Is the adorable deer head chihuahua the right dog for your family? This toy breed resembles a deer and is known for its big personality. Learn about the characteristics, pros and cons, and how to care for this spunky dog!
![group of deer head chihuahuas](https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/group-of-deer-head-chihuahuas.jpg.webp)
What is a Deer Head Chihuahua?
The deer head chihuahua has a face and head shape that resembles a young deer. Other characteristics that set this type of chihuahua apart from the others include a longer muzzle, larger ears, and a sloping forehead.
They are often referred to as a large dog in a small dog’s body. They are confident, sassy, feisty, and full of energy. Deer chihuahuas have an attitude and big personalities.
The deer head chihuahua is classified as a toy breed, but the rest of the chihuahua’s history is widely unknown. Some have said that the Aztecs owned this dog breed back in the 1500s.
The chihuahua is widely known as a companion dog as well. However, they didn’t gain any recognition from the AKC until the 1900s. When this happened, the chihuahua was split into two categories: the Deer Head Chihuahua and the Apple Head Chihuahua.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some facts about the chihuahua that you should be aware of in case you are looking to add a small deer chihuahua to your family.
![side view deer head fawn chihuahua](https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/side-view-deer-head-fawn-chihuahua-700.jpg.webp)
What Does a Deer Head Chihuahua Look Like?
1. When you look at a Deer Head Chihuahua vs Applehead, Deer Heads are usually bigger than Apple Heads. The standard for the chihuahua breed is 6 pounds and under. Deer heads can get up to 12 pounds.
2. Deer head chihuahuas have a longer muzzle. Their muzzles slope more and are longer than Apple Heads.
3. Deer chihuahuas can have a round head, but it is not as round and bulbous as Apple Heads. Although they do look more roundish than other dog breeds.
4. Deer Heads’ eyes aren’t usually as large, round, and bulbous as Apple Heads. Again though, they often look more round than other dog breeds.
5. Deer chihuahuas (or reindeer chihuahuas!) have longer legs. I think the longer legs make them look more like tiny deer, don’t you? They are sometimes referred to as reindeer chihuahuas. Maybe they should be called the deer-legged chihuahua.
6. The deer head chihuahua can come in any color but are often fawn-colored. Along with fawn, other colors include chocolate, black, red, cream, white, silver, and blue.
7. The deer chihuahuas come in many patterns too. Patterns for this little dog include spotted, tri-colored, marked, piebald or splashed, merle, and brindle.
8. They can have long hair or short hair. Just like Apple Heads, these tiny canines can be long-haired or short-haired. In rare cases, they can be wiry-haired too. The long-haired deer head chihuahuas require more maintenance for their coats.
![deer head long hair chihuahua](https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/white-chi-tear-stains-700.jpg.webp)
ALSO READ:
All the Chihuahua Facts You Need to Know
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More Facts About Deer Chihuahuas
9. Deer heads are not recognized as the breed standard by the AKC. It doesn’t mean they aren’t purebred chihuahuas. It just means they can’t compete in dog shows.
10. Deer chihuahuas have fewer health problems than Apple Heads. This is probably due to the fact that they tend to be a little larger. Generally, the smaller the dog, the more health problems it is prone to.
11. The parents of a Deer Head Chihuahua can be Apple Head Chihuahuas. One or both parents can be Apple Heads and still produce Deer Head chihuahua puppies. It often takes weeks or months to know if the chihuahua puppy will be Deer Head or Apple Head.
12. They tend to be less high-strung and easier going than Apple Head chihuahuas. Of course, there are exceptions to this.
![deer head fawn chihuahua](https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/DM-Shively%E2%80%8E.jpg)
Pros and Cons of a Deer Head Chihuahua
Now, let’s take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of owning this toy breed.
Pros
- They are the perfect size for apartments or small houses.
- They make good watchdogs.
- Requires minimal maintenance and are easy to care for.
- They have a longer average lifespan.
- Can travel very easily when required.
Cons
- They are not tolerant of the cold.
- Deer Heads are fragile and need to be handled with care.
- They usually bond with one person in the family.
- Can be hard to housetrain.
- They are loud and love to bark to make their presence known.
Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest dog breed, so special care and attention need to be taken when owning these very tiny dogs.
![deer head fawn chihuahua on green dog bed](https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/deer-head-fawn-chihuahua-on-green-dog-bed.jpg.webp)
Fun Facts About Chihuahuas
- Did you know that the chihuahua is the unofficial state dog of Arizona? People have reported that wild packs of chihuahuas have been spotted roaming throughout the state.
- Chihuahuas also used to be gifted in bouquets of flowers. How bizarre is that?
- Some used to believe that chihuahuas also had the power to cure asthma!
![2 deer head chihuahuas playing in fall leaves outside](https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2-deer-head-chihuahuas-playing-in-fall-leaves-outside-700.jpg.webp)
Caring For Your Deer Head Chihuahua
If you have a short-haired deer head chihuahua, then they will not shed often. This means they will not require weekly brushing. However, if you have a long-haired deer head chihuahua, then you will need to brush their coat weekly to prevent matting and tangles.
Both varieties should also get a bath every three weeks as needed. Brushing their teeth daily is also necessary since the deer head chihuahua is prone to dental issues that could seriously affect their overall health.
If you have a deer head chihuahua puppy, you want to take the same care as you would an adult chihuahua pup. The chihuahua puppy will have what is known as a molera or soft spot. It is very similar to the fontanelle we see with babies. Translated, molera simply means “hole in the head.”
