Developed by veterinary nutritionists
  • Support digestion
  • Contains omega-3 essential fatty acids
Check Chewy Check Amazon

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.

A tiny Deer Head Chihuahua stretching, isolated on a white background.

Deer head chihuahuas are eager to please and easy to train.

©Annette Shaff/Shutterstock.com

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 house train, 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 in order 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.

Cute short-haired white color miniature Deer Head Chihuahua puppy with a tennis ball on white background.

Deer head chihuahua puppies love children although children should be taught to be gentle with these fragile dogs.

©iStock.com/Arthur Lookyanov

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.

If you can’t think of an appropriate name for your new Chihuahua, then you might want to consider the following options:

  • Bella
  • Daisy
  • Peanut
  • Charlie
  • Buddy
  • Coco
  • Lola
  • Max
  • Penny
  • Luna

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About the Author

After a career of working to provide opportunities for local communities to experience and create art, I am enjoying having time to write about two of my favorite things - nature and animals. Half of my life is spent outdoors, usually with my husband and sweet little fourteen year old dog. We love to take walks by the lake and take photos of the animals we meet including: otters, ospreys, Canadian geese, ducks and nesting bald eagles. I also enjoy reading, discovering books to add to my library, collecting and playing vinyl, and listening to my son's music.

Deer Head Chihuahua FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a deer head Chihuahua?

The deer head Chihuahua has all the characteristics of a standard Chihuahua – small, spunky, charming, and intelligent with black, white, fawn, red, silver, chocolate, or gray fur – but its head is more V-shaped instead of rounded.

Are deer head Chihuahuas rare?

Deer head Chihuahuas are not rare, but since they are not normally accepted under the breed standard of the American Kennel Club, some breeders may not sell them. You may need to contact a few breeders before finding one that sells these dogs.

How big do deer head Chihuahuas get?

This breed rarely exceeds 12 pounds.

What is the price of a deer head Chihuahua?

The price of a Chihuahua is usually somewhere between $350 and $2,500. A good breeder will usually charge at least $700 and perhaps much more, depending on the pedigree of the dog. If you’re concerned about the price, then you may want to consider adoption from a shelter. They generally charge less.

Are deer head Chihuahuas mean?

A well-trained and well-treated Chihuahua should not exhibit any mean behavior, but it can be a little guarded and suspicious of strangers.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua/
  2. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/9-chihuahua-fun-facts/
  3. Rover, Available here: https://www.rover.com/blog/deer-head-chihuahua-vs-apple-head-chihuahua/

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