The Deer Head Chihuahua is one of two breeds of Chihuahua. The other is the Apple Head Chihuahua. While the AKC accepts only the Apple Head for show dog purposes, the Deer Head is nevertheless fairly popular. Additionally, it is a purebred Chihuahua that dates all the way back to the Apple Head.
This article will examine eight significant distinctions between the Deer Head and Applehead Chihuahuas in terms of look, traits, and health. Each of these eight significant distinctions between these two Chihuahuas will be discussed in detail below. Continue reading!
Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: A Comparison

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Key Differences | Deer Head Chihuahua | Applehead Chihuahua |
Height | 5 – 12 inches | 5 – 9 inches |
Weight | 5 to 12 lbs. | 4 to 8 lbs. |
Coat type | Long or Short | Long or short |
Colors | Grey, Fawn, Black, White, Silver | Fawn, Red, Blue, Black, Gold, Tan, Cream, Silver, Chocolate |
Temperament | Alert, Lively, Confident, Quick | Attentive, Charming, Courageous |
Trainability | Average | Average |
Life Expectancy | 15 to 20 Years | 14 to 16 Years |
Health Problems | Hypoglycemia, Bladder Issues | Heart Issues, Eye Injuries, and Infections |
Key Differences Between Deer Head and Applehead Chihuahua

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Although both are very little dog breeds and both are Chihuahuas, they are somewhat distinct. As their names suggest, the primary physical distinction between them is their heads. For example, Deer Head Chihuahuas’ heads, necks, and legs are frequently longer than those of Applehead Chihuahuas. Deer Head Chihuahuas are frequently longer and leaner than their counterpart. Applehead Chihuahuas’ eyes are typically larger due to their head shape. Let’s continue our examination of the critical distinctions between these two canines!
Appearance

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Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: Height
Apple head Chihuahuas are smaller than deer head Chihuahuas, standing between 5 and 9 inches on average. Additionally, their legs and necks are often shorter. Chihuahuas with a deer head often measure between 5 and 12 inches in height.
Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: Weight
The Apple Head Chihuahua is the world’s smallest canine breed, weighing no more than 6 pounds on average when fully grown. Rarely, some have been known to grow to be as big as 8 pounds. Male and female Deer Head Chihuahuas can weigh between 5 and 12 pounds.
Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: Coat Type
The Deer Head Chihuahua’s single coat can be short or long-haired. Short coats should be silky smooth and close to the body in length. Chihuahuas with an apple-shaped head may also have a short or long coat. Contrary to common belief, long-haired Chihuahuas shed significantly less than short-haired Chihuahuas.
Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: Colors
The primary distinction between these two breeds’ coats is their range of colors. For instance, Deer Heads come in a variety of colors, including grey, fawn, black, white, and silver. Applehead Chihuahuas are available in a wider variety of colors, including fawn, red, blue, black, gold, tan, cream, silver, and chocolate.
Characteristics

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Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: Temperament
Deer Head Chihuahuas are attentive, courageous, dedicated, energetic, and swift! They are little dogs with colossal personalities. They can develop increased self-confidence, daring, and snippiness because of this if they are not properly trained.
Applehead Chihuahuas are observant, affable, and courageous. They are, however, easily startled due to their diminutive size. They are lively, yet they have a sensitive disposition and appreciate human interaction.
Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: Trainability
Despite their sassy disposition, Deer Head Chihuahuas may be trained to respond to a variety of commands. While they can be challenging at times, their desire to please their masters eventually compels them to obey. Chihuahuas are intelligent and some even excel at obedience and agility.
Although Applehead Chihuahuas are quite intelligent this does not automatically imply they are easy to train. Positive reinforcement is necessary to stimulate an Applehead Chihuahua. Bear in mind that small children require monitoring regardless of obedience. This is because their body is so small and delicate.
Health Factors

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Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: Life Expectancy
Both breeds live longer than the average dog. Chihuahuas with Apple Heads live between 14 and 16 years. Deer Head Chihuahuas have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years making them one of the longest living dog breeds!
Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: Health Problems
Applehead Chihuahuas, despite their lengthy lifespans, suffer from a range of health problems. Among these are heart conditions such as mitral valve disease and collapsed trachea. They are also prone to eye injuries and infections because of their prominent eyes. Deer Head Chihuahuas are prone to problems like hypoglycemia, low body temperature, and bladder problems.
Wrapping Up Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua

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Several characteristics of Applehead and Deer Head Chihuahuas are similar. For example, they can both be found with short or long hair. Their personalities are remarkably similar, with a protective, peppery nature. Also, it’s important to note, that Applehead and Deer Head characteristics are possible in a single Chihuahua. You can usually get a sense of the pups’ appearance by looking at the parents. However, it is possible to raise a deer head pup in an apple-headed litter. Regardless of their type, Chihuahuas make loyal, affectionate, and great friends.
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