Deer Head Chihuahua: Dog Breed Guide
The deer head Chihuahua is known for its feisty and sassy attitude, much like other types of Chihuahua. This breed makes for a loving, loyal dog but may be a challenge to work with for newer dog owners. However, many individuals love the small size of this pup and enjoy their high-energy nature, in addition to their generally lower-than-average grooming needs and fur shedding.
Our dog breed guide aims to help you understand everything you should about the deer head Chihuahua before you commit to adopting this pup. We’ll discuss everything from the history of this dog to their care needs and any special considerations you need to keep in mind before making this breed a loved member of your family.
A Quick Look at Deer Head Chihuahuas
The quick facts below about deer head Chihuahuas can help introduce you to this breed and help you to understand some basics about their appearance, temperament, and care needs.
| Weight/Height | 7 to 10lbs/8 to 12 inches |
| Coat Type | Long or short |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Energetic, sassy, loyal, high-strung |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 14-16 years |
What Is the History of the Deer Head Chihuahua?
Though there is a distinction between deer head Chihuahuas and apple head Chihuahuas, it is important to note that the deer head Chihuahua is not a separate breed of Chihuahua. They share the same history as the Chihuahua breed, with the difference being their appearance and head shape.
The Chihuahua has a history dating back to the Aztecs, where this dog likely originated from the Techichi breed. Sculptures and relics dating back to 300 BC depict the Techichi breed, and more modern versions of the Chihuahua were discovered in 1850 in the area of Chihuahua, Mexico, where the location of their discovery earned them their name.
Today’s modern Chihuahua is thought to be the result of a cross between the Techichi and the Chinese crested dog, though researchers are still working on creating an accurate DNA map of the Chihuahua’s breed. At a certain point, the Chihuahua’s genetics and appearance traits split into two categories – the apple head and the deer head. It is unknown quite when this happened, but many researchers believe the deer head Chihuahua’s appearance is closer to the genetics of the Techichi dog than the apple head Chihuahua is.
In the 1900s, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Chihuahua as an official breed and made it eligible to compete in shows. However, the AKC stated that only the apple head variety of Chihuahua met the breed standards, making the deer head chihuahua ineligible to compete.
Many individuals today love the deer head Chihuahua’s appearance and prefer this slightly bigger (but still small) dog over the smaller apple head Chihuahua. Both pups are full of sassiness and loyal affection for their families due to shared lineage, so which dog you adopt really comes down to personal preference for the appearance of either dog.
What Do Deer Head Chihuahuas Look Like?
Deer head Chihuahuas have a longer snout than that of the apple head Chihuahua; their name comes from the fact that their face resembles a young deer’s face with its long muzzle, large ears, and gently sloped forehead. This pup stands between 8 and 12 inches tall and weighs between 7 and 10 pounds. They have a longer neck and legs than their apple head counterpart, which makes them overall taller and weigh a bit more.
Deer head Chihuahuas are typically short-coated, but long-haired varieties do exist. The most common coat coloring for this pup is brown, but they also come in other colors such as fawn, silver, white, and black.
What Size Is a Deer Head Chihuahua?
Deer head Chihuahuas are small and fit into the ‘toy’ category of dog, though they are slightly larger than apple head Chihuahuas. Deer head Chihuahuas grow to around 7 to 10 pounds and will stand between 8 and 12 inches tall; they have much longer legs than other Chihuahua types.
What Is a Deer Head Chihuahua’s Coat Type?
The deer head Chihuahua can have either a short coat or a long coat. Short-coated deer head Chihuahuas are more common than long-haired ones, and long-haired deer head Chihuahuas will need more frequent brushing than their short-haired counterparts. Dogs with both coat types will need a bath every month to month and a half to keep up with grooming needs.
What Is a Deer Head Chihuahua’s Temperament?
The deer head Chihuahua is known for their more feisty and sassy nature, and this breed easily falls into the ‘small dog syndrome.’ They are very confident and often don’t know how small they are, which makes for some challenges if your pup feels threatened by other dogs or individuals; they may bark a lot or act aggressive and end up getting themselves injured as a result.
That being said, they are very loving pups. They are loyal to their families, and their high-energy nature brings a lot of laughs and playfulness to a home. So while deer head Chihuahuas may be anxious from time to time, proper obedience training, loving care, and spending time with your dog can make for the healthiest, most affectionate dog possible.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Affectionate?
Yes, deer head Chihuahuas can be affectionate. They typically bond strongly with one individual and choose to spend all their time with them, but they may easily snuggle up or play with any family member. This breed loves spending time with their families, playing, walking, or just taking a hard-earned nap.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Good With Kids?
Deer head Chihuahuas are not the best dogs to adopt if you have children, especially very young ones. Because of their small size, this pup is more fragile and can easily get hurt if children play rough with them. Additionally, children who don’t know how to behave around them may spook them, triggering fear or aggression in the dog. This can result in injuries to both child and pup, something that needs to be avoided.
A family with older children may adopt a deer head Chihuahua with success, but those with young children and babies may want to consider a different dog breed.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Good With Other Animals?
