7 Differences Between Apple Head vs Deer Head Chihuahua

Apple Head Chihuahuas and Deer Head Chihuahuas stand out as two well-known variations within the Chihuahua breed. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the differences between Apple Head and Deer Head Chihuahuas, covering aspects such as skull shape, forehead, eyes, muzzle, neck, body size, and health issues.

Types of Chihuahua

What are the types of Chihuahuas? According to the Chihuahua breed standard description of AKC, there are two varieties of Chihuahua breed, that is long coat chihuahua and short coat chihuahua. However, based on different head shapes, people also tend to categorize Chihuahuas into Apple Head Chihuahuas and Deer Head Chihuahuas.

Coat Types:

Long Coat: Chihuahua: Sporting long and soft fur.

Short Coat Chihuahua: Having a short and sleek coat.

Head Shape Types:

Apple Head Chihuahua: Characterized by an apple-shaped head, the standard for Chihuahuas.

Deer Head Chihuahua: With a head shape more resembling that of a deer, relatively longer.

In the following part, we’ll take an in-depth look at the differences between apple vs deer head chihuahua.

Skull Shape

Applehead chihuahuas and Deerhead Chihuahuas, as their name implies, the biggest difference is the skull shape. 

Applehead Chihuahua: features a broad and rounded skull, just like the shape of an apple.

Dearhead Chihuahua: compared to the Applehead Chihuahua, the Dearhead Chihuahua has a relatively narrow and elongated crown, resembling that of a deer.

The following picture is the actual skull of an Apple Head Chihuahua and a Deer Head Chihuahua. This image provides a clear understanding of the skull differences between an Applehead Chihuahua and a Deer Head Chihuahua. It effectively illustrates the distinctions between the two.

Forehead

Another major difference between apple vs deer head Chihuahua is the lies in the angle formed by the muzzle and the forehead. The apple-head Chihuahua features a 90-degree angle between the forehead and muzzle, while the deer-head Chihuahua exhibits a 45-degree angle.

Applehead Chihuahua: boasts a full, protruding forehead that is vertical. The angle between the forehead and muzzle is close to 90-degree angle.

Dearhead Chihuahua: has a relatively flat and inclined forehead with a 45-degree angle between the forehead and muzzle

Eyes

The eye positioning also appears different between the Apple Head Chihuahua and the Deer Head Chihuahua. Due to the short and wide skull structure with large eye sockets, the Apple Head Chihuahua exhibits relatively prominent eyes. In contrast, the Deer Head Chihuahua has a relatively narrower skull with smaller eye sockets, resulting in less prominent eyes.

Applehead Chihuahua: The eyes are relatively large and protruding.

Deer Head Chihuahua: The eyes are not as large, and there is less protrusion compared to the Apple Head.

Muzzle

If you observe from the side, you'll notice that the muzzle, or the nose and mouth area, of the Apple Head Chihuahua and Deer Head Chihuahua differ in appearance.

Apple Head Chihuahua: the muzzle is relatively short with a subtle protrusion.

Deer Head Chihuahua: has a relatively longer muzzle, which appears more prominent compared to the Apple Head.

Neck

Now, let's shift our focus downward to the neck area. There are subtle differences in the neck between the Apple Head Chihuahua vs Deer Head Chihuahua.

Apple Head Chihuahua: the neck is relatively short and sturdy.

Deer Head Chihuahua: has a longer and slender neck compared to the Apple Head.

Body Size

The Apple Head Chihuahua and Deer Head Chihuahua exhibit differences in their body sizes.

Apple Head Chihuahua: typically has a compact and small body, with shorter legs. Typically, Apple Head Chihuahuas stand between 6 to 9 inches in height and have a lighter weight, ranging from 2 to 6 pounds. 

Deer Head Chihuahua: tends to have a slender and more elongated body. They generally have longer legs compared to the Apple Head, giving them a more streamlined appearance. Deer Head Chihuahuas generally measure between 8 to 12 inches in height and tend to be heavier, with weights ranging from 4 to 10 pounds.

Health Issues

Similar to many brachycephalic breeds, the Apple Head Chihuahua faces respiratory challenges due to its short nose. This results in a relatively narrow airway, causing potential obstruction of airflow and increased respiratory resistance. Particularly in hot weather or during intense physical activity, they may experience rapid and labored breathing.

In addition, as mentioned earlier, the eyes of the Apple Head Chihuahua are more pronounced compared to the Deer Head Chihuahua, making them more susceptible to the risk of infection.

Apple Head Chihuahua: Prone to breathing difficulties and susceptible to eye infections.

Deer Head Chihuahua: Faces a lower risk of breathing difficulties and eye infections.

Given the unique physiological characteristics of Apple Head Chihuahuas that make them more susceptible to health issues compared to Deer Head Chihuahuas, it underscores the responsibility and care that dog parents should exercise. This involves providing regular veterinary check-ups, ensuring a comfortable living environment, and being attentive to signs of discomfort or health issues. 

Conclusion

The table below summarizes the differences between Apple Head Chihuahuas and Deer Head Chihuahuas.

Although Apple Head Chihuahuas and Deer Head Chihuahuas may display slight differences in appearance, both breeds are playful, charming, and remarkably loyal. Whether you choose an Apple Head or a Deer Head Chihuahua, there's no need to overthink it. Either way, they will make excellent companions, adding joy and warmth to your life.