Are you thinking of purchasing or adopting a chihuahua as your next loving pet?
Did you know there are actually different types of chihuahuas, each with their own physical attributes and characteristics?
It’s true. Not all chihuahuas are the same.
Generally speaking, there are two basic categories within the chihuahua breed: the apple head chihuahua and the deer heed chihuahua.
As you probably guessed from these very descriptive names, the apple head chihuahua has a more rounded head, slightly larger on top than on the bottom.
The deer head chihuahua, on the other hand, has a more angular face, similar to that of a common deer or some of the dog species in the hound category.
This latter type of chihuahua is the focus of this article.
Here we will provide an in-depth description of the deer head chihuahua, including some details regarding its general appearance, personality, temperament, recommended care and more.
About the Deer Head Chihuahua
If you have, or if you are planning to get, a deer head chihuahua, knowing certain details about your pooch can help you become a better, more knowledgeable owner.
The information below can assist you when the time comes to train your dog, aid you in providing your pup with all the nutritional needs he requires, and allow you to become better informed with regard to things like common health issues, helping you to spot the symptomatic signs of illness early, and perhaps arrange for treatment before the disease progresses.
First, allow us to clear up any potential confusion—confusion that may have resulted from the title of this article, “Deer Head Chihuahua Breed Info.”
The chihuahua is absolutely its own breed of dog, one recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), among other bodies.
However, the “deer head chihuahua” is not its own breed, just as the “apple head chihuahua” is not a specific breed.
Both of these types fall under the same umbrella in terms of breed, despite the fact that their head shape is slightly—and sometimes drastically—different.
Below you will find a fairly comprehensive look at the deer head chihuahua, beginning with its history.
A Brief History of the Chihuahua
As you may know, the chihuahua is a breed of dog that many experts believe originated—or at least first thrived—in Mexico.
It descended from an ancient canine breed known as Techichi, a pet that seemed to be very popular among the 9th century Toltecs in Mexico.
The history of the Techichi may date back as far as 280-300 BC, as pots depicting the dog have been found from that time period.
So how did the Chihuahua get its unusual name. This is less of mystery.
Historians believe that these descendants of the Techichi thrived in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, so the state lent its name to the dog.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The Appearance of the Deer Head Chihuahua
To accurately describe the appearance of a deer head chihuahua, let’s take a more in-depth look at how this category of the breed differs from the apple head chihuahua.
Dog experts use these two terms to describe how the bone structure of each type’s face differs from the other.
The deer head chihuahua, as mentioned above, has a face that is reminiscent of a young fawn.
The breed has a lengthier muzzle than its apple head counterpart, and its ears are slightly larger.
The chihuahua has a “sloping forehead, one that is angled at roughly 45 degrees where it meets the dog’s muzzle.”
Their necks are longer than that of an apple head chihuahua, which makes them appear taller at first glance; and they tend to weigh slightly more as well.
So what about the coats of a chihuahua?
If you have ever petted one of these adorable dogs, you may have noticed that their coats are not quite as velvety as some breeds of small dogs, but they are not exactly wiry or rough either.
The deer chihuahua, just like the apple head category, can have either a long coat or a smooth coat, and neither type is hypoallergenic (sorry allergy sufferers).
In fact, smooth-coat and long-coat chihuahuas actually represent two different breeds of the animal, as recognized by both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club, the latter being based in the United Kingdom.
In other words, while deer head chihuahuas and apple head chihuahuas are always of the same breed, the length or texture of their coat will determine whether they fall under the long-coat or smooth-coat variety of the dog.
Although all chihuahuas are very small—the smallest breed of dog recognized—their actual size can vary by as much as 25 to 50 percent.
As for the deer head chihuahua specifically, most range from about 9 inches to 13 inches in average height, and 8 to 10 pounds in weight.
The coloring of the deer head chihuahua can also vary depending on a number of genetic factors.
