Deer Head vs Applehead Chihuahua: What Are 8 Key Differences?

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Published: April 2, 2022
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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 

Apple Head Chihuahua lying, isolated on white background.

Apple Head Chihuahua lying, isolated on white background.

©Alexia Khruscheva/Shutterstock.com

Key DifferencesDeer Head ChihuahuaApplehead Chihuahua
Height5 – 12 inches5 – 9 inches
Weight5 to 12 lbs.4 to 8 lbs.
Coat typeLong or ShortLong or short
ColorsGrey, Fawn, Black, White, SilverFawn, Red, Blue, Black, Gold, Tan, Cream, Silver, Chocolate
TemperamentAlert, Lively, Confident, QuickAttentive, Charming, Courageous
TrainabilityAverageAverage
Life Expectancy15 to 20 Years14 to 16 Years
Health ProblemsHypoglycemia, Bladder IssuesHeart Issues, Eye Injuries, and Infections

Key Differences Between Deer Head and Applehead Chihuahua

Deer Head Chihuahua outdoors, during evening sunset.

Deer Head Chihuahua outdoors, during evening sunset.

©TanyaCPhotography/Shutterstock.com

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

Brown Apple Head Chihuahua sitting on the floor.

Brown Apple Head Chihuahua sitting on the floor.

©Ratchat/Shutterstock.com

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

Deer Head Chihuahua outdoors, during evening sunset

Deer Head Chihuahua outdoors, during evening sunset

©TanyaCPhotography/Shutterstock.com

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

Pet dog Apple Head Chihuahua sitting on a deck outside.

Pet dog Apple Head Chihuahua sitting on a deck outside.

©Lesia Kapinosova/Shutterstock.com

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

Little Deer Head Chihuahua with an ornament on the neck.

Little Deer Head Chihuahua with an ornament on the neck.

©mil87olia/Shutterstock.com

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.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Athiporn Phumnicom/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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