Is your family ready for the cute deer-head chihuahua? This little breed looks like a deer and has a tremendous personality. The Deer Head Chihuahua is one of the tiniest breeds of dog, but its vast, pleasant attitude and striking characteristics have made it a symbol of a nation and one of the most popular breeds worldwide.
Upright ears, large, expressive eyes, and a compact physique distinguish this breed. The Deer Head Chihuahua has historically been available in two coat lengths: long and short, with black, white, fawn, red, silver, chocolate, or gray patterns. Learn about the traits, benefits, and how to care for this energetic dog. Now let’s take a look at what a deer head chihuahua is.
Deer Head Chihuahua History
The deer head chihuahua has the face and head form of a juvenile deer. Other distinguishing traits of this breed include a longer nose, more enormous ears, and a sloping forehead. They are often described as giant dogs with tiny dog bodies. They are self-assured, outspoken, fiery, and bursting with energy. Deer chihuahuas have huge personalities and an attitude.
The deer head chihuahua is classed as a toy breed, although more is needed about the remainder of the deer head chihuahua’s history. According to legend, the Aztecs held this dog breed in the 1500s. According to American Kennel Club, the Techichi is a Mexican breed that survived the collapse of the Toltec and Aztec empires before being found in rural Mexican settlements. Upright ears, large, expressive eyes, and a compact physique distinguish the Deer Head Chihuahua breed.
The deer-head chihuahua is also well-known as a companion dog. However, they did not get American Kennel Club registration until the 1900s. When this occurred, the deer-head chihuahua was divided into two breeds: Deer Head Chihuahuas and Apple Head Chihuahuas. Now, let’s take a deeper look at some chihuahua facts that you should be aware of if you’re thinking about adding a little deer chihuahua to your home.
Deer Head Chihuahua Appearance
Their visage is often characterized as resembling that of a juvenile deer, which is how they received their name. The Deer Head Chihuahua has a long nose, huge ears, and a slightly slanted stop (the space between the muzzle and the forehead). Ears have long legs and slender torso, and they stand erect.
Their eyes should be large, round, and dark brown. Their neck should be arched slightly, sloping down into slim shoulders and a long back, with a long tail carried high over the dog. Deer Head Chihuahuas should never have a low-hanging tail. This puppy is a fast-moving, compact tiny dog with a commanding look.
🐕Colors
The most prevalent color for this chihuahua breed is fawn or different shades of chocolate or liver. They may, however, be any color that conventional deer chihuahuas are. Although silver, grey, black, or white, Deer Head chihuahua are more prevalent. Apple Heads are more often seen in Merles and other more variegated hues.
🐕Coat
Their coats may be short or long. A decent brushing once a week is sufficient for short-haired. On the other hand, long-haired dogs need brushing each week thrice. Both types will need a bath every three to four weeks. Short-haired dogs shed somewhat more than long-haired dogs.
🐕Size and Weight
The chihuahua is one of the world’s tiniest dog breeds. Some people are so little that they barely weigh one or two pounds. These “teacup dogs” get their moniker because they can fit inside a teacup. Although the deer-head chihuahua is more significant than the apple-head cousin, it does available in teacup size. However, be aware of breeders that claim to breed, particularly for teacup dogs, since these dogs might have more health issues.
▪️5 to 12 inches in height (Male)
▪️Female height ranges from 5 to 12 inches.
▪️Male weight: 1 to 12 pounds
▪️Female weight range: 1 to 12 pounds
🐕Eye Color
Most deer head Chihuahuas have dark brown eyes, which may occasionally resemble black. The breed standard allows for black ruby eyes, which may have a reddish tint under certain lighting circumstances.
Many deer heads with lighter coats have lighter-colored eyes that range from medium brown to hazel. Blue eyes are also possible, although they are considered a significant flaw in confirmation contests. In rare cases, a deer head chihuahua may exhibit two colors inside one eye or total heterochromia (each eye is a different hue).