Deer head Chihuahuas can be good with other animals depending on their specific temperament and the temperament of the other animal. Typically, big dogs are not a great idea to introduce to them, as they can easily feel threatened by larger animals and may end up getting injured due to the size difference.
That being said, deer head Chihuahuas can get along with other animals that have a calmer nature and don’t mind being bossed around a bit by the smaller dog. Cats and deer head Chihuahuas often make for surprising friends, as do medium-sized and other small dogs.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Aggressive?
Deer head Chihuahuas are not particularly aggressive in nature, but they can turn aggressive when frightened, anxious, or when they feel their place in their home is threatened. This aggression may result in a lot of barking, nipping, or growling, and it is important to keep an eye on your pup as they interact with strange animals and people to prevent an accident from happening. Training is a good idea if your dog seems to get aggressive in certain situations easily.
Do Deer Head Chihuahuas Bark a Lot?
Unfortunately, deer head Chihuahuas can bark a lot. This pup barks as their way of showing they are excited, happy, and having a good time, and they bark to show fear, to alert you to the presence of a stranger, and really any other time they feel like making their opinion heard. Training can help curb barking just for the sake of barking, but you should be fully aware that they are a more vocal breed.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Intelligent?
Deer head Chihuahuas are not considered the most intelligent dog out there. They can be housebroken and learn a few tricks, in addition to easily recognizing people, places, and things that they enjoy, but they are not considered intelligent enough for more complex tricks or skills, nor can they be relied upon for service dog-style tasks.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Easy to Train?
Deer head Chihuahuas are not the easiest pup to train due to their stubborn nature. It can be difficult to potty train this breed, and basic training for obedience skills may require a lot of patience and high-value rewards. However, as long as you keep training sessions short and always approach them with a good attitude, they can learn quite a few tricks.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Energetic?
Deer head Chihuahuas are one of the more energetic dog breeds, and this pup loves to play and spend time exercising. Because of their smaller size, they don’t need a lot of exercise, but they will require at least two 10 to 15-minute walks per day, in addition to some playtime here and there throughout the day. In order to keep your high-energy pup happy, make sure that you keep lots of toys around your home for them to use and that they get outdoor time every day.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Good Apartment Dogs?
Deer head Chihuahuas make for good apartment dogs thanks to their smaller size and relatively low maintenance exercise and space needs. This pup is happy settling into smaller spaces as long as they have a designated area to sleep, their own toys, and get their daily walks and exercise requirements.
Keep in mind that because they are more vocal and tend to bark easily at noises, you might have to take some extra time to train their barking habits so that they don’t constantly make noise when hearing things from other apartment units.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Good Watchdogs?
Deer head Chihuahuas make good watchdogs thanks to their loyal, protective natures and their barking habits. This pup will alert you to any potential threat that they see around the home and will waste no time barking or attempting to scare off an intruder. A deer head Chihuahua will try to protect its family against threats and often forgets about its small size while doing so, but the noise of barking helps them serve as watchdogs.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Good Service Dogs?
This dog breed is not a good service dog for a few different reasons. They are smaller in size, something that eliminates them from being able to provide mobility assistance or tasks that include reaching, carrying, and fetching larger objects. They are also quite stubborn and tend to do things their own way; they are not easily trained for more complex service dog tasks because of this, and they are unlikely to provide much help in guiding the visually impaired.
That being said, deer head Chihuahuas are quite loving and can be affectionate to their family, making them good candidates for therapy or emotional support dogs.
How to Care for a Deer Head Chihuahua
Caring for a deer head Chihuahua involves ensuring your dog gets the proper amount of exercise, rest time, and nutrition each day. You should walk your deer head Chihuahua at least twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time; play time should happen around the home throughout the day, and your dog should have enough toys to keep them entertained while you are out. Make sure not to leave your deer head Chihuahua for more than eight hours at a time, as this can lead to boredom, behavioral issues, and anxiety.
Your dog should be fed high-quality food and receive regular veterinarian care; annual visits are typically enough for this dog unless you notice a health emergency. In cold weather or environments, your deer head Chihuahua will need to wear a coat or sweater outside to make them comfortable.
Make sure to be careful around them, as they can be more fragile due to their small size. For example, put stairs in place leading up to couches and even beds, so there is no risk of them falling or jumping off of high places and injuring themselves.
Do You Need to Groom a Deer Head Chihuahua?
Deer head Chihuahuas have fewer grooming needs than other dog breeds. Short-haired pups should be brushed about once a week, while long-haired deer head Chihuahuas should be brushed two to three times a week. Both coat types will need to receive regular baths and possibly nail trimmings to keep them well-maintained and happy.
Do Deer Head Chihuahuas Shed?
Deer head Chihuahuas shed a little bit, with short-haired dogs shedding more than longer-haired pups. Overall, the shedding of a deer head Chihuahua is less than that of other dog breeds and can be easily minimized with proper grooming and brushing.
What Should a Deer Head Chihuahua Eat?
Your deer head Chihuahua should eat about a cup of high-quality dog food per day. Kibbles that are smaller in size are the best choice for this dog because they offer the nutrition your pup needs and can easily crunch their way through. You can supplement your dog’s diet with treats on occasion, as long as you aren’t overloading them calorie-wise.
