Chihuahuas come in all shapes and sizes. The Deer Head Chihuahua is one of two types of Chihuahua. The other variety is the more popular Apple Head Chihuahua.
Deer Head Chihuahuas are a toy breed that have an adorable face resembling a young deer.
Despite their small size this dog has one of the biggest personalities in the canine world.
Do not be tricked by their cute size. This fiery and snappy breed is not good with children or as a family pet.
Chihuahuas are stubborn, protective and fierce.
Read on to find out if this funny friend is right for you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Breed At A Glance
The Deer Head Chihuahua is a sassy breed with the face of a baby deer.
There are two different types of this dog breed: the Apple Head and the Deer Head. The Deer Head is recognized by a sloping skull and longer muzzle. This playful dog keeps its puppy-like personality as it ages and is very bold. This breed is completely adapted to an indoor life and makes a wonderful apartment companion.
- Popularity: #33.
- Specialty: Companion.
- Weight: 3-6 pounds.
- Price: $400-$1500.
- Personality: Sassy, chatty and bold.
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What Is A Deer Head Chihuahua?
The Chihuahua is a toy-sized dog breed from Mexico.
There are two types of Chihuahua that are categorized by the shape of their skull and length of muzzle:
- Deer Heads have sloping skulls and long muzzles.
- Apple Heads have rounded skulls and short muzzles.
These dogs are classified in the toy group and are well known for hitching a ride in their owner’s purse. This breed is small and light enough to be carried around wherever you go.
Like most many toy breeds this dog was bred to be a lovable companion and lap dog.
They make a great pet for someone who lives in an apartment or smaller home.
However they do not make the best family dogs. This pooch’s personality certainly does not match its delicate body. They can be very bossy and snappy so are not great with kids.
Pros
- Small and easy to carry around.
- One of the most apartment friendly breeds.
- Low care requirements and easy to groom.
- Bonds very easily with their owner.
- Good companion for someone who lives alone.
Cons
- Can be loud, mouthy and bossy.
- Not a good family dog.
- Delicate and easily hurt.
- Can be difficult to house train.
- Has a surprisingly nasty bite.
A Day In The Life Of This Breed
If you adopt a Deer Head Chihuahua you will be woken up in the morning by a little wet tongue. This is how your puppy tells you it is time to start the day.
After a small breakfast your dog will need to go on a walk and do his business.
Take him out to his potty spot before you set out on a romp around the block. Do not be surprised when your Chihuahua asks you to carry him home!
When you return home a cuddle session on the couch is necessary. After this he will be ready to let you go out to work.
Your dog will rest peacefully in his crate until you return home. Then he will be the first one to greet you at the door!
Take your dog out to do his business as soon as you get home.
Do not be surprised by an accident or two in the house as he is notoriously difficult to house break.
As he runs and jumps through the house at full speed he is telling you it is time to play! Chihuahuas love to play ball in the house and practice their best tricks.
After a small dinner it is time for another quick walk before the sun goes down. Keep this one short as he will likely be tired by now.
Carry him home and head over to the couch where the two of you can curl up and rest before it is time for bed.
History And Origin
The Chihuahua’s origin is largely a mystery. They are considered to be a descendant of an ancient Mexican breed known as the Techichi. But, it is unknown how the Techichi arrived in Mexico.
Techichi dogs feature in many ancient artworks and relics dating back to the Toltec period.
When the Aztecs arrived in Mexico in the 12th century they began breeding the Techichi in a smaller size. These dogs more closely resembled the modern day Chihuahua.
In the 16th century the Techichi had gone extinct.
Chihuahuas were rediscovered near the state of Chihuahua in the 19th century and earned their name because of this.
Travelers from the United States brought this dog back with them and they became an instant hit. They earned American Kennel Club recognition in 1908.
It is unknown exactly when the Deer Head Chihuahua first appeared. It is safe to say it likely appeared after the breed’s American Kennel Club recognition.
The Deer Head is not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a separate breed.
7 Fun Facts About This Breed
- The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed. In a mini or teacup size they can be as small as three to six inches tall! Deer Heads are larger than most Chihuahuas and cannot be bred for a miniature or teacup size.
- This breed is one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the United States. They rank #13 in the toy category and #33 in the most popular breed category.
- This ancient breed dates back to the Aztecs. Its ancestor the Techichi dates back to the Toltec era. Many ancient artworks and relics from the pre-Aztec period feature this breed.
- They are named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico where they were rediscovered.
- The breed is well loved by celebrities who have popularized them as purse dogs. Jonathan Ross, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez have all owned this dog.
- The Deer Head is not eligible for American Kennel Club recognition or competition. The breed standard only recognizes Apple Heads.
- Feral Chihuahuas have become a nuisance in the state of Arizona. These dogs were once house pets that were released by their owners and have become wild.
Deer Head Chihuahua Personality And Temperament
If you are looking for a sweet and gentle dog this is not the right breed for you.
The Deer Head Chihuahua is not like most dogs in the toy breed classification.
Chihuahuas have a lot to say. Their short yappy bark is something that both you and your neighbors will need to get used to. They can also be very pushy when they think you are not listening. There is no real way to completely train yapping out of this pooch.