The Chihuahua standard requires the eyes to be big without projecting, round, placed widely apart, and brilliant, regardless of color. Deer head Chihuahuas have eyes that are closer together than usual and situated relatively high on the head.
🐕Temperament
The chihuahua is a feisty, lively, and adorable little friend that will accompany you practically everywhere and climb up onto your lap if given the opportunity. As a result, you may sometimes see individuals carrying these pets in their handbags or backpacks. They have a strong attachment to a particular individual, yet they are also wary of outsiders.
Deer head Chihuahua personality and ease of adaptation to compact living areas make them ideal alternatives for apartment dwellers. They may also function as watchdogs. However, you should be warned that if they don’t get enough attention, Chihuahuas might exhibit some undesirable behavior. Ensure you have adequate time to focus on their social and emotional health.
Deer Head Chihuahua Health Problems
The unpleasant fact about Chihuahuas is that they often have serious health issues. The same breeding that makes them so adorable has unwittingly resulted in a slew of congenital and chronic health concerns.
Chihuahuas are predisposed to senile iris atrophy. As the dog matures, the muscles in the iris deteriorate, resulting in light sensitivity and visual loss. There is no cure for this condition. Small breeds or those with unusually shaped faces are more vulnerable to brachycephalic airway issues.
Chihuahuas are no different. They have a bias towards reverse sneezing. Rowena Packer discovered in 2015 that the snout ratio to cranial length influences brachycephalic airway difficulties such as tracheal collapse.
Her results show that deer head Chihuahuas may be less harmed than apple head Chihuahuas due to their longer snouts. Periodontal problems in Chihuahuas include early tooth loss and mandibular degeneration.
🐕Common Health Issues
The chihuahua is a relatively healthy dog with a lifespan of 14 to 16 years. Still, it is prone to developing several health issues, including eye diseases, epilepsy, cancer, low blood sugar, a loose kneecap condition known as patellar luxation, and several heart problems such as patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease.
The deer head chihuahua may develop moleras, a soft patch on the head; however, this ailment is less prevalent than in the apple head version. You can do a few things as a dog owner to guarantee your dog’s health.
First and foremost, never purchase from puppy mills, pet stores, or breeders who cannot guarantee the health of their pets. Second, frequent veterinary checks are always recommended to detect health concerns as early as feasible. In summary, the following are the most prevalent health issues that Chihuahua owners are likely to encounter:
🔎Kneecap Dislocated
🔎Heart Problems
🔎Diseases of the Eye
🔎Low blood sugar levels
🔎Cancer
Deer Head Chihuahua Proper Caring
The deer head chihuahua should be suited for owners of all levels of expertise. It’s simple to maintain and train and doesn’t require much activity. If you have more questions or concerns regarding raising your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian.
🐕Nutrition
A fully developed adult Deer Head Chihuahua will only need half a cup of dog food each day, while the precise quantity may vary depending on the dog’s size, age, and activity level. Chihuahuas may be fussy eaters, but small-sized dry food high in proteins and fats may be optimal for this breed.
Some dogs are notorious for their voracious appetites. On the other hand, the chihuahua is reputed to be a light eater. Obesity will place undue pressure on their joints and lower their quality of life. It is very hazardous to any toy dog breed. Chihuahuas need just one cup of dog food every day.
This dog’s daily cup of dog food must be divided into four meals daily. Each time, feed a quarter cup. Feed-only food is developed exclusively for tiny and toy-breed dogs. It will include everything your dog needs without adding anything additional. Your dog should not be given any different food or table scraps.
🐕Grooming
Although both types of Chihuahuas are considered low maintenance in terms of grooming, several basic activities should be completed regularly to keep your Chi looking and feeling his best. Brushing is at the top of the list, and details for both variations are provided below.
A bath every four to six weeks will also maintain the skin and coat clean and healthy. The ears should be regularly examined for filth, debris, and waxy buildup and regularly cleansed with a canine ear cleaning solution or as required. Every month or so, examine the nails and, if necessary, cut them neatly using pet nail clippers or a nail grinder.
