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Do You Have an Apple Head or Deer Head Chihuahua?

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deer head chihuahua and apple head chihuahuaWe often get questions in our facebook group from pet parents wondering if their chihuahuas have an Apple Head or a Deer Head. Sometimes it’s easy to tell. Other times, not so much. Hopefully this guide will help you if you are wondering what your chihuahua is.

The funny thing is, these terms are not even mentioned in the Chihuahua Club of America breed standard guidelines. However they do state that a chihuahua should have a well rounded “apple dome” skull.

So does that mean if you have a deer head, your chihuahua isn’t legitimately a chihuahua? No, of course not. In fact, there can be deer heads and apple heads in the same litter with the same parents. It just means the ideal chihuahua has an apple head in the eyes of the CCA.  So if you ever wanted to enter your chi in a dog show, you couldn’t with a deer head. Most of us don’t have chihuahuas for show though, we have them for companionship.

One thing that should make you feel better about having a deer head chihuahua is that even though they aren’t the ideal standard of the breed, they are less prone to health issues than apple heads are.

Characteristics of an Apple Head Chihuahua

front and side view of an apple head chihuahua

  • The head is very round and bulbous.
  • The eyes appear to be lower down on the head and often bulge out more.
  • The forehead is prominent.
  • The muzzle is short.
  • Apple heads tend to have a smaller body than deer heads.

By the way, the little cutie above is named Newt and he belongs to Evelyn Ann Ciaramella Hannigan.

Here’s a video with an apple head chihuahua:

Characteristics of a Deer Head Chihuahua

side and front view of a deer head chihuahua

  •  A longer, more tapered snout (or nose).
  • The eyes appear to be higher up on the head.
  • The forehead is less pronounced and not as round as an Apple Head.
  • Their head often resembles a deer’s head (hence the name).
  • Deer head chis tend to be a little larger than apple heads.

Here’s a video of a deer head chihuahua:

Now look at them side by side:

Now I do have to mention that I have seen some chihuahuas that seem to be a combination of both types so if you have a hard time telling which one your chi is, it could be because of that.

So do you have a deer head or an apple head chihuahua? My Kilo was an apple head. Lucas is a deer head.

Feel free to upload a photo of your apple or deer head chi in the comments. Or if you aren’t sure what you have, add your photo and maybe we can help you figure it out.

https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/How-to-tell-if-you-have-an-apple-head-or-a-deer-head-chihuahua.jpg
https://ilovemychi.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/deer-head-or-apple-head.jpg

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Comments

  3. Roseanne says

    January 25, 2017 at 6:21 pm

    I am not sure whether Goliath is an apple head or a deer head,he could be both but i’m not sure.A little help on this would be great.

    Reply

  6. Kristen McMahan says

    January 25, 2017 at 9:31 pm

    Kizzy is a chi weenie I was told she’s an apple head but after reading and seeing the videos I don’t know

    Reply

  7. Ashleydblue says

    January 25, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    This is my Chi Chi. He is a rescue from North Carolina. Now very happy in CT! I love him! He is such a cuddlebug. Applehead?

    Reply

  9. Miss Bobby Henderson says

    January 26, 2017 at 4:28 am

    Thank you for telling of the differences. Personally I love them all but I do like the deerhead
    better, only for the look.

    Reply

  10. Rebecca says

    January 26, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    This is Gomez he’s my sucky baby! I got 6 yrs ago and he’s 7 now, the people who owned him before me were terrible owners, their pit bull used him as a toy and gave him a scar on his left eye and he was so thin when I got him. Now he’s loved and content and in a great home! He’s my world!

    Reply

      • Rebecca says

        January 26, 2017 at 8:05 pm

        Thank you kilosmom 😶 I got him for free from those people two months before I lost my dog Cujo my very first dog my German Sheppard, he passed away Jan 31 2011 it was a hard year since I list my Dad nine mths prior to that fe Cancer 😔so Gomez was a god send, he really helped me with my grief.. Him and I are joined at the hip! Thank you for listening to my storey.

        Reply

      • Anonymous says

        August 18, 2018 at 10:03 am

        I just do not understand how people can be so uncaring as to allow their little furbabies, whatever the breed, be abused. I feel so happy for you, Rebecca and for Gomez. You needed each other. He is so beautiful!

