Apple Head Chihuahua: Complete Guide

Most Chihuahuas you’ve seen are probably Apple Head Chihuahua. They have big bulging eyes with small muzzles and cute round faces. Whether you are thinking about getting an Apple Head Chihuahua or a Deer Head Chihuahua or simply want to learn more about this small dog breed, you’ve come to the right place!

We will share everything you need to know about the Apple Head Chihuahua if you’re planning on getting one. You’ll be glad to know that Chihuahuas are small intelligent dogs that are delicate yet charming and one of the most loyal canine companions you will ever find.

What is an Applehead Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas are often classified into two types: deer head Chihuahuas and Apple Head Chihuahuas. The Apple Head Chihuahua is one whose head is shaped like a round dome — much like an apple.

Apple Head Chihuahua: Pros and Cons

Apple Head Chihuahuas have a different build from Deer Head Chihuahuas, and their distinct attributes make them a favorite for breeders and pet enthusiasts alike. Some of their qualities have benefits, while some have drawbacks, which we’ll discuss right now.

Pros:

The Apple Head Chihuahua is a mixture of rowdy, loud, loyal, and intelligent, with a peculiar appearance. Their qualities give Chihuahuas certain pros, which are:

• Alert and loud, can alert homeowners if there are intruders.
• The unique skull shape is unlike any other dog.
• Don’t require a lot of space.
• Easy to handle and carry anywhere.
• Live for a long time.
• Loyal and full of love.
• Eligible to enter dog shows.

Cons:

The features that set Apple Head Chihuahuas apart from other dogs are also the reason why they have a hard time staying healthy. Some of their cons are:

• Tiny jaws can be hard to clean.
• Are genetically prone to several disorders.
• Excessive barking and hostility towards new faces.
• May not get along with children.
• Hot-headed.
• Delicate and prone to serious injuries.

How much do Apple Head Chihuahua cost?

Apple Head Chihuahuas cost around $800, but some pedigree Chihuahuas can cost over $1500. The price depends on the dog’s size, parentage, and Chihuahua color.

Apple Head Chihuahua physical appearance

Apple Head Chihuahuas have a big, round skull that looks a lot like an apple. Unlike deer head Chihuahuas, they don’t have a slope on their nose bridge, and the forehead makes an L-shape with the muzzle. 

Apple Head Chihuahuas can have both long and short fur. Although the Applehead Chihuahua is not officially recognized by AKC, AKC did specify that the Apple Head Chihuahua is the emblem of the Chihuahua breed.

The Apple Head Chihuahua is around 5 to 8 inches in height, which AKC officially defines as the height of a Chihuahua. Additionally, Apple Head Chihuahua is in line with the Chihuahua category because their face matches the description above.

Apple head Chihuahuas are among the smallest dogs in the world, and adults grow to a maximum height of 8 inches. Some variations, called teacup Chihuahuas, can be as tiny as just 4 inches!

In contrast to deer head Chihuahuas, Applehead Chihuahuas have large protruding eyes, short snouts, tiny legs, and small, triangular ears that may be floppy or perky.

How big do Applehead Chihuahuas get?

Applehead Chihuahuas are usually 5 to 8 inches tall and weigh 4 to 6 pounds. Some Applehead Chihuahuas are specifically bred to be tiny. They are called teacup Chihuahuas and are usually just 4 to 5 inches in height.

Both the male and female Apple Head Chihuahuas have a similar build, with equal average weight and height.

	Female Apple Head Chihuahua	Male Apple Head Chihuahua
Height	5 to 8 inches	5 to 8 inches
Weight	4 to 6 pound	4 to 6 pound

Apple Head Chihuahua Colors

Apple Head Chihuahuas come in numerous coat colors and patterns, including brown, fawn, black, white, cream, gold, grey, and silver. The rarest color is solid white, solid black, and Blue Chihuahua, whereas fawn is the most common coat color.

Applehead Chihuahuas usually have dark brown or dark red eyes. Some lighter-coated Apple Head Chihuahuas have light brown or hazel eyes.

Apple Head Chihuahua coat length

Apple Head Chihuahuas can have a long coat or a smooth (short) coat. Long coat Appleheads are more sought-after because of their elegant appearance, which also means they fetch a higher price.

Smooth or short-coated Applehead Chihuahuas don’t require much upkeep. However, they do shed more. Weekly brushing keeps them clean and shedding under control. 

