Deer Head Chihuahua Vs. Apple Head Chihuahua: How Are They Different?

If you think the fearless Chihuahuas are your soul animals and have decided to get one home, you have another decision to make: Deer Head Chihuahua or Apple Head Chihuahua? What is the difference between the two? Are they both recognized by the Kennel Clubs? We answer all these questions and more in this video guide.

The feisty, alert, and high-spirited Chihuahua. Not much different in temperament, the Apple and Deer Chi only alter in appearance. While Deer Head Chihuahuas have a slightly longer muzzle and a slope where it meets the forehead, Apple Chis have a rounder head, with a definite junction where the muzzle meets the forehead. These potentially unruly guys are best suited to adult only homes where they will have plenty of company. They are in their element on your lap; not being particularly fond of excessive exercise.

Whilst not ideal for first time dog owners, they are a perfect addition if you seek unwavering loyalty with a bit of chutzpah thrown in for good measure! Tell us what you think, are you team Deer Head or team Apple Head when it comes to Chihuahuas?

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[HellenaHanbasquet]

I never had any desire to own a Chi. I’m a large dog person. Got one for my husband for Christmas but she decided I was her human. My deer head picked me and I couldn’t be happier.

[ko]

Deer heads have way less health issues and I feel they do have a better demeanor.

[pixelicious]

I wasn't aware previously there were sub categories but I'm super pleased our baby turned out to be a deer head. It looks so much more elegant. Not a fan of bulging eyes on a dog and I think the apple head looks a little odd. Not sure why they don't create another breed/category for showing these. Personally I like big dogs but got a Chi for my daughter for a therapy dog.

[orangecrush]

I love my strong willed deerheaded chi, Ximena! She is so smart and definitely has her own ideas about how the world should run. She also has the softest fur ♡

[Valoxxx]

I had my little guy for 15 years before he passed. Got him when I was 8 years old. Never bought a dog since. He was my baby

[Diamondpaintingwithcoco]

Our deer head chihuahua is the best!!! CoCo is our one and only. She gives us so much love and we are grateful to have her in our lives. She is curled up in my lap as I’m writing this 🤗.

[MrDentastic]

i had apple heads as a kid. but when my mini doxie was dying at age 17, my son surprised me with a black and tan deer head. personally, i think the deer heads are far more attractive due to the shape of the head non stubby body and the longer legs, but i love all chihuahuas.

[jthor]

I rescued a long haired apple head chihuahua from a puppy mill.
She was the most beautiful chihuahua I have ever seen.
She was the love of my life and so loyal and protective of me.
She passed away a couple weeks ago because of health issues due to poor breeding at the puppy mill.
I’m still devastated and will miss her forever. 💔

[maureenbyrne]

Mia is a deer head. I prefer this look and love her huge ears!

[asavannah]

I love deer headed chihuahuas. They look like tiny deer 🦌 when they prance around, I want one!

[lolacampbell]

Deer heads are very chill and laid back and great Taco spokes dogs..i love all dogs but chichis are my favorite and my best dog was a deer head named Jessica and she was priceless but also cause she was free from a co worker of my moms..lol but both types are adorable to me

[emilymaldonado]

Everyone thinks my apple head is a pug mix lol. They get surprised when I tell them she’s full chihuahua haha.

[karriestefflen]

I've had both deer and Apple and they're both wonderful pets.... but I must say my dear was much more chill and friendly with strangers.

[karenprophet-lacasse]

I have both and love them all the same way. My first is a deer head that I purchased for a service dog for myself and my other two are rescues from very bad environments. They love and accept each other and are also different sizes from 4-9 pounds with two being short hair and the biggest one being long hair. The smallest one (apple head) gets all the attention by visitors and strangers as also she is the most playful. They all have their own distinct personalities within the “chi” breeds but I could never pick one over the other. Anyone else?? ❤️🐾😉🥰😊

[vickiespender]

I just became the proud mama to a apx.5 month old Deer head Chihuahua, whom I now call Sissy. She's been here about 2 weeks and is already a member of the family. She's also became very protective of me in that short period of time. Sleeps in bed with me every night. Just love her, they're a great breed of dog, and believe it or not I got her for free

[ziem.]

My Deer head is so so clingy and so so loving lol and obviously team Deer head as they look less like the creepy dog in Madagascar lmao

[ziploc]

Let me preface this remark by saying that all dogs everywhere are wonderful - despite man's arbitrary meddling in the breeding process - often at the expense of their well-being...

Deer heads have larger jaws and fewer problems with tooth implantation. They are generally larger than apple heads, have longer legs, and their eyes don't bulge. They more closely resemble the Techichi of ancient Mayan pottery and are a natural race, not one that has been monkeyed around with. Nature tends to eliminate problems through natural selection, which is why Deer Heads are healthier as a whole. So, IMHO, it is patently absurd that they be disqualified by the AKC. Why would such position be taken? Simply because they are not the kind of chihuahua that Paris Hilton carries around in her purse?

[yungnsurly]

Applehead. I want to get another one since my 14 yr old Chi died this year from Cancer. I adopted him as a 1 yr old so I find it somewhat difficult to discern when looking at puppies to see if they are true Appleheads. LoL! People rehoming them seem sort of weird when you try to inquire about this. I am using a growth chart and asking for weights and pics of parents if possible. Any other key traits I can eyeball to see for sure it is an Applehead? About how many weeks to see snout angle?

[beetlebug-tc]

I had an apple headed chihuahua who was black and white named sprock.. I miss her.

[Somethingsomething]

some how i keep loving on my long haired apple head chihuahua