The best thing you can do with nuisance barking is to ignore it.
Deer Head Chihuahuas are not a very social or friendly breed. They tend to get anxious around new people and larger animals. They can also push around other small dog breeds.
Chihuahuas are surprisingly aggressive for a dog of their size. They can be very destructive when in a bad mood.
Many first time owners find themselves surprised by just how bossy these dogs can be. Mood swings are not uncommon and neither is mouthy behavior.
It is not the kind of dog that you can safely leave alone for long periods of time.
This dog will pick one special person to bond with and rejects attention from most other people. This is one of the reasons they are not a child friendly pet. Chihuahuas are also too small and delicate to be safely handled by a child. They are known to bite when handled roughly.
Thankfully this breed is not a physically demanding dog. They can be playful in small bursts, but are not overwhelmingly boisterous. It is safe for them to play inside the house.
How Much Does A Deer Head Chihuahua Cost?
Deer Head Chihuahuas are often the cheapest of Chihuahuas to buy. This is because they do not have American Kennel Club pedigree status.
The lower price range for this puppy is $400 to $700.
Higher prices range from $800 to $1,200. If you are looking for the long haired variety expect to pay about $300 more. The price of an adult dog is between $200 and $500.
If you wish to adopt this breed from a shelter you should expect to pay between $150 and $300.
| Puppy | $400-$1,500 |
| Adult | $200-$500 |
| Adoption | $150-$300 |
Buyer’s Tips
- This puppy has a large price range depending on the breeder, lineage and coat type. A long haired variety will cost $100 to $300 more than a short haired.
- This bred is ineligible for American Kennel Club recognition. Because of this they are usually sold for less than the Apple Head Chihuahua.
- A $400 starting price is average for this puppy. Higher quality puppies may cost between $1,000 and $1,500.
- This is one of many toy breeds that can suffer from dental problems. You will need to invest lots in dental care for this dog. An annual dental exam will cost between $200 and $600.
- Chihuahuas have difficulty staying warm in winter so will need a few cute sweaters. Fortunately this pooch does not grow very much and this will be a one-time purchase of around $25.
Deer Head Chihuahua Appearance
The only difference between the Deer and Apple Head is the skull and muzzle shape.
Deer Head Chihuahuas have a broad sloping skull rather than a narrow rounded one. This can be seen in the picture above.
Their muzzle is much longer than an Apple Heads but they share the same large eyes and erect ears.
This dog walks with a trotting gait and can run surprisingly fast.
Deer Head Chihuahua Weight
This is one of the smallest and lightest dogs you will find.
A standard sized Chihuahua stands between five and eight inches tall and weighs between three and six pounds.
This tiny dog should never weigh more than six pounds. Any weight range is acceptable so long as it does not go over six pounds. Three to six pounds is normal.
There is no size difference between males and females.
Chihuahuas can grow to ten inches tall but most are between five and eight inches in height. This compact size and body shape allows them to be carried easily.
Coat
The Deer Head Chihuahua has a single coat that is either short or long like the long haired Chihuahua. Short coats will be smooth and close cropped to the body. Long coats will look silky and flowing.
This single coat can be fawn, grey, white and brown.
Shedding is low for both short and long haired dogs.
Frequent brushing is important for long haired dogs. Also long haired Deer Head Chihuahuas need their coat trimmed every few months.
Deer Head Chihuahua Care Guide
First time owners can find this dog’s bossy behavior and yappy personality overwhelming.
This dog’s attitude is one of the biggest obstacles you will face. There will be times when your puppy may be a little difficult to be around.
Never underestimate this dog just because it is small and cute!
A Chihuahua should be respected.
We would only recommend this breed for adult owners who live in apartments or smaller homes. Chihuahuas are manageable enough to be cared for by adults of every age and background.
As they only bond with one person single owners make the best friend for this breed. Couples may find this breed difficult. They are known to attach to only one person which may lead to hurt feelings for others in the house.
When compared to other dogs this breed’s exercise, diet and grooming needs are easy to care for.
Exercise
This is not a high activity dog breed.
Their energy only comes in small bursts throughout the day. When your dog gets the zoomies it is a good time to take him out for a walk or to play.
These dogs love just about any type of game. You should try and play low impact games as these games will be better for their little bodies and delicate joints.
Hide and seek and fetch (with small toys) are all great games to play with a Chihuahua.
Most of all they just love learning new dog tricks.
A Deer Head Chihuahua is happy with two 10 to 15 minute walks every day. A short romp around the block will be perfect.
While it can be fun to carry your dog in a bag from time to time, you must always give him time to be on his feet.
Dogs that are not given enough time to walk will become very unfit and unhealthy.
You should always keep your Chihuahua on a leash when you are out walking. They have a high prey drive and their snappy attitude can make them vulnerable to larger dogs.
- Total Daily Activity: 30 minutes.
- Activity Level: 3/5.
- Favorite Activity: Tricks
Grooming
The Deer Head Chihuahua as a breed is known to be very low shedding. The amount of grooming they will need depends on their coat length.
