You have probably already heard people talking about the Deer Head Chihuahuas. And like me, you had no idea what they were talking about. It is a Chihuahua breed variant that comes in a couple of different sizes, coats, colors, and shapes.
This breed is great for people who want a companion that they can take anywhere they go. Even though this Chihuahua is not officially recognized as a breed, they are still very popular.
Just because your little pet can’t compete at dog competitions doesn’t mean he isn’t a prize-worthy dog. In this article, I’ll tell you more about the Deer Head Chihuahua and what can you expect from it.
Also Read: All about the Corgilab Breed
Deer Head Chihuahua Characteristics
As I have already said, Deer Head Chihuahuas come in different sizes, shapes, and with different coats and colors. In this section, I will cover all the fundamental stuff you need to know if you are thinking about getting this breed or if you just wish to learn more.
So, let’s start with the physical traits.
Height
Since you already know this is a Chihuahua breed you can assume that they don’t grow too big. Their size can hugely vary.
This breed can grow to be anywhere between 6 and 15 inches even though 8 to 12 inches is the average height. This means that you will always be able to take your pet wherever you go!
Also Read: These cute, tiny teddy bear dogs will steal your heart!
Weight
Well, since they are Chihuahuas and they tend to be small, try guessing how heavy they can get. The average one can weigh up to 10 pounds. This means that they, in fact, are somewhat bigger than their relatives apple heads, but we will talk about that later.
Coat
Deer Head Chihuahuas come wrapped up in two different types of coats. They can either have long hair coats, or they can have short hair coats. Now guess which one is easier to maintain? If you’ve answered short hair, then you are correct.
Now, there’s a downside to having a short-haired one; they can easily get cold.
So, you can either brush your long-haired Deer Head Chihuahua, or you can dress up your short-haired one. Believe me, both can be fun. Also, they tend to have extra layers of hair around their ears which makes them even more special.
Color
Since now you probably know that there’s also some kind of a surprise when it comes to the color of the Deer Head Chihuahua. And you are right! They come in a variety of colors! The most dominant shades are brown and liver which are also dominant in other types of Chihuahuas, but they can also come in fawn, white, black, silver, and white.
That means that your little dog can be completely unique.
Lifespan
Now comes the great part. Since it is a known fact that large dogs tend to live much shorter than their smaller counterparts, go ahead and try guessing what is the average lifespan.
If you guessed anywhere around 20 years, you are right! This small dog can grow to be anywhere between 15 and 20 years old.
This means that the Deer Head Chihuahua could be a huge part of your life for a really long time. If you care for them and treat them right, they can even break through that 20-year threshold.
But keep in mind, the older that they get they can become more and more fragile and sensitive.
Sometimes an innocent fall from a couch or a sofa can result in broken bones so keep an eye on them as they get older.
Health
They don’t get sick that often. They tend to be much healthier than the Apple Head because they weren’t bred to be as small as possible. And the fact that they can live over two decades is proof that they don’t give up easily.
Temperament
This little guy will be the most loyal friend you have. He will love you, cherish you and he won’t let you go. They are known as easy-going dogs and they are also famous for their affection towards their owners. You just need to make sure that you work with them and on them.
You will have to train them and train them properly if you don’t wish for your dog to become bad and ill-tempered. Also, these little guys don’t usually like other dog breeds.
They prefer spending their time in the company of other Chihuahuas than in the company of other dog breeds. Because of this, it is not recommended to have one if you also have small children who aren’t capable of being patient and calm.
So, if you have time for them and if your children are teenagers, deer head breed might be perfect for your family. Just give them their own comfy bed and take them out in the sun for strolls and I am sure they will love you for life.
Deer Head vs. Apple Head Chihuahua
You probably noticed that I have mentioned Apple head Chihuahuas a couple of times during this article and now you will find out why. Both are the most common and the most popular types of Chihuahua breed. You can distinguish them at first sight solely because of the shape of their heads, but let’s talk about some other differences.
Apple Head Overview
- Rounded shape of head
- Short and broad muzzle
- Prominent jawline
- Prominent, broad forehead
- Most popular type of Chihuahua
Deer Head Overview
- Head shape similar to that of a deer
- Elongated muzzle without a slope
- Unable to participate in dog shows
- Larger than apple head
- More obedient and less aggressive
Conclusion
Now you know all the fundamental things about the Deer Head Chihuahua. You know how big they can get, how they behave, what kind of fur they have, how long they live and much more. If you are thinking about expanding your family with one then go ahead!
I’m sure you will be glad to have this little guy in your life. If you happen to own one of these beautiful dogs, please do let me know more about them in your comments below.