Long coat Chihuahuas need more frequent brushing to keep them neat and tidy. The longer fur tends to gather more dirt, but they don’t shed as much as short-coats. Brushing or combing them every other day will keep the fur clean, shiny, and tangle-free.

Both coat types should bathe at least once a month. If your Applehead Chihuahua likes using your furniture, you may need them to bathe more often.

Apple Head Chihuahua: 10 Interesting Facts

1. Milly, an Apple Head Chihuahua, is officially the smallest adult dog in the world. This toy dog is less than 4 inches tall and barely weighs a pound.
2. Apple Head Chihuahua can be selectively bred to grow to very small “teacup” sizes.
3. They are the only Chihuahua variety that can participate in pet shows, as the deer head Chihuahuas don’t fit the AKC’s standards.
4. An Apple Head Chihuahua has one of the longest lifespans among all dog breeds.
5. Two Apple Head Chihuahuas may give birth to a deer head Chihuahua.
6. Apple Head Chihuahua is the national dog of Mexico.
7. The early 2000s saw Chihuahuas rise to prominence as celebrity pets. Even today, owning a Chihuahua is considered a status symbol.
8. Apple Head Chihuahua has the largest brain-to-body ratio among dogs, which explains their high intelligence.
9. Due to their big heads, Chihuahuas have the highest rate of cesarean births of all dogs.
10. Chihuahuas are prone to various health issues and are, unfortunately, the second most euthanized dog in the USA.

Apple Head Chihuahua personality

Apple Head Chihuahuas are bold, headstrong, and energetic dogs who can be very feisty at times. However, they are also intelligent and loyal and form strong bonds with their owner.

Applehead Chihuahua temperament

Applehead Chihuahuas have a reputation for being noisy, jealous, alert, and impatient. They usually get annoyed pretty quickly, which makes training challenging. They are also not appropriate for houses with young or little kids.

Socializing your Apple Head Chihuahua

Apple Head Chihuahuas don’t socialize very easily with others thanks to their big-dog mentality and envious nature. However, socializing at an early age produces promising results.

To avoid injuries, be careful when letting an Apple Head Chihuahua meet a bigger dog.

Applehead Chihuahuas: Do they make good family dogs?

No, Apple Head Chihuahuas are best suited for people living alone. These Chihuahuas are possessive about their owners and bond with just one person in the family. They also don’t act very hospitable to strangers or even other family members. Chihuahuas generally do not like strangers and will bite strangers or bark at them as a way to defend themselves.

Applehead Chihuahuas are also not the best dog for young children. They get annoyed easily and may snap at kids trying to play with them. Their delicate bodies also require careful handling; something kids may not be aware of.

How to care for an Apple Head Chihuahua

Apple Head Chihuahuas need special care because of their delicate bodies and vulnerability to health issues. Regular medical and dental checkups every 6 months can keep you updated on your Chihuahua’s health and stay ahead of diseases.

Apple Head Chihuahua feeding and diet

Apple Head Chihuahuas have tiny bodies and are prone to getting overfed, which can lead to obesity. On the other hand, feeding them too little can cause hypoglycemia. The best practice is to feed them high-quality meals at least twice a day.

	Feeding and diet
Calories per day	200 to 320 calories per day
Cups of kibble per day	½ to 1 cup of kibble per day

Apple Head Chihuahua puppies

Baby Applehead Chihuahuas have a soft spot in their skulls called the molera. It helps their large heads collapse and squeeze through their mothers during birth. The molera doesn’t stay open forever, and by the time the puppy is 4 to 5 months old, their skulls usually harden.

Apple Head Chihuahua grooming and shedding

Apple Head Chihuahuas don’t shed enough to cause any problems. They do need regular brushing and bathing though. A warm bath every 3 to 4 weeks does the job. 

The brushing frequency depends on the dog’s coat. Apple Head Chihuahuas with long hair needs brushing every 2 to 3 days to stay clean and tangle-free. On the other hand, short coat Appleheads need brushing every week.

Short coat Chihuahuas shed more than those with longer coats. This is because the long hair has a better grip and doesn’t fall off too often.

Apple Head Chihuahua exercise requirements

Apple Head Chihuahuas pack lots of energy in their petite bodies. They need 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise to avoid getting frustrated.

Apple Head Chihuahua training

Despite their seemingly unruly demeanor, Apple Head Chihuahuas can be trained to follow various commands. While they do get testing at times, their willingness to please their owners eventually gets them to listen and obey.