Chihuahuas commonly have dental problems, some of which are easily avoided with primary oral care. Brush your chihuahua’s teeth at least three or four times a week using dog-safe toothpaste and a finger brush for tiny mouths. Giving a plaque-fighting dental supplement to the breed’s drinking water is also standard practice.
🐕Training
Owners may understandably fear the training process based on previous experiences with other pets. On the other hand, the Chihuahua is a whole different story; these clever and interested dogs can make training exciting and entertaining. They swiftly learn human orders and react well to positive reinforcement approaches.
Owners will need to apply a strong but soft hand to make it appear that they’re the leader and should be respected because of their authoritarian attitude and inclination to get their way. If you are having difficulty with the whole procedure, you might consider hiring the services of an experienced trainer.
🐕Exercise
Every day, the chihuahua needs 25 to 35 minutes of exercise. Short walks and playing in a dog park should be plenty to keep this breed happy. This is not an intensive or high-endurance breed while being lively and aggressive and capable of succeeding in several activities. If your dog starts panting and overexerting, it’s time to rest. Fortunately, they’re little enough to be carried home if they become sleepy.
🐕Puppies
Deer head chihuahua puppies will need adequate obedience training and socialization within a few months of birth. Socialization options abound at dog parks, courses, puppy schools, and even scheduled social events. Chihuahuas are generally simple to house train, but unless you’re prepared to take your dog outside every hour or two, investing in a box to teach your puppy how to control itself may be a wise option.
Crate training is also an excellent strategy to prevent your dog from indulging in destructive behavior; however, don’t use it as a punishment or a place to imprison your dog. Deer Head Chihuahua puppies should be given special attention regarding physical development. They are often prone to harm because of their fragility and small.
Similar Breed of Deer Head Chihuahua
●Pomeranian
Although this energetic little breed weighs little more than ten pounds, it can be a flurry of activity and excitement. The Pomeranian, which originated in the region of northern Europe that bears its name, has a thick double coat of fur that comes in a variety of colors, including red, tan, black, orange, and white. There are also speckled and brindle designs. Fortunately, they are rather simple to train.
●Papillon
This little toy breed, created in France, is a pleasant, alert, and active dog with great agility and beauty. They are excellent family pets since they have a plumed tails, wing-shaped ears, and a silky fur coat.
●Pugs
Formerly a favorite of the world’s aristocracy, the little and cute pug with short hair and a wrinkled face will capture the heart of its owner with a charming, fun-loving, and mischievous disposition. They are available in three basic colors, silver, orange blossom, all, and black.
Other Types of Chihuahua
🐕Short Haired Chihuahua
The single distinguishing feature of the short-hair Chihuahua from the other recognized breed varieties is, well, the coat. The smooth-coat chihuahua has short hair, but the long-coat chihuahua has lengthy hair. Because their short hair gives them a streamlined look, they are frequently referred to as smooth-coat Chihuahuas.
Owners of short-haired Chihuahuas will need less grooming work and will have less lost hair to tidy up around the home. However, short-haired Chihuahuas are more prone to suffer a chill in cold weather, so make sure you have a dog sweater for your tiny to wear.
🐕Long Haired Chihuahua
The overall look of their long coats may make them seem rough, which gives rise to the second famous moniker for these dogs: rough-coated Chihuahuas.
A long-haired chihuahua may grow a full and lustrous coat in as little as 24 months. From now on, you’ll need to maintain his coat clean (like you would with any dog) and get him groomed regularly. A weekly brush is also a smart idea, and your dog will probably appreciate these tiny grooming treatments, which will offer you another opportunity to connect with your pet.
🐕Teacup Chihuahua
Teacup chihuahuas must weigh less than 5 pounds and stand no more than 9 inches tall, according to Teacup Daily. That counts as positively puny, in our opinion! It’s worth mentioning that many people are against breeding teacup Chihuahuas. Teacup dogs are tiny and endure terrible lives due to genetic abnormalities caused by being purposefully raised to be abnormally small.