        Reply

  14. Martha says

    February 4, 2017 at 5:25 pm

    This is my chi and smokey is 4 years old and I’m having a hard time trying to figure out if he is a apple head or a dear head chi

    Reply

  21. George Sargent says

    March 27, 2017 at 9:18 pm

    My Deer head Chihuahua is known as CRUSHER !
    A wonderfully playful personality . I Love this little guy.
    6 pounds of pure enjoyment in our home

    Reply

  23. Pat says

    March 29, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    I have one more quick question. The girl in office at vets office said she was a chihuahua mix. Is it possible she is mixed with some type of terrier. I don’t think many people are familiar with deer head. I wasn’t until I researched. He is 5 months old and weighs 6.5 pounds. Thanks

    Reply

  24. kilosmom says

    March 29, 2017 at 7:52 pm

    It’s possible she’s mixed as she is a little on the large side for a 5 month old. But I couldn’t tell you what she’s mixed with as she looks like a chihuahua.

    Reply

  25. Pat says

    March 30, 2017 at 7:59 pm

    Thanks. I guess she is large even for a deer head. I’m hoping she won’t weigh over 10 pounds. She is a sweetie and very smart . Just a little curious when we go outside. Seems to hear everything. Loves people. She went to everyone at the vets office. I put her picture in this APP callled what dog and it came up chihuahua only. My sister has a mixed dog and i put her in and both came up as one or the other. 😆😆

    Reply

  26. Alecia Wilson says

    April 22, 2017 at 11:22 pm

    I’m looking for info on common medical issues in deer chihuahuas. I’ve had Nyhm ( the name the pound gave him but I call him Little Man) 3 years now. He is my first and I have loved him and nurtured him just like he does me. We were homeless for about a year out in the cold and constantly on the go. About 3 weeks ago we got our own place and he has to climb a stair case to got in and out. At first he would run up it like nothing at all, but the last few days he is limping up like he is either in pain or in fear. I know when he was a couple months old he hurt his paw on a staircase but he has always been okay about not using that paw when having to take a staircase since then. I’ve thought of arthritis, being down right defiant because he does have a very opinionated personality, or fear of be inside because he may have adjusted to being homeless, yet no matter what it takes i just want to know he’s okay, he is my world!

    Reply

    • kilosmom says

      April 23, 2017 at 2:03 am

      He’s a handsome little guy Alecia.
      He could have a hurt paw, and even a pebble or something in his paw pads so check for that. Or it could be Patella Luxation. You can read about it here: https://ilovemychi.com/patella-luxation-in-chihuahuas/
      It’s also possible for it to be a psychological issue too. You probably should check with your vet to rule out any physical issue.

      Reply

  27. Victoria N. Eiland says

    April 23, 2017 at 2:32 am

    I’m so glad I found this site and others! Everyone told me that my MIMI is a chihuahua, but since she didn’t conform to the apple-head characteristics I didn’t believe them. Deer head! What a revelation and Mimi is definitely a perfect deer head chihuahua.

    Reply

  29. Treasea says

    May 19, 2017 at 11:10 am

    We have three Chihuahuas. One deer head, one apple and this little girl, Tika. She’s defective, her ears never came up! She’s 2yrs old, 5lbs. She looks mixed?

    Reply

  31. Susan says

    May 25, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    No matter what he is, I Love my Digger! He will be a year old on July 29th and he is named perfectly. When do they stop jumping? Technically, I should have named him Roo.

    Reply

    • kilosmom says

      June 10, 2017 at 2:13 pm

      Hi Stacy,
      Although Bruce’s snout is tad bit longer than most apple heads, I still think he is an apple head. His snout isn’t as long as a traditional deer head and he definitely has the round bulbous head of an apple head.
      He’s a handsome boy!

      Reply

  36. Macsmomma says

    July 2, 2017 at 9:15 am

    I’m thinking Mac is a deer head but could he be a mix? Do you think he’s a mix? When I adopted him they documented him as a Chi mix but He looks like just an adorable chi to me. He is 3 years old and about 5 pounds give or take.

    Reply

  39. Krystal Dawn says

    July 26, 2017 at 6:26 pm

    This is our new pup who will be trained as a service dog, he is coming up on 11 weeks old and we’ve had him nearly 3 weeks, he’s been wormed and had first puppy shot. His name is Emjay….he has one white “glove” so hubby named him MJ but I changed the spelling. I think he’s an deer head.

    Reply

  41. deb says

    July 27, 2017 at 6:39 am

    this is my baby girl Sassy, and she lives up to her name. I have been told she is a deer and my brother says apple. all I know is she is my girl.

    Reply

  42. Carol says

    July 27, 2017 at 10:05 am

    This is not a very good picture of my Molly. Can you tell me if Molly is a Apple head or a deer head Chihuahua

    Reply

  46. Patricia says

    August 2, 2017 at 4:07 am

    This is my Baby Lynn. She’s a rescue from the Yavapai Humane Society. She’s a little over 4 years old. Can you tell me if she’s an Apple Head or Deer Head???

