Chihuahua Information Center
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Applehead Chihuahua
There is often confusion among Chihuahua owners, potential owners and even breeders in regard to the applehead Chihuahua and the deer head.
Are there 2 different varieties of Chi? The answer is no, in regard to head shape. There are 2 different varieties in regard to coat….There is the short haired (or smooth coat) and the long haired. No matter which type, both should follow the same standards regarding appearance and body structure.
Somehow, breeders have been producing different shaped heads….one is the applehead and one is the deer head. The names are based on how the Chi’s dome, muzzle and overall head are shaped.
While many people believe that either type fits the standard, this is not so. Now, do keep in mind that both are popular and both are found in purebred Chihuahuas. The main time when this issue would come into play is if one wished to enter their Chi in an AKC conformation event, where the dog is judged on how closely they resemble the ideal standard in regard to appearance.
So, Which Head Shape is the Standard?
Surprisingly to many people, it is the applehead Chihuahua that is the standard and not the very popular deer head. In fact, so many breeders breed for deer and so many owners have them, that it the majority of people believe it is the standard.
According the AKC guidelines a Chihuahua should have….
Head: A well rounded "apple dome" skull, with or without molera. Muzzle – Moderately short, slightly pointed. Cheeks and jaws lean.
Take note of the term “moderately short” in regard to muzzle. Appleheads have shorter muzzles, while deers have much longer muzzles and this is the main difference.
Note: There are many Chihuahua dogs who fall somewhere in the middle between the 2 types. Each dog is an individual...he or she will very in size, body structure, weight, etc...And the exact shape of the head will vary as well.
Are there 2 different varieties of Chi? The answer is no, in regard to head shape. There are 2 different varieties in regard to coat….There is the short haired (or smooth coat) and the long haired. No matter which type, both should follow the same standards regarding appearance and body structure.
Somehow, breeders have been producing different shaped heads….one is the applehead and one is the deer head. The names are based on how the Chi’s dome, muzzle and overall head are shaped.
While many people believe that either type fits the standard, this is not so. Now, do keep in mind that both are popular and both are found in purebred Chihuahuas. The main time when this issue would come into play is if one wished to enter their Chi in an AKC conformation event, where the dog is judged on how closely they resemble the ideal standard in regard to appearance.
So, Which Head Shape is the Standard?
Surprisingly to many people, it is the applehead Chihuahua that is the standard and not the very popular deer head. In fact, so many breeders breed for deer and so many owners have them, that it the majority of people believe it is the standard.
According the AKC guidelines a Chihuahua should have….
Head: A well rounded "apple dome" skull, with or without molera. Muzzle – Moderately short, slightly pointed. Cheeks and jaws lean.
Take note of the term “moderately short” in regard to muzzle. Appleheads have shorter muzzles, while deers have much longer muzzles and this is the main difference.
Note: There are many Chihuahua dogs who fall somewhere in the middle between the 2 types. Each dog is an individual...he or she will very in size, body structure, weight, etc...And the exact shape of the head will vary as well.