Short haired coats only need to be brushed once a week.
Long haired coats should be brushed at least twice a week. Long haired Chihuahuas also need a professional grooming appointment every month.
Make sure to give your dog a bath every four weeks.
Most importantly make sure that you are keeping up with his dental hygiene. A small dog must have its teeth brushed at least once every week.
Finally clean those big pointy ears with a gentle cotton swab or baby wipes.
You should never use a Q-tip to clean a dog’s ears.
Nutrition
Some dogs are known for their ferocious appetite. The Chihuahua is the opposite of this and is known to be a very light eater.
Obesity will put unnecessary strain on their joints and reduce their quality of life. It is very dangerous for any toy dog breed.
Chihuahuas only need to eat one cup of kibble per day.
You will need to split this dog’s daily cup of kibble into four meals throughout the day. Feed a quarter-cup each time.
Try to only feed a kibble that is specifically formulated for small and toy breed dogs. It will have everything that your dog needs without adding anything extra.
Your dog should not be allowed access to any extra food or table scraps.
Health Concerns
Hypoglycemia is a particularly common problem for small dog breeds. It is caused when they do not get enough food to eat consistently throughout the day. It occurs when there is not enough food for the pancreas to produce enough glucose.
This is why it is important to feed a Deer Head Chihuahua every few hours during the day.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Dizziness.
- Lethargy.
- Sluggishness.
- Irritable Behavior.
If you notice any of these symptoms you will need to take your dog to the vet.
Low blood sugar can be prevented by feeding your dog several small meals throughout the day. Instead of one big meal in the morning or evening.
Small dogs are also more susceptible to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by poor dental hygiene resulting in a buildup of plaque along the gums.
Bad breath is one of the first signs of periodontal disease. This will be followed by a redness and inflammation of the gums.
Your dog will have difficulty eating its kibble if it has periodontal disease. You may also spot a bit of blood near the food bowl.
Dogs with periodontal disease will need their teeth cleaning by a professional as well as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.
Dental care for a dog can be very expensive. Make sure that you brush their teeth at least once a week to keep the plaque from building up.
Deer Head Chihuahua Lifespan
Deer Head Chihuahuas live for 14 to 16 years on average.
Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breeds. Some teacup varieties may even make it to 20 years old.
How To Train A Deer Head Chihuahua
A Chihuahua is not an easy dog to train. This breed has a sassy, chatty and bold personality. However, we have some puppy training tips to help with the training.
They are also especially difficult when it comes to housebreaking. You will need plenty of patience for accidents. When house training your dog make sure he knowns the potty spot. To start with take your dog out to do its business whenever it is done eating, playing, sleeping or walking.
After each successful potty make a big fuss and give him a treat! Eventually he will go there on his own.
When training a dog you must use positive reinforcement training only.
Short training sessions best to curb their bossy attitude.
This breed does not naturally trust other people or dogs so will need more socialization than most breeds. This will help to reduce yappy and obnoxious behaviors.
Luckily they do not need as much mental stimulation as other dog breeds. It never asks for anything more than to be right by your side. They are happy spending time with you as opposed to playing, training or walking.
Summary
A Deer Head Chihuahua is a fabulous and funny pet for the right home.
They are best suited to adult only homes and are perfect for someone who loves giving attention. If you live alone this sassy little breed may be just what you need to feel a little less lonely at home.
Chihuahuas are also not the most active breed. This makes them the perfect dog for an apartment or a small home in the city.
After adopting a Deer Head Chihuahua be careful you do not give into their demands. Their bossy, yappy and bold personality can make for trouble.
Deer Head Chihuahuas make a perfect choice for adults who want a new friend. Once you let them in they will love you for life.
We just got a 4-6 year old chi, she was in a foster home for 2 years. The first time I met her, she bit me. For days, I left her alone and let her come to me. Now, she is “MINE”, still, very nervous and weary of everything. Your article really helped me a lot. Thanks.
I recently adopted a pair of bonded chi’s. Male and female, 14 wks old. Daisy is a very loving and snuggly girl while Brody took his time warming up. Two weeks later and Brody has come around so much that Daisy is now jealous. We are a happy family of 3…
I don’t really appreciate saying that they are all happy and aggressive. There are plenty who are chill calm pups. Chi’s are easily fearful but exposing them to as many different environments, people, dogs, etc goes a very long way to making them calm confident pups.
I adopted a deer chihuahua 1 week ago. She has bonded tight with me and loves my husband almost as much she loves me. She has been easy to socialize with other dogs, loves taking walks. She doesn’t get all nervous around new people but will tuck her tail and stand close to me and if the new person doesn’t try to interact with her to quickly she warms up fairly fast. So, thank you to the person who wrote in saying not all chihuahua are the way you’ve described them.
I have a 2yr.old dear head. I let him back in the house after he does his business. I noticed that every time I gave him a treat he would do a circle. Now when we are outside playing I say do circle he runs and does a figure 8. After that we will be inside and stands up on his back legs and turns 3 or more circles. We did not teach him no tricks. He does more tricks on his own. We would like to find someone who wants to breed there dear head female all we want is a pick of the litter before we have him fixed.