Deer Head Chihuahuas are a type of Chihuahua with larger ears, a longer muzzle, and a more prominent brow, which gives them a more deer-like appearance. Apple Head Chihuahuas have a rounder skull shape and a shorter muzzle.
Are you considering getting a Chihuahua? If so, you may have come across two distinct types of the breed: Apple Head and Deer Head.
Both are small, cute, and loyal companions; however, they have some notable differences in physical features. The Deer Head Chihuahua has wider-set eyes, larger ears, and a longer muzzle than its Apple Head counterpart.
In this article, we’ll explore the difference between these two breeds and discuss their care requirements as well as potential health or behavioral issues.
Keep reading to learn more about Deer Head Chihuahuas!
Overview of the Deer Head Chihuahua
The Deer Head Chihuahua is distinguished by its more expansive eye placement, larger auditory organs, and extended snout in comparison to the Apple Head variety. This breed is the result of cross breeding between two Chihuahuas – one with a deer-like head shape and the other with an apple-shaped head.
Deer Head Chihuahuas are generally smaller than their Applehead counterparts, which makes them ideal for pet owners who live in apartments or have limited space. They can weigh anywhere from three to six pounds and come in a variety of colors including brindle, sable, fawn, black and white.
Even though they are small dogs they still require daily exercise like walk or playtime to stay healthy. These little dogs make excellent companions for those looking for an energetic yet loyal pet. They are also known to be very good watchdogs as they will bark at any unfamiliar noise that comes close to them.
If you’re interested in adopting a Deer Head Chihuahua there are many rescue organizations that specialize in this particular breed so it’s worth researching before getting one from a breeder. Deer Head Chihuahuas may have unique physical characteristics but their personalities should not be overlooked either; they can be incredibly sweet and affectionate with their owners if properly socialized from an early age.
As such, they make great family pets if given enough love and attention throughout their lives. Moving forward we’ll take a look at what sets these furry friends apart physically from other breeds of dog.
Physical Characteristics
With eyes like gems, ears that reach to the sky, and a muzzle that’s longer than most, deer head Chihuahuas stand out from the crowd.
Physically, these dogs have several distinct features that set them apart from other breeds of Chihuahua:
- Coat texture – Deer head chihuahuas tend to have thicker coats than their apple-headed counterparts. The fur is usually smooth and soft to the touch with a glossy sheen.
- Muzzle shape – The muzzle of a deer head chihuahua is much longer than an apple-headed dog’s muzzle in comparison; it usually has a slightly pointed shape and can appear quite slender when viewed from the side profile.
- Eyes – These dogs typically have larger eyes with more widely spaced sockets compared to other types of Chihuahuas, giving them an expressive gaze.
- Ears – Deer head Chihuahuas generally have larger ears with rounded tips which are set higher on the skull than those of their apple-headed cousins.
The physical traits of deer head Chihuahuas make them instantly recognizable in any size or color variation – all you need to do is take one look at them and you’ll know!
With such distinctive looks, it’s no wonder these lively little companions have become so popular today. Next up, we’ll discuss just how they’ve gained this widespread appeal and what breed standards they must meet in order to be officially recognized as purebreds by kennel clubs around the world.
Popularity and Breed Standards
You’ll recognize a Deer Head Chihuahua at first glance with its wider set eyes, larger ears and longer muzzle than an Apple Head! The breed is highly sought after for its unique look and personality, making it one of the most popular breeds in the world. For those interested in showing the breed there are two sets of standards: breeding standards, which dictate how a dog must appear to be registered as a purebred Chihuahua; show standards dictate which dogs can participate in competitions.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes only the apple head variety of Chihuahua for conformation shows. This means that deer head varieties will not be able to compete at AKC-sanctioned events, though they may still qualify under some other organizations’ rules.
Though they may not have official AKC recognition yet, deer head chihuahuas are gaining popularity around the world for their adorable features and spunky personalities!
In recent years many breeders have focused on producing both types of chihuahuas so that potential owners can choose between them based on their preferences or needs — from size to color variations — without sacrificing quality or health standards for either type of dog . As more people become aware of these charming little dogs, their fan base continues to grow rapidly!
Care Requirements
As their popularity soars, caring for a Deer Head Chihuahua requires more than just love; they need attention and dedication like a lighthouse guiding ships home.
Socialization needs should be considered before bringing one of these dogs into the home as they can suffer from separation anxiety if not properly socialized early on.