    Reply

      • Patricia says

        August 2, 2017 at 5:59 am

        The Humane Society said that she’s a Chihuahua mix; and that they think she’s got some Pug in her . . .
        Can you please tell me what you think???

        Reply

          • Patricia says

            September 9, 2017 at 9:37 am

            Thanks so much Cathy. I really appreciate that you could help me figure that out. I just LOVE learning anything new about her that I possibly can.

            I do have a strange question that I’ve been struggling with for a couple of months . . .
            Do you happen to have any information about inexpensive doggie-dentists in the Prescott, Arizona area???

            Reply

            • Cathy says

              September 9, 2017 at 12:59 pm

              No I don’t know of any Patricia but usually veterinarians do dental work on dogs so search google for veterinary colleges in your area as you will get a huge discount on any work they do and they are totally supervised by experienced vets. You can also search for affordable veterinarians and see if anything comes up. We have several discount vets in our area.

              Reply

    • Cathy says

      October 8, 2017 at 1:37 am

      She kind of looks like a mixture Marta. She does have the longish snout of a deerhead but her head is definitely apple shaped.

      Reply

  54. Ruth Foley says

    October 11, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    My little girl Nyla just had her second birthday. She is the sweetest ever, and weighs 5.6 lbs. I believe she is a deer head. Am I correct?

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      October 12, 2017 at 12:48 am

      Moxley is cute Sherry. Are you wondering what she is? If so, send me another photo. I’m having a ahrd time telling here. Maybe because she has something in her mouth that is throwing me off.

      Reply

  57. Leza says

    October 13, 2017 at 3:25 am

    This is one of our appleheads, Munchie, he crossed the rainbow bridge about 4 years ago, after living his last 12 with us. He was a rescue from a puppy mill. He loved riding on our Harley.

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      October 20, 2017 at 8:53 pm

      She may end up being an apple head. Their face changes a lot the first year so most breeders won’t tell you for sure what they are, just what they think they may be.

      And weirdly two apple heads can produce deer head puppies.

      Right now though, her snout looks a bit too long to be an apple head. Regardless, she’s a beautiful puppy!

      Reply

  66. Carla barnes says

    November 23, 2017 at 5:07 pm

    My deerhead chi.. I’ve always had deer chi’s they are my favorite and have always been more laid back, cuddlers an calm more than an apple head .. this is Chloe

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      November 23, 2017 at 6:42 pm

      I have to agree. My Lucas is a deer head and very laid back and a total cuddler. Kilo was an apple head and was much more high strung.

      Reply

  67. Carla barnes says

    November 23, 2017 at 5:10 pm

    This is my daughters applehead chi. He is a MESS! I love him as my own An babysit him. All the time. His name is copper hence the color .

    Reply

  70. JENN says

    December 24, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    My applehead Bailey (chocolate one) and Ginger who I believe is a deer but she does have the somewhat done shaped head, so maybe can be both?

    Reply

  71. Heather says

    December 28, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    This is my best friend Ares he is almost 11 months old weighing in at 3.5lbs! He loves to play and go on adventures….his favorites are car rides and playing in the snow

    Reply

  72. Ann Taylor says

    January 3, 2018 at 11:35 pm

    We have two Chihuahuas. Our first is Izzy Dora is 11 years old, is 4.5 lbs and an Apple Head, a sweetheart and high strung. Our baby is Bella Phenix, born in Phenix City, Ala/

    Reply

  73. Ann Taylor says

    January 3, 2018 at 11:45 pm

    Bella Phenix is 2 1/2, 5 1/2 lbs , is a Dear Head, adorable personality, calm and sweet. Sensitive to sounds and noises. Fawn colored with white tummy, markings. Izzy is black with tan markings.

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      January 5, 2018 at 4:27 pm

      Yeah Brindles seem somewhat rare in chihuahuas. They are gorgeous though and I love them! I have a brindle, but not a chi. He’s a German Shepherd-American Bulldog mix.

      Reply

  76. Rhonda says

    January 6, 2018 at 12:40 am

    When I got Lexi they told me she was a Apple Head. I am not so sure? I am thinking both or Deer Head?. What do you think?

    Reply

  80. Nehemiah says

    January 6, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    Hi I’m Nehemiah.. Just got my puppy Chase yesterday and was wondering if he was deer or apple head.. He’s 11 weeks old.