What Health Problems Do Deer Head Chihuahuas Have?
Deer head Chihuahuas can be prone to several health conditions based on genetics and the care you take of them. This pup is especially prone to dental problems and weight gain, and proper care of your dog, including proper nutrition, can help to mitigate these problems.
Other health issues you should be watching in your deer head Chihuahua include patellar luxation, cardiovascular disease, bladder issues, body temperature regulation problems, and hypoglycemia. The last three medical issues on this list result from their small size and can be treated with proper potty training, feeding schedules, and care when it comes to cold or hot weather; a veterinarian can give you more guidance on this.
How Long Do Deer Head Chihuahuas Live?
Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, and deer head Chihuahuas can live between 14 and 16 years. With proper care and regular vet appointments, you can ensure that your dog lives their happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Expensive?
Deer head Chihuahuas can be expensive because they are a specific type of Chihuahua. Puppies can range between $300 and $1200, depending on the breeder you are purchasing from and the lineage of the dog. Keep in mind that because deer head Chihuahuas don’t conform to the breed standards of Chihuahua (the breed standard is the apple head chihuahua), they can’t be shown and are generally cheaper than other Chihuahua types.
How to Find a Deer Head Chihuahua Breeder?
When looking for a deer head Chihuahua breeder, you can perform an internet search of local and national organizations, ask around at pet stores, or even speak to your veterinarian for leads on where to find a good breeder.
When reaching out to a breeder, ensure you find one with a good reputation that treats the dogs they are breeding with care. If possible, ask to take a tour or visit the area where your deer head Chihuahua puppy will be born to ensure suitable breeding conditions are met.
Can You Adopt a Deer Head Chihuahua?
Adopting a deer head Chihuahua is possible as many rescue organizations and shelters may take this dog in. You should look at local animal shelters and rescue groups to find a deer head Chihuahua in need of a loving home. Alternatively, you can reach out to national organizations that help to find homes for this breed.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Purebred?
While they appear different from their apple head Chihuahua counterparts, deer head Chihuahuas are purebred dogs. Interestingly enough, breeding two apple head or two deer head chihuahuas may result in a litter of puppies that mimic their parents’ appearance or a mix of puppies that exhibit both characteristics. The deer head Chihuahua is not a separate Chihuahua breed but rather a variation of this breed.
Can You Show Deer Head Chihuahuas?
Because deer head Chihuahuas don’t conform to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards for show Chihuahuas (the standard of appearance adheres to the apple head Chihuahua), they are not eligible to be shown in events hosted by the AKC. However, you may be able to show your deer head Chihuahua in other local or national events designed for dogs that are mixed breeds or that don’t fit into the specific standards the AKC sets for certain breeds.
Are Deer Head Chihuahuas Good for New Dog Owners?
Deer head Chihuahuas may not be the best choice for new dog owners considering their more delicate nature and the potential for behavioral issues. This pup does need to be treated with care and may be seen as high-maintenance by some when considering their need for coats in cold weather, precautions that need to be taken to stop them from hurting themselves, and the behavioral issues that might occur when this pup mixes with the wrong animals and people. Plus, deer head Chihuahuas can be stubborn when it comes to training and need their diet maintained carefully to prevent health issues, which some individuals may find overwhelming.
That being said, if you’ve done your research into this breed and you’re dedicated to providing proper care, a deer head Chihuahua can be a good dog for new owners. They fit well into apartments and don’t need too much exercise to keep them healthy, but they do need lots of love and affection, something they will give back to their family ten-fold.
Is a Deer Head Chihuahua the Right Dog for Me?
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most important things you should consider when thinking about adopting a deer head Chihuahua into your family. Review the points below to make sure that this breed is the perfect selection for your lifestyle and that you can provide your potential pup with the care they deserve.
The deer head Chihuahua may be the right dog for you if:
- You don’t mind a sassier and more opinionated dog, and you are dedicated to providing them with patient obedience training to curb any behavioral issues
- You want a small breed that will fit well in an apartment or other small living space and can even double as a guard dog
- You want a loyal, affectionate pup that is happy spending time with you on the couch but still has a lot of playful energy when it comes to spending time outside, going on walks, or playing with toys
- You understand the health issues and care that a deer head Chihuahua needs to stay healthy, and you are committed to giving this small, personality-heavy pup the care they need
The deer head Chihuahua is not the breed for you if:
- You have very young children, babies, or larger dogs that may play rough with your deer head Chihuahua; this can result in injuries for all parties
- There are a lot of high spaces around your home that a deer head Chihuahua may attempt to jump or fall off of, and you aren’t prepared to take measures to make access easier
- You want a dog that is easily trained for more advanced skills, or you are thinking about turning your dog into a service animal
- You won’t be home for long periods of time during the day, or you plan to travel a lot without bringing your deer head Chihuahua; this can result in anxiety, stress, and behavioral problems for your dog
Once you’ve reviewed this list and the rest of our dog breed information, you will know for certain whether or not the deer head Chihuahua is the loving, sassy pup for you.