Chihuahuas may be the world’s smallest dog breed, but they have a huge fan club. These pups are loved for their bold personality and loyal, sassy nature. Many people know that Chihuahuas come in both long- and short-haired varieties, but not everyone is aware that their head shapes can vary as well.
These shapes, known as apple head and deer head, don’t constitute official breed varieties. In fact, the apple shape is the only conformation accepted in the breed’s official standard. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to love about both types. So, let’s take a look at the differences so you can enhance your knowledge of these larger-than-life dogs.
What is an apple head Chihuahua?
The apple head is what many people picture when they think of a Chihuahua, and is the only head shape accepted in kennel club breed shows.
Defining features
- A rounded, dome-shaped skull that resembles an apple
- A short, slightly upturned nose
- Large, prominent eyes
- A shorter jaw and more compact muzzle compared to deer head types
- Smaller body and shorter legs
Apple heads often retain a more “puppy-like” appearance throughout their lives due to their rounder features.
Health considerations
Because of their shorter snouts, apple head Chihuahuas may be more prone to certain respiratory or dental challenges than deer head Chihuahuas. Issues like crowded teeth, jaw misalignment, and tracheal collapse can occur. Some apple head Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot, called a molera, on the top of the skull that may remain into adulthood, requiring extra caution to avoid head trauma.
What is a deer head Chihuahua?
The deer head Chihuahua is named for its resemblance to a young deer, with a longer, more slender face and body.
Defining features
- A flatter, narrower skull shape
- Longer muzzle and jawline
- More elongated neck and legs
- Less pronounced eyes compared to apple heads
- Larger body and longer legs
This head shape is thought to resemble the ancient dogs from which Chihuahuas descended.
Health considerations
Deer head Chihuahuas may experience fewer dental issues thanks to their longer muzzles, which allow more room for teeth to grow in properly. However, like many toy breeds, dental issues are still prevalent, and regular proactive dental care is needed to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Deer head Chihuahuas may also have fewer breathing difficulties compared to apple heads. They may also have a molera on the top of their skull, though it’s less common.
Genetic background
Most modern Chihuahuas—especially those outside of show lines—come from a mix of both apple and deer head ancestry.
The deer head type is sometimes linked to the Techichi, an ancient dog kept by the Toltec civilization in Mexico, and thought to be a precursor to the modern Chihuahua. However, the breed as we know it today is shaped by contributions from small companion dogs across regions.
Because of this mixed history, skull shape, ear size, and leg length are influenced by multiple genes, and even littermates can look quite different. In other words, there isn’t a clean genetic divide between deer head and apple head Chihuahuas—just a range of traits that may fall somewhere in between.
This also explains why Chihuahuas in mixed-breed dogs often show great variation in appearance. Some inherit the rounder apple head look, others the longer deer head look, and many a blend of both.
Discover your dog’s unique genetic background
Head shape is just one of the many characteristics that define your one-of-a-kind dog. With a Wisdom Panel™ dog DNA test, you can uncover your pup’s breed mix, genetic health risks, and physical traits and truly know them on a whole new level.