Grooming needs are minimal due to their short-haired coat, however regular brushing is still important to prevent mats or tangles from forming. For best results, it’s recommended that owners bathe their Chihuahuas once every few weeks with a mild dog shampoo and conditioner.
Deer Head Chihuahuas thrive in an environment where they receive mental stimulation through interactive play or puzzle toys, physical exercise such as daily walks or trips to the park, and positive reinforcement when it comes to training.
They also require plenty of companionship and affection from their humans in order to stay happy and healthy! It’s important to establish boundaries with these dogs while simultaneously showing them unconditional love; this will help ensure that they understand who is in charge of the household at all times.
Additionally, good dental hygiene is essential for Deer Head Chihuahuas since small breeds often suffer from gum disease due to improper care of their teeth. It’s recommended that owners brush their pets’ teeth at least twice per week with toothpaste made specifically for dogs (never use human toothpaste) and provide them with chew toys designed for dental health maintenance.
Potential health issues should also be taken into consideration when looking after a Deer Head Chihuahua; common medical concerns include luxating patella (or slipped kneecap), hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus (fluid buildup on the brain), tracheal collapse, heart murmurs, eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts, and various skin conditions like allergies or flea infestations.
Owners should familiarize themselves with these conditions prior to adoption so that any signs can be addressed quickly by a veterinarian if needed.
Potential Health Issues
Though their size may be small, Deer Head Chihuahuas come with a range of potential health issues that must not be overlooked. Since they’re a purebred breed, some of these issues are due to genetic predispositions and hereditary diseases.
Two common health issues for Deer Head Chihuahuas are Hydrocephalus (Water on the Brain) and Atrial Septal Defects (ASD). Hydrocephalus is caused by an accumulation of cerebral-spinal fluid within the skull, which can cause increased intracranial pressure. This can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms such as seizures, uncoordinated movement, and vision impairment. The condition is often diagnosed through neurological exams or imaging like MRI scans or CT scans.
Atrial septal defects (ASDs) occur when there is an abnormal opening between the atria in the heart which can cause an imbalance in oxygen levels in the blood. This issue can lead to congestive heart failure if left untreated and can be detected via testing such as echocardiograms or electrocardiograms. Treatment typically involves surgery to close the defect or medications to help manage any associated symptoms.
It’s also important to note that Deer Head Chihuahuas may have other health problems such as dental disease, eye conditions, skin irritation, digestive disorders, and hypoglycemia which should all be monitored closely by your vet for any signs of discomfort or illness.
As such, it’s essential that owners provide regular veterinary care for their Deer Head Chihuahua in order to identify any developing concerns early on. Moving forward with proper preventative care and monitoring will help ensure your pet stays happy and healthy throughout their life span.
Potential Behavioral Problems
You may find that your Deer Head Chihuahua exhibits a wider range of behaviors than its Apple Head counterparts, due to their larger ears, longer muzzle, and different set of eyes. In some cases, this can lead to socialization challenges and temperament issues that require extra attention and care.
Here are some potential behavioral problems you may encounter:
- Separation Anxiety: Deer Head Chihuahuas often become anxious when separated from their owners, leading to destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture or barking excessively.
- Aggression: Without proper socialization and training, these dogs can be prone to aggression towards other animals or people.
- Fearfulness: Deer Head Chihuahuas can also be more fearful in certain situations than Apple Head Chihuahuas due to their size and structure.
It’s important for owners of Deer Head Chihuahuas to understand the potential behavioral issues they may face if they do not give them the required amount of care and attention. They should take steps early on in the dog’s life to ensure proper socialization with other animals or people is achieved in order to reduce aggressive tendencies or fearfulness later on down the line.
As with any breed of dog, routine checkups at the vet are essential in order for owners to catch any potential health problems before they become more serious. With proper care and attention, your Deer Head Chihuahua will likely make a wonderful addition to your family!
Conclusion
You now know all about deer head chihuahuas. They have wider-set eyes, larger ears, and a longer muzzle than Apple Head Chihuahuas.
From their physical characteristics to the special care they require and potential health and behavioral issues, you have a better understanding of these lovable pups.
As the saying goes, “a dog is for life—not just for Christmas”—so make sure that if you’re considering getting one of these little guys, you can commit to them long-term.
With proper care and attention, a deer head chihuahua could be your loyal companion for many years to come!