![fawn deerhead chihuahua chewing on dog treat](https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/deerhead-chewing-rawhide-treat.jpg.webp)
More FAQs About Deer Head Chihuahuas
No, they are quite common. And 2 apple head chihuahuas can produce deer head puppies.
Since deer head chihuahuas do not conform to the standard for the breed (the standard is apple head), they can’t be shown in dog shows and so their cost may be cheaper than apple head chihuahuas.
Expect to pay between $300 and $1200.
Well like any dog, they can be but for the most part, they are loyal, sweet dogs.
Many chihuahua owners claim that their deer head chihuahuas are less neurotic and more calm and friendly than apple head chihuahuas.
It depends on your point of view. If you are wanting to show or breed your chihuahua, then no, deer head chihuahuas are not better since they don’t conform to the breed standard.
However, as for the deer head chihuahua personality, many believe they are friendlier than apple head chihuahuas. So if you are looking for a pet chihuahua, deer heads may be better for you.
Yes, though they may not look like the “ideal” chihuahua, they are still purebred if both parents are purebred.
The chihuahua breed is known for its loyalty and deer head chihuahuas are no exception.
Deer-head chihuahuas tend to be larger than apple head chihuahuas but they can still be small. Deer head chihuahuas usually run between 3 and 12 pounds.
Yes, deer head chihuahuas do shed. But they usually aren’t heavy shedders like some dog breeds are.
A Spunky, Loving Dog
You can never underestimate a deer head chihuahua. Despite their size, this small breed is spunky and has personalities far larger than their size.
Deer heads are attentive, loving, and playful animals.
With proper love and care, deer head chihuahuas make perfect companions and are sure to be a great addition to any home.
So, what kind of chi do you have? If you are a fellow chihuahua owner, leave a comment. We always love chihuahua stories, too! We would love to see and hear all about your chi baby.
![Cathy](https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Cathy-signature-Chi-e1606827331805.jpg.webp)
![Chihuahua on blanket](https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/12-Deer-Head-Chihuahua-Facts-683x1024.png.webp)
Bob Tarvin
Wednesday 14th of August 2024
We have/had two Deer Heads. The first one Max was black with a white blaze on his chest and 3 white toes. Max died May 2015 because of a bad mitral valve in his heart. He had just turned 11 years old. He took care of me after I had a motorcycle accident. He was the BEST dog in the world. Our second Deer Head, Cash, is fawn colored and like Max, he is smart as a whip. The bad news is that he also has a bad heart. A 2-3 murmur. I keep asking our vet what I am doing wrong. He is 10 years old and also like Max is NOT spoiled, my wife and I are well trained. Both are rescues. Max from Florida and Cash from Alabama. DEER HEADS RULE! Bob
Cathy Bendzunas
Wednesday 14th of August 2024
You aren't doing anything wrong. Heart issues seem to happen a lot in small dogs. 2 (and possibly 3-she's showing signs) out of 4 of my dogs have heart murmurs. One was born with it but the other was just diagnosed a few months ago. And yes, those little smarties sure know how to trainb us.
Angel Waldorf
Tuesday 23rd of July 2024
Yes I have a male riendeer chi and a female applehead. Theodore Ray and Missy Lynn
Cathy Bendzunas
Tuesday 23rd of July 2024
Love their names Angel!
Diane
Monday 15th of July 2024
I have a deer head chawauwa and he's awesome with humans, but with other dogs, no way. He's always barking at them so loud. It's embarrassing at times. Help!!!❤️
Cathy Bendzunas
Monday 15th of July 2024
Try getting him into a training class with other dogs. He needs to get used to them. Just let the trainer know ahead of time that he doesn't like ther dogs. They may want to have a few sessions with him alone at first.
Sally Howard
Sunday 14th of July 2024
I adopted my first Chihuahua (2 y.o. deer head male) 4 weeks ago after losing my two precious long-time companions, both much larger dogs. I needed a small companion now due to health issues that make dealing with large dogs almost impossible. I am very familiar with the breed, as my closest friend adopted a little female 3 years ago and we all fell in love with her. We are now totally smitten with "Frankie"!! He is loving, fun and full of personality. There's a big dog in this 8 lb package! He has already assumed "ownership" of our house and yard and dutifully notifies me of any interlopers! He's also very smart and full of mischief - keeps me on my toes all the time. I already can't imagine life without him. So here's to all the Chi lovers out there - I'm thrilled to be a member of the club!!
Cathy Bendzunas
Monday 15th of July 2024
Yep, these little guys sure so know how to take over, So much personality in such tiny packages.
Brenda Ringler
Saturday 6th of July 2024
Currently I have two rescue dear head(my favorite kind) Chihuahuas. I worked at a vet clinic and people would come in at tell me that Grandma had died and she had a Chihuahua that hated everyone and they didn't know what to do. I would tell them to bring them to me. Most times the dog was over 12 years and hadn't had good grooming in that they had never had a dental or been spayed or neutered and were not or never had been current on shots. After the dental, neuter and shots they spent their remaining years with me. There is just the love from a Chihuahua that can't match anything else.
I was raised by a half Chihuahua and half Rat Terrier. I lived in a small town and roamed the streets with my dog, Cookie. I still say my momma was a Chihuahua.
Also while working at the vet clinic I was the Chihuahua whisper. I was the one that handled them while getting shots or whatever was needed. I'd see them bite the owner out of fear but they never bit me. I could hold them for nail trims and all.
Cathy Bendzunas
Saturday 6th of July 2024
I love your story Brenda and bless you for taking in these older chis and giving them a good last part of their lives.