🐕Pear Headed Chihuahua
The “pear-headed Chihuahua” looks like a cross between apple-headed and deer-headed Chihuahuas. While the fruity name is amusing to pronounce and seems exotic, it isn’t a reality, so don’t pay a premium.
As the name suggests, “pear-headed Chihuahuas” have a pear-shaped skull with a broader apple-like top that narrows somewhat before flaring it into a wider snout than deer-headed Chihuahuas. These puppies are often larger and heavier than some other Chihuahuas, surpassing the typical six-pound limit.
🐕Fawn Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are categorized in many categories, including coat length, head shape, and size, but they come in various coat patterns and color variations. As a result, they may be known as fawn Chihuahuas, white Chihuahuas, or any of the different hues seen in the breed.
For some reason, the word “fawn Chihuahua” is the most often used. Like most other fawn-colored canines, Fawn Chihuahuas are mostly brown or reddish brown in hue.
🐕Apple Head Chihuahua
Apple Head Chihuahua is a small breed canine with roots in ancient Mexico. Although the apple-head chihuahua is the world’s tiniest dog, they are affectionate, loyal, clever, and brave, with a long lifetime.
The first is the chihuahua with an apple head (or apple-headedness). The heads of these adorable tiny dogs are rounded and roughly apple-shaped. These Chihuahuas are probably what most people think of the breed, and they’re also pretty prevalent.
Apple head Chihuahuas have a significantly shorter snout than a rounder head. They are also born with a mole, a soft region inside the skull that might or might not fully close, similar to the fontanel in human neonates.
Is a Deer Head Chihuahua the Right Breed for Me?
Adorable deer head Chihuahua are playful, active, affectionate, and devoted to their owners. However, they will not fit every house. They need owners who can devote time to training, socializing, and exercising daily. Despite their small size, they have a lot of energy that must be used.
Because of their small stature, they are also prone to various health problems. Prospective owners should be aware of this danger and be prepared to pay some expensive vet fees.
Deer head Chihuahuas are unsuitable for households with little children or loud dogs. These little canines are very frail and need owners who can handle them with care and tenderness. Selecting a somewhat bigger dog might assist you in finding a healthier alternative. However, a deer head Chi might be an excellent option in the appropriate setting.
Deer Head Chihuahua Breeders
Some breeders purposefully choose parents with longer deer heads. When looking for a deer head Chihuahua puppy, you should first confirm with the breeder that this is the kind they are looking for.
All puppy parents, regardless of kind, are health tested by good breeders. Ideally, your deer head chihuahua puppy should have no family history of respiratory, dental, or joint problems. Expect the breeder to ask many questions, but he or she will gladly answer them and show you the parents’ health certifications. Check to observe whether the mother deer head chihuahua is friendly and confident and whether she is in excellent health.
Facts About The Deer Head Chihuahua
✔️Deer Head Chihuahuas have a longer muzzle. Their muzzles are steeper and longer than Apple Heads’.
✔️Although deer head chihuahua may have round heads, they are not as round and bulbous as Apple Heads, even though they seem rounder than other dog breeds.
✔️The eyes of Deer Heads are not as huge, round, and bulbous as those of Apple Heads. However, they often seem rounder than other dog breeds.
✔️When comparing a Deer Head Chihuahua to an Apple head, Deer Heads are often larger than Apple Heads. The deer head chihuahua breed standard is 6 pounds or less. The heads of deer may weigh up to 12 pounds.
✔️The legs of deer head chihuahua (or reindeer chihuahuas!) are longer. Don’t you think the extended legs make them appear more like little deer? Reindeer chihuahuas are another name for them. Perhaps they should be known as the deer-legged chihuahua.
✔️Deer head chihuahua also come in a variety of designs. Spotted, tri-colored, marked, piebald or splashed, merle, and brindle are some patterns for this little dog.