    Reply

  83. sunnycadreamer says

    January 10, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    My little Summer Sausage. She’s 11 weeks old in this picture. Do they go through awkward stages? It seems her nose is the only thing that is growing right now and her ear tip is curling backwards.

    Reply

    • sunnycadreamer says

      January 10, 2018 at 8:03 pm

      Also her parents had more of an apple head but, I think she may be a mix or deer head the way she’s going.

      Reply

    • Cathy says

      January 10, 2018 at 9:42 pm

      She is so cute! Yes they do go through stages where it seems one part grows faster than the other. That’s why it’s sometimes hard to tell what a puppy will end up being. Summer does look like a deer head in her awkward stage photo but looks more apple head in the photo where she is 11 weeks old.

      Reply

  84. Paul Hathaway says

    January 14, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    My wife and i just picked up our 9 week old Chi 3 days ago, Both parents are Deer heads. mother is 5 pounds father is 5.5. Our little Girl is only 795Grams at 9 weeks, has Short legs, a medium length muzzle that isnt totally Straight ( it slopes down very slightly) she doesn’t have bulging eyes they are more almond shaped. she has the Bulgy apple head shaped skull and a Definite molera. at 9 weeks she is Tiny she is the same height as a soda can lol.

    So my question is this, Is she a throwback to a grand parent or something or a hybrid or what?

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      January 14, 2018 at 7:56 pm

      Hi Paul,
      It’s entirely possible for 2 deerheads to produce an applehead. At 9 weeks it’s still too soon as to what she she will end up being yet.

      Reply

  88. Arely says

    January 25, 2018 at 1:12 am

    Here’s our little stud muffin Milo. Not sure wether to consider him apple or a deer head. We are defiantly in love with this little cuddle bug💞 A

    Reply

  89. Arely says

    January 25, 2018 at 2:41 pm

    Well his age is questionable. My Husband came across her selling puppies on the side of the road. He felt horrible and brought the puppy home. She did give us her cell phone number so that I could call her if I had any questions. I questioned how tiny he was and the fact that he didn’t seem to be eating properly she assured me he was of age (8 to 10 werks) and might be scared but was very vague and never actually gave me a birthdate. Fast forward week, I sent a text questioning the puppies actual birthdate for an up and coming vet visiy and she responded December 23. Which makes him roughly 6 weeks old at this point. I quickly responded with he should’ve been taken away from his mother and siblings and apparently she has blocked my number. I happy to report he is a happy And seemingly healthy little guy. Vet gave him a clean bill of health🙌🏻. He is simply amazing ! Was trying to litter train him but he prefers to go outside. He’s so smart in the middle of playing he stops and starts Whining to go out to potty. He does not soil his area and has yet to have an accident in the house

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      January 25, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      He sounds like an amazing little guy and you really lucked out considering the dog breeder sounds like a piece of work. Wish we could keep these idiots out of the breeding business.

      He’s still too young to tell for sure what he is. You can usually tell by around 6 months. He does have an apple bulbous head but a rather long snout so he could be either or a mixture of the too.

      Check back and add a photo when he’s around 6 months old and we will try again.

      His sister is simply precious. I hope she found a good home.

      Reply

  90. Arely says

    January 25, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    I only wish my husband would taken all three puppies . Before she blocked me she tried to sell me the female sibling stating I could make money and breed ( which I would never do ) but I would have welcomed the female just the same. She just won’t respond to me anymore 💔

    Reply

  93. Billie Sterr says

    January 29, 2018 at 11:42 am

    This is my Gunner baby! He is almost 4mo! Do you think he is Deer head or Apple head? I put his pictures on a Chihuahua site and got mixed opinions and some very rude comments!

    Reply

  95. Bee says

    March 10, 2018 at 4:33 pm

    This is Pearl, she turned 3yrs old yesterday. She’s a deer head and the only one that looks different out of a litter of 4. Her mum was a short apple doom head. As an adult now, she weighs in at 11.9 pounds ( 5.4kg) as of last week.

    Several people have approached me and said she’s mixed. But both mum and Dad are chihuahuas. Her mum is from Eastern Europe and Dad is long haired English.

    Reply

  96. Rachel says

    March 14, 2018 at 11:46 am

    Hi,
    Was wondering if you could please help me determine which type Chihuahua I have.

    Apple or Deer?

    Bella is 15 weeks old.

