we have all heard the term teacup chihuahua, but what do the terms apple head and deerhead mean when it comes to describing characteristics of the chihuahua breed and what exactly makes an apple head chihuahua different from a deerhead chihuahua?
the term apple head is used to describe any chihuahua with a round or ‘dome-like’ head similar to the shape of an apple. the upper part of the chihuahua’s skull is wider than the lower part in the jaw area.
if you look close at the top of the skull of most chihuahuas, you will notice that it is slightly sunken in just like the top of an apple. this area is called molera, a spanish word for ‘fontanel’, or any membranous gap between the bones of the cranium in an infant or fetus and it is similar to the ‘soft spot’ that human babies have on their heads upon birth.
according to chihuahua breed standards, the term apple head is required in the description of the ‘head’ of a chihuahua that includes an apple domed skull with either the presence or absence of molera. it is also used when referencing chihuahua puppies at an age where it is noticeable.
the term deer head is used to describe any chihuahua that does not have the characteristic apple shaped head. deer head chihuahuas tend to have a longer noses and a head shape similar to that of a miniature young deer. they also tend to have less chihuahua health problems.
in this picture of teaka the famous chihuahua you can see deer-like features, but she is an apple head chihuahua, so it can be confusing at times. at birth she was given the temporary name of fawn, which means a young deer under a year old.
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below is a sample page from the section on chihuahua facts!
related: what is a blue chihuahua?
apple head and deer head chihuahua names
clothing for apple head and deerhead chihuahuas
article source: chihuahuadogcare.com/applehead-chihuahuas
skull photo source: skullsunlimited.com/chihuahua-skull.html
Comments 183
I had a Applehead for 17yrs. He was a rescue and my best friend. My kids saw the depression I was going through so my Daughter flew to AZ. from Ma. to get me my new BEST friend and I pray I go before her. She is MY ANGEL. I named her Angel and she is my God send for sure:) I will NEVER forget my little guy Cisco. I Love You Cisco!!
i still am not sure if my lil girl is apple or deer. I posted pics and half say apple and the other half commented deer. still so confused! I just say she is a bumblehead, but I love her unconditionally! She is a rescue and I have never met a chihuahua that shows love as much as she does! My great Aunt had one and he was very mean and gave a new meaning to ankle biter! I never knew they could be this loving
I saw my first apple head chihuahua yesterday and I am in love! I had been thinking I wanted a French bulldog, but I now think I want a long haired apple head chihuahua. I met the little dog at a doctor appointment and he was so friendly and sweet and soft, and I really want one. I am disabled and I think this is the perfect love that I need ♥️
I have a deer head chihuahua but i am very interested in knowing more about chihuahuas in general.
I have a deer-head little boy and we love each other.
I own a deerhead longhaired and an applehead shorthaired, they are the best dogs, the most lovable, and they have my heart on a stick!
i have a apple head Chihuahua i adopted from Craig’s list and she is a wonder she almost died from starvation but we fed her table scraps and now she is better but out of 4 pets she is my favorite.
I have a deer head I adopted from Craig’s list. The owner cried when he gave her up . He couldn’t keep her. She truly is a Miricle dog . Got out from under the fense in 117 degree Az heat . Crossed three lane hwy in rush hr traffic a good samaratin picked her up .posted on Craig’s the same time I did for lost pet. I have two apples and one deer . The deer will always be special to my heart. If your looking for one try the humane society adopt one.