✔️The deer head chihuahua may be any color but is most often fawn. Other hues than fawn include chocolate, black, crimson, cream, white, silver, and blue.
✔️They might have either long or short hair. These little canines, like Apple Heads, may have long or short hair. They may also have wiry hair in rare circumstances. The coats of long-haired deer head chihuahua demand additional attention.
✔️Apple Heads have fewer health issues than Deer head chihuahua. This is most likely because they are somewhat bigger. The smaller the dog, the more health issues it is exposed to.
✔️The American Kennel Club does not consider deer head chihuahua as a breed standard. This does not imply that they are not purebred chihuahuas. It simply implies they are unable to participate in dog shows.
✔️A Deer Head Chihuahua’s parents might be Apple Head Chihuahuas. One or both parents may be Apple Heads and produce Deer Head chihuahua pups. It might take weeks or months to determine whether a chihuahua puppy will be Apple Head or Deer Head.
✔️They are less high-strung and more laid-back than Apple Head chihuahuas. There are, of course, exceptions.
Deer Head Chihuahua Pros And Cons
Let’s briefly examine some of the pros and cons of having this little breed.
Pros
◾️This breed are ideal for flats or small residences.
◾️They make excellent watchdogs.
◾️Deer head chihuahua need little upkeep and are simple to care for.
◾️They live longer lives on average.
◾️When necessary, it can travel quickly.
Cons
◾️They have a low tolerance for cold.
◾️Deer head chihuahua are delicate and should be handled with care.
◾️They normally form a relationship with one member of the family.
◾️It may be difficult to housetrain.
◾️They are quite vocal and like barking to announce their arrival.
◾️Because deer head chihuahuas are the world’s smallest dog breed, they need extra care and attention when kept.
Fun Facts about Deer Head Chihuahua
Did you know that the deer head chihuahua is Arizona’s unofficial state dog? According to witnesses, wild bands of chihuahuas have been sighted wandering the state.
Deer Head Chihuahuas were also traditionally given in flower bouquets. Isn’t that strange?
Some people used to think that deer head chihuahuas could also heal asthma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the worth of a deer head chihuahua?
Because deer head chihuahuas do not meet the breed standard (apple head), they cannot be presented in dog shows and may be less expensive than apple head chihuahuas. You should budget between $300 – $1200 to get deer head chihuahua.
Are deer-headed chihuahuas mean?
They may be, as can any dog, but in general part, they are loyal, loving creatures. Many chihuahua owners believe that their deer head chihuahuas are less neurotic and more peaceful and friendlier than apple head chihuahuas.
Are deer-headed chihuahuas better?
It all depends on your perspective. If you want to display or breed your chihuahua, deer head chihuahuas are not better since they do not meet the breed standard. However, many say deer head chihuahuas are nicer than apple head chihuahuas. A deer head chihuahua could be a better option if you’re searching for a pet chihuahua.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Hypoallergenic?
Deer Head Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic and are just as likely to induce an allergic response in allergy sufferers as other non-hypoallergenic breeds. Despite popular belief, the problem isn’t the sort of fur. Proteins cause an allergic reaction in hair, spit, and urine.
What is the rare Chihuahua breed?
White Chihuahuas are possibly the most difficult to find. An albino Chihuahua is different from a white one, yet they both lack pigmentation. The white chihuahua lacks melanocytes, which provide color to the coat, but retains the eumelanin required for black eyes, noses, and paws.
What two dog breeds combine to get a Chihuahua?
While many historians think the chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi, others say it is a hybrid between the Techichi and the Chinese Crested, a little hairless dog.
Final Thoughts
A Deer Head Chihuahua is a fantastic and entertaining companion for the proper family. They are best suited to adult-only houses and are ideal for someone who enjoys being the center of attention. If you live alone, this spunky little breed can be exactly what you need to make your house seem a bit less lonely. Deer head Chihuahua are not the most active breed either. This makes them the ideal dog for a metropolitan apartment or tiny house, as well as your new family buddy.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.