I have 3 deerhead and an Apple head. The deerhead have been socialized with kids and other breeds of dogs and get along well with all the neighborhood dogs and are not yappers. They love kids of all ages and are not nervous at all. My Apple head is the sweetest thing ever and is very good with kids but keeps one step ahead of babies. After comparing their behaviors, they all listen to me, but the deerhead are much easier to train..very quick. One of my deerhead has 9 week old pups, one of which goes to the door to go outside already and she and all her siblings come on command and will kennel very nicely. The Apple head is more stubborn but will grudgingly do as I tell her. They all love to sleep with my golden retriever and will run to her if they feel afraid of anything. They let her wash their faces and mommy them. Very nice dogs all the way around. They stay in the yard and do not venture off. 5 stars for the deerhead. Loyal and loving.. smart and obedient!
I am looking to buy a deer head Chihuahua and am wondering about their temperament ? . I had an apple head many years ago and he was a bit fragile around children. Any advise would be greatly appreciated ..!
I love the deerhead too! I definitely give it 5 stars as well 🙂
Thank you for your posting on deer head chihuahuas, they are the
best but I am having a hard time finding a rescue or pup. Please Help,
Help!!! Any information or ideas would be a great help.
Many thanks, Judy Caldwell, N.J.
Judy
I recently got a 10 year old female deer head from the Texas Chihuahua Rescue. They have many deer heads. She was rescued from.a hoarding situation in San Antonio and I have now had her for 8 months. She looks like Bambi and is such a sweetheart I can’t believe it. I love her dearly and all of my sisters also love her. So affectionate and easy to handle. Go onto their website to see them all. You will definitely find one and they ship the dogs all over the country. I live here in Toronto, Canada and I only had to drive to the foster home in Hamilton, about 35 minutes away. Worth checking them out.
No problem, Judy! I hope one of my readers here might be able to help you 🙂
My baby sadie stays under the cover day. And night she is so sweet
Chiquita is a 5 months old female “deer-head” chihuahua. We got her from a friend at work. She goes everywhere with me and loves being zipped up in my jacket of vest while I’m driving. She’s smart, easy to train and snuggly. She will shy away from my 2 year old grandson but loves my 5 year old grandson who is patient and gental with her.
I adopted a Chihuahua/Poodle mix. The Dad was a Toy Poodle and Mom was the Deerhead Chi.(it’s usually the other way around). Honestly the pup doesn’t look like either, but I’d say the mom if I had to pick. Anyway I am having the most difficult time potty training. I’ve been trying to get her to do her business outside and she does for the most part, however she doesn’t always let us know she has to go and will go in the house by the door. I had to put pee pads down in front of the door because she was relieving herself. If she’s going to relieve herself in the house on a peepad, I’d like it moved into the bathroom, but she doesn’t follow the peepad and just goes in front of the door. Any advice? Thx
Our 3 year old Nina is a deer head, rescure baby. She is tri-colored, smooth coat and we love her to pieces.
I was given a 6 moth old deerhead/applehead chiahuahua she will be 7 months old the end of march she is very loveable and loves to play I have a very big concern is she is chewing everything I tell her bad girl she climbs on me and gives me kisses and hugs I have recently been locking her in the kitchen please tell me what I can do I have to go and buy and a new couch she chewed the arm/ pillowcases that are on the bed blankets please help me thank you
I bought a deer head chi outside of a Walmart for $20 from a guy who found him and another one in a dumpster. I don’t know if the mom had them there or if they were thrown there but he is my rescue baby. I immediately took him to the vet and he is thriving. I’ve had him three weeks and he has doubled in size. He now weighs 2.6 lbs and is learning more and more every day. He already is going potty outside and if we have to leave him alone for a few hours tops then he uses his puppy pad in the bathroom. I did buy a product that encourages him to pee in certain spots and that stuff seemed to be miraculous. He is the most obedient puppy ever. He is starting to chew on toys and he loves spending a little time outside with me and play with leaves and sticks. He loves to snuggle and makes the cutest little baby noises. He is about 8 weeks old and it seems like we could teach him almost anything. He is so eager to learn. Someone is home with him all the time which makes a HUGE difference in training I’m sure. It was luck we found each other. I had been searching for a chihuahua and just feeling bad about buying one instead of getting a rescue pup and after a few months of searching, he just miraculously appeared to us and at all places a Walmart from a dumpster diver.
My Wilma does not like children. She cowers and hides from them. She is a bit shy but warms up over time to people.
She loves my first shih tzu Sadie – they play and wrestle all of the time.
Ive had Roxy my long haired apple head since she was 6 weeks old never no issues trained easy and the most loyal pooch in the world acts more human than animal now I just got a 3 week old deer head male and he is totally different from roxy my female he keeps biting me I googled to see how to stop him and I have been doing what I was told and he’s 9 weeks now but still biting me his teeth is sharp and his ears are enormous is that normal ? We named him scrap he is very smart and was potty trained since 4 weeks old but what can I do about his biting on her keeps biting roxy as well and when she tires of him she nips him and he cries and leaves her alone for all of 4 mins then he’s back at her again so please any advice would help
oh roxy is 7 years old now my long haired apple head chi. Scrap is 9 weeks old I got him at 3 weeks old and he’s male .