While most chihuahuas have a coloring that experts describe as “liver-colored and brown,” other colors seen in this breed/type include white, gray, black, silver, and a neutral color known as “fawn.”
Many deer head chihuahuas can also be dual-colored or multi-colored—a combination of the various colors mentioned above.
Finally, what about “teacup” chihuahuas?
Can a deer head chihuahua be of the teacup variety?
Absolutely.
Teacup chihuahuas, despite what some sellers will have you believe, is not a distinct breed of the dog.
Their smaller size is usually the result of breeding—breeding two chihuahuas on the very small end of the size scale to produce an even smaller offspring.
Teacup chihuahuas became popular thanks to some celebrities, who were known to carry their tiny dogs around in their purse.
Because of this popularity, breeders went to work creating as many of these dogs as they possibly could.
Teacup chihuahuas can weigh anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds.
The Personality and Temperament of the Deer Head Chihuahua
Although they often get a bad rap, chihuahuas, including deer head chihuahuas, are quite intelligent.
They are also very bold and fearless, willing to explore their world in confidence.
So why the bad rap?
Well, this bold and fearless nature also makes them very strong-willed and sometimes stubborn.
As a result, they are notoriously hard to train.
Deer head chihuahuas, simply put, believe their way of interacting with the world is best, and they are often reluctant to be hemmed in by a rigorous training program.
Unfortunately, this also makes it hard to initially housebreak the breed, but once they understand that breaking the rules are likely to result in less freedom to explore their world, they tend to quickly get with the program.
The intelligent and watchful nature of the deer head chihuahua also makes it an excellent watch dog.
They are very alert—all the time—and will let you know, through barking, when someone encroaches into your/their territory.
Sadly, this extreme alertness can sometimes be a fault, as they will bark at anyone with whom they are unfamiliar, including mailmen, salespeople, etc.
As for their temperament, the deer head chihuahua is a very personable and loving dog to its owner.
They are quick to love those who care for them, but they absolutely require that love and attention be returned.
If not, they will let you know about it.
In fact, the deer head chihuahua, while never really vicious, can be a very jealous dog.
They crave attention from their caretaker, and can become extremely jealous when that caretaker shifts his/her focus onto other people or other pets in the home.
This jealously can lead to a type of pouting, where the dog can go off and sulk, but in rare cases it can also lead to mean behavior directed onto that other person or pet.
All in all, if you want a watchful, independent dog that will shower you with as much love and attention as you yourself provide, the deer head chihuahua is a great choice.
However, if you are looking for a quiet, evenly-tempered dog that is easy to train, this breed might not be the ideal choice.
Caring for Your Deer Head Chihuahua
Last but not least, let’s address the care required for owners of a deer head chihuahua, beginning with its diet.
Chihuahuas should take in about 40 calories each day for each pound of their overall body weight.
This means that a 9-pound deer head chihuahua should eat approximately 360 calories a day.
Kibble is a great choice for chihuahuas, but to make sure food does not get caught in their small throats, be sure to select brands that offer bite-sized kibble intended for small dogs.
It’s important to note here that chihuahuas in general have a very rapid metabolism.
This, added to their energetic behavior, allows them to burn calories much faster than some other dog breeds.
Therefore, to prevent conditions like hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, you may need to split their daily calories over 3-4 smaller meals each day, rather than just one or two.
This will keep their blood sugar and energy levels consistent throughout the day.
The frequency at which you should brush your deer head chihuahua will depend upon its coat type.
Long-haired chihuahuas should be brushed about 3-4 times a week to prevent tangles in their fur, while smooth coat chihuahuas should be brushed at least once or twice a week.
Be sure to bathe your dog at least once a month, or make an appointment with your groomer that keeps to this bathing schedule.
Regular appointments with your veterinarian—at least every 6-8 months—can help identify any problems or conditions (like hypoglycemia) before they become too severe; and dental chews and sprays can ensure a lifetime of comfortable eating and playing.