7 Interesting Apple Head Chihuahua Facts

Chihuahuas are among the most popular small dog breeds, but did you know there are different types of Chihuahuas?

The type that immediately comes to mind for most is the apple head Chihuahua, though many people do not know they are called that.

The reason for the name apple head (sometimes spelled as only one word, applehead chihuahua) is that these Chihuahuas have a round head shape that resembles — you guessed it — an apple.

Check out our main post that showcases all our Chihuahua fact articles!

Here are some fun apple-head chihuahua facts:

1. An apple-shaped head is actually considered to be the breed standard for Chihuahuas, according to the Chihuahua Club of America.

This means that other types of Chihuahuas, such as deer head Chihuahuas, might be considered by some people to not be genuine Chihuahuas. They are, they just aren’t the dog breed standard.

If having a pet that meets breed standards is important to you, getting an apple head is the way to go.

If you want an animal that can compete in dog shows, definitely get an apple-head  Chihuahua.

Deer head Chihuahuas are not eligible to participate in competitions because they do not have the skull shape that kennel clubs look for.

However, all types of Chihuahuas can make great companions. And all are cutie patooties!

2. Because they are the breed standard, apple heads tend to be more expensive than deer head Chihuahuas

They commonly cost as much as $800 to $3,000.

Chihuahuas, with an impressive pedigree, can sometimes cost more than that.

Many people do choose to spend that kind of money because they really like the aesthetic effect of the apple shaped head.

Some people purchase the dogs mainly for competitions, so they will not even consider cutting costs to get a deer head Chihuahua.

Other people, who have no interest in show dogs, are fine with deer head Chihuahuas because these dogs are more budget-friendly and are still very cute.

Of course, you will find both apple heads and deer heads in animal shelters and rescues, and they all need loving homes!

3. Apple-headed dogs have existed since ancient times

Archaeologists have found drawings in Central America of Chihuahua-like dogs with apple-shaped heads.

These pictures are very old, dating from the time before Christopher Columbus came to the Americas.

Pictures of deer head Chihuahua-like dogs have also been found in the same archeological sites.

Though modern Chihuahuas did not exist back then, the dogs that lived in ancient Central American societies were probably the ancestors of modern Chihuahuas.

4. The shape of the apple head Chihuahua’s head causes its eyes to appear bigger and more noticeable

Chihuahuas’ big, pertinent eyes are one of the breed’s most recognizable features, and many people find the eyes endearing.

Apple heads’ necks also tend to be shorter than the necks of deer-head Chihuahuas.

And their snouts are shorter too.

5. Two apple-headed parents will not necessarily produce apple-headed puppies

Apple heads can have recessive genes that result in deer head puppies being born in a litter, even if both the mother and the father have apple-shaped heads.

This can present a challenge for breeders if they are trying to produce the perfect show dogs.

6. When apple head Chihuahuas are born, they can sometimes have a hole inside their heads

The hole is called a molera, and it appears when the skull has not fused all the way.

Human babies have the same thing, but it is referred to as a fontanelle.

A molera is no cause for concern; it is usually not associated with health problems. It may close up on its own but not always.

In fact, it is sometimes sought after, as some organizations consider it to be a dog breed standard.

7. They can be long-haired or can have short hair

Chihuahuas come in both long-haired and short-haired varieties.

The length of a Chihuahua’s fur has no bearing on whether it has an apple-shaped head or a deer-shaped head.

Chihuahuas with apple-shaped heads also come in a number of different colors and coat patterns.

Apple Head Versus Deer Head Chihuahua

It is easy to keep the two Chihuahua breed types separate when you understand the clear differences between the two. Head shape is just one big difference between these two types of small dogs.

While an apple head has a shorter muzzle, a deer-head Chihuahua has a longer nose and a much narrower, longer muzzle. There is no 90-degree angle either, and the deer head will have much more of a slope when you view the head from the side. This is what gives a deer head Chi dog its characteristic “foxy” shape.

The other big difference between these two Chi dogs is their size and weight. Apple head Chihuahuas are known to have shorter legs while deer heads have much longer legs and a taller body. Deerhead Chihuahuas also tend to weigh more than apple-head chihuahuas.

Deer head Chi don’t adhere to any breed standard and are less likely to suffer from any kind of dental or breathing problems. It is also easier for a Chihuahua to give birth to a deer head because the apple head skulls are much bigger and harder to deliver.

All About the Apple Head Chihuahua Puppy

As already mentioned above, the apple-head Chihuahua puppy is born with a molera. When caring for an apple head Chihuahua puppy, you want to watch for life-threatening hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This condition is common among toy breeds.

Some signs of this disorder include appetite loss, muscle tremors, shaking, seizures, disorientation, lethargy, and pale mucous membranes.

When feeding your Chi puppy, only give them high-quality food. They should also have access to fresh, clean drinking water throughout the day.

When grooming your pup, weekly brushing is sufficient if your apple head Chi has short hair. However, if they have long hair, then you will want to brush your Chi puppy at least twice per week with a soft bristle brush.

Daily brushing though is optimal for both short and long hair Chihuahuas as it is good for skin circulation, keeps the dander down, and helps control shedding.

Summary – Apple Head Chihuahua Facts

Apple head Chihuahuas are in the toy breed family and typically grow to stand between 5 and 8 inches in height. Their weight taps out around the 3-6 pound mark, and they are typically black, black and tan, chocolate, cream, fawn, or red in color.

They aren’t as dog-friendly as some other dog breeds, however, but they are often alert, courageous, devoted, lively, and highly intelligent. 

Apple head Chihuahuas have an average lifespan of 12-18 years, and depending on the Chihuahua breeder, the cost to purchase one may be between $800 and $3000 on average.

The Chihuahua is classified as one of the smallest dogs in the world and, for this reason, is often also called a toy breed. In addition to apple head, this type of tiny dog has also been called Apple Head Teacup Chihuahua, long-haired Chihuahua, short hair Chihuahua, and more commonly known, Applehead Chihuahua.

Be sure to check out this more in-depth article on apple heads and deer heads and how to tell what your chi is: Do You Have an Apple Head or Deer Head Chihuahua?

So, what kind of little dog do you have? I have one of each. Lucy is an apple head, and Lucas is a deer head. They are both freaking adorable (if I say so myself, LOL) and sweet as can be.