We have a loveable deer head named Zoe. She is a year old and we found her. She is energetic and playful and loves to cuddle with me and my wife. Very affectionate. She has a fun loving easy going temperament and overall gets along with our other indoor dog who is a cheagle. She is not too aggressive with other people. Highly recommend this type of dog.
We found a black deerhead chi. Her name is Ebony. I also have a 9 month old lab mix named Bandit he is about 35 pound’s. These 2 get along well Bandit does like to aggravate Ebony. Ebony will put him in his place. Ebony is so funny and smart. I will give Bandit some dog biscuits he will chew them to break them up and Ebony will steal the crumbs. Bandit will have a chew stick and Ebony will take it from him and finish it off. Ebony is a good watch dog and is teaching Bandit the same. Both dogs are a blessing and a joy for me.
I was given a deer chihuahua puppy about 7 years ago, and now I cannot imagine life without him. Ozzy has become such a meaningful part of my life. He is so incredibly well behaved and follows directions. When he jumps he does about 4 ft high! I call him monkey boy or little dolphin. He had parvovirus as a puppy but he pulled through. I was told he’d always be somewhat sickly but that couldn’t be further from the truth. He is extremely healthy, in fact he has pulled someone in a wheelchair before– no joke! It goes without saying that I love my dog SO MUCH and I’m sure anyone with a dog knows what I’m talking about.
We have a deer head Chihuahua he is one of the most loving dogs he loves to be around people and loves to lay in your lap and bury his head under a blanket
My Deer Head loves to be under the covers or under his blanket on the couch. He gets very aggressive towards my other dog if I try to pet or interact with him. He is in my lap constantly and very and very protective. He never barks, only a yap when he wants something.
My name is Barbara and my dear headed Chi is tan and white with a perfect little star in his forehead, perfect little white spot on his the end of his tail, white chest with 4 white boots . His name is Pickle. He is 5 pounds 3 ozs. and the love of my life. My husband had only labs up to R Pickle. But he fell in love with Pickle when he was a baby. Pickle would crawl under his Tshirt and fall asleep on his stomach. Pickle was real sick when he was only a year old and my son had to bottle feed him for about 6 months before he came around. He was diagnosed with micro liver shots via an ultrasound. Doc said typically this kind of issue only allows them to live 4 to 6 years. He is now 9 years old and he still gets sick every once in a while for several days on end. And of course during these times I get very very sad. I’ve been thinking lately of getting him a friend and someone that will be there when I lose my little guy.
My deerhead chi is 6 yrs old. I got her at 6 mos old. She isn’t a yapper or a biter like most small dogs. Even when we are playing rough, I barely feel her teeth at all. She is such a good girl, she loves the grandkids and tries to herd my 15 1/2 yr old Doxie. They both are my much spoiled babies. Bella is very good about letting me clip her nails also. She just lays there and let’s me.
I have a red blonde deerhead that was a rescue.I can’t understand why the people who abused him would ever do so as Rue is the smartest sweetest gift I have ever been given.It took only 3 days to ppapertrain him and he is such a lover.i HIGHLY recommend this friendly yet loyal dog.Not for homes with small children
my wife and i are in our 60s , we bought a 4yr old deerhead , and she is our gift from god, she is so loving, intelligent , and really has become part of us.
we are sure she can understand us , its just amazing .
we had her fixed , because the previous owners told us she has had 2 litters and was a good mum. we thought that was enough , i hope she does live to her 20s , as i dont know what we would do without her now.
I have a deer head female…got her about a month and a half ago when she was 9 months old…..problem with her hiding and aggressively biting since I got her….although she doesn’t hide as much and will now come into a room I’m in she still snarls and bites if you put your hand near her or try and pick her up….I have to wear gloves or pick her up with a blanket to avoid puncture wounds….one I have her in my arms she is is usually fine with being petted and loved on….I pick her up every day like this and live on her and have tried anti anxiety treats and even anxiety music for dogs but nothing has worked. I have had chihuahuas all my life and have never encountered this kind of behavior and the lady I got her from said she had not done this before….how do I get her to stop aggressively biting????
I looked out my kitchen window one day and saw a little, fawn, deer head chi standing in the middle of the road in front of my home. This road sees quite a lot of traffic. I immediately ran outside and tried to call him. He just looked at me. I had to make drivers aware of him so he would get hit. He was almost ran over several times before I finally lured him to me with Beggin Strips. I lured him on into the house. I searched the neighborhood to find his owners. I asked a lot of ppl, but no one knew anything about him…and I am so glad! Pepe’ was exactly what I needed. He is my little buddy who has brought my husband and myself so much joy! My husband takes him most evenings to see my mother in law, who Pepe’ knows as Mamaw. He is a precious gift and we are so very happy to have him in our lives.