    Reply

  97. Juanita says

    March 24, 2018 at 3:16 am

    This is Princess! Ahe is almost 3yrs. Old & is my Everything! Upon discovering this awesome, very interesting & helpful website i am going to say my baby girl is a “DeerHead” although i would just like to confirm i LOVE my sweetheart Forever & Alwayz!❤
    Thank You for this amazing site!😀

    Reply

  98. Jackie Eyerman says

    March 24, 2018 at 5:08 pm

    hello there I just joined your group, thank you. Quick question please. . I was told when I bought my precious girl Taco that she was an Applehead chi, now she kind of looks like a deerhead chi, some have even told me she looks like a mini pin.. I am really confused. What is your opinion? Thank you. I will send 2 pictures, two when I got her at 5 weeks old and two current at 2yrs old.

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      March 24, 2018 at 10:33 pm

      Taco is a deer head Jackie. I think the reason people may think she is a mini pin is because she has the coloring of one. But chis often have those same markings. A mini pin will usually have longer legs than a chi and they are usually a little larger than your average chi although they are a pretty small breed too.

      Reply

  103. Krystal Dawn says

    March 30, 2018 at 1:19 am

    I’m not sure where to post this, Cathy, please move/remove as you see fit. Munchkin, my chihuahua mix service dog was almost 12 years old, passed over the Rainbow Bridge this past Tuesday the 27th of March. Afetr researching her symptoms, I believe it was heart worms that took her….
    I am in Arizona caring for my Mom who fell and broke her shoulder, my sister and brother in law both work full time and with Sis’s recent promotion at work, she couldn’t take off.
    I figure I will be here another 4 weeks and then head “home” to pack and give notice at our rental, we are leaving Washington and coming HOME! We gave it almost 10 years up there and hubby needs the Arizona sunshine and warmth. Wish me luck on getting home and back again without Munchkin. I am so not looking forward to traveling without her.
    My sweet girl has gone to join her brother, may they forever run free. RIP my babies.

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      March 30, 2018 at 3:36 pm

      I’m so sorry you lost your little Munchkin! You’ve had a lot to deal with. Hope everything goes well with your upcoming move.

      Reply

  106. Don says

    April 21, 2018 at 5:06 am

    We adopted this little guy from a local shelter in 2013. His age was approximately 11 months of age and did not have a name. We have since titled him “Sir Chupacabra” and he doesn’t skip a beat.
    Oh, in my opinion he appears closer to a ‘deer head’ than an apple, but I could be mistaken. Regardless of the type he’s really easygoing, only barks when people are at the front door, has NEVER bitten or snapped at anyone, gets along with other dogs and people.
    He likes going on walks and goes crazy over car rides so he can stick his head out the window. At home he spends most of his time relaxing on a blanket-topped club chair, next to the air conditioner, so he can contemplate about origins of the universe. Yes, he’s got it quite rough around here. 🙃

    Reply

  111. Kitie Hollenbeck says

    June 12, 2018 at 10:13 pm

    Is Millie an apple or deer head? She is 4 months and 4 pounds. My kids don’t think she is full chihuahua, but I do.

    Reply

  112. Stan Gadziola says

    June 13, 2018 at 6:42 pm

    I have a deer head. He is 5 years old and is my best friend. His name is Rufus!
    He loves when I play guitar… he is very sensitive.

    Reply

  116. Shay says

    July 2, 2018 at 11:59 pm

    My sweet little Memphis is the first Apple head I’ve had! I’ve had two previous deer heads, but I’ve never had an Apple head until Memphis!

    Reply

  119. Andi says

    July 23, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    Here is my Kuma! She is 4 months old (almost 5 months) and is 7 pounds. I call her Noodle sometimes because she has a long body and likes to stretch out completely when she sleeps ^^ I think she’s mostly a deer head but she may be a little bit of both

    Reply

  127. Alisa says

    August 23, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    This is Jasper. He’s 2 1/2 and I adopted him when hecwas 3 months. I was told he was an apple head but, he looks a lil like both to me. What do you think?

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      August 23, 2018 at 7:46 pm

      Yeah the view of the top of his head definitely looks apple but the side view definitely looks deer head so he could be a mixture of both.

      Reply

  129. Suzanne says

    August 31, 2018 at 7:07 am

    Hi Jynxy is my white Chihuahua she is 6 months old and hotdog is my other Chihuahua he is 3 months old. Do you know what kind they are?

    Reply

  130. Jay says

    September 3, 2018 at 2:05 pm

    This is my Chi, Bobo. He’s around seven years old and I got him from my parents when he was one year old. He loves to burrow in blankets and pillowcases. I’m thinking he’s a deerhead, but i’m not sure. Care to help?

    Reply

  135. Pat K. says

    April 22, 2019 at 8:58 am

    This is my deer head Chiquita, she is the my baby. This pic is of her in a sweater which she hates to wear. Thanks for letting us join.

    Reply

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