Common health problems in Applehead Chihuahuas

The short snout, tiny body, soft spot in the head, and large round skull of the Apple Head Chihuahua put them at risk of certain diseases. Some can be treated with medications, others require surgery, and a few are untreatable.

1. Hydrocephalus

It is common among Apple Head Chihuahuas to retain the soft spot in their heads to their adulthood. The opening can sometimes lead to hydrocephalus, which happens when there’s a fluid buildup in the head putting pressure on the brain. The condition is usually fatal.

2. Tracheal collapse

The trachea, or windpipe, of a Chihuahua, may collapse and make breathing difficult. Given their short snouts and restrictive breathing passage, a tracheal collapse would make breathing very difficult for your little buddy. Treatment ranges from cough medications and steroids to surgery.

These conditions are common among Applehead Chihuahuas and can rack up quite a high medical bill. To keep your Chihuahua from becoming a financial burden, we recommend getting medical insurance for them right away. This liberates you financially and gets your pooch the care he or she needs.

3. Heart disease

Unfortunately, heart issues cause the most fatalities in Chihuahuas. These dogs are naturally more prone to certain cardiac conditions — such as mitral valve disease — which usually cost a lot to treat.

4. Hypoglycemia

Tiny dogs are prone to getting hypoglycemic, which is when their bodies are unable to retain sufficient blood sugar. Feeding the Chihuahua multiple times a day ensures the dog has a steady glucose supply throughout the day.

5. Dental issues

The tiny jaws and teeth of Applehead Chihuahuas collect lots of plaque, and without regular dental care, they may end up with gum diseases and tooth decay. They also need to visit the dentist periodically.

6. Luxating patella

Also known as “loose kneecaps”, this condition causes the Chihuahua’s kneecaps to dislocate randomly. Special therapies can help the Chihuahua cope with it, but in severe cases, they require surgery.

7. Restricted breathing

The peculiar face of an Apple Head Chihuahua comes with a congested nasal passage. This can lead to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome or BAS. Other than this, many Chihuahuas also suffer from a collapsed trachea, which we will discuss next.

Apple Head Chihuahua mortality

Congenital heart diseases are the leading cause of shorter lifespan among Apple Head Chihuahuas. However, these issues mostly affect senior Chihuahuas. 

The brash attitude often get Chihuahuas into trouble with larger dogs who wouldn’t mind beating them up. Apple Head Chihuahuas are delicately built, and their soft skulls can’t handle blows, which is why trauma is another common cause of shorter lifespan for Applehead Chihuahuas.

How to train an Apple Head Chihuahua?

The key is establishing your authority when it comes to training your Apple Head Chihuahua. Defining clear roles at the start makes the training process more effective and simpler. Give timely rewards, keep training sessions brief, and establish your authority over them. Your Apple Head Chihuahua will soon start obeying your commands.

Applehead Chihuahua breeders

Apple Head Chihuahuas have AKC recognition, which is why most breeders sell them at a premium. Their cost can be around $800 to over $1500.

Some breeders selectively breed Apple Head Chihuahuas to make them tiny. They are called teacup Chihuahuas and can fetch a pretty high price. However, these selectively bred dogs come with a host of genetic disorders and a shorter life expectancy.

Apple Head Chihuahua summary

Apple Head Chihuahuas are rash and hostile and don’t shy away from confrontations. They come with a bunch of health disorders, but can still live a very long life. To make them ideal pet dogs, they need training, to which they respond quite well.

• Size: 5 to 8 inches.
• Weight: 4 to 6lb.
• Lifespan: 14 to 18 years.
• Coat: long or short. 
• Color: black, white, brown, grey, and fawn.
• Do They Shed: Moderately.
• Temperament: impatient, energetic, loyal, protective, and bold.
• Intelligence: high intelligence with a short attention span.
• Socialization: challenging to socialize with other dogs.
• Destructive Behavior: highly destructive and require training.
• People Skills: generally unfriendly and will usually bond with just one person.
• Good with Children: no.
• Activity Levels: need exercise every day and highly playful.

Does Apple Head Chihuahua meet AKC breed standards?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Chihuahuas with a round skull and a 90-degree angle between the forehead and the muzzle are all purebred Chihuahuas. The AKC also requires Chihuahuas to be lighter than 6 pounds with a height between 5 to 8 inches. Since that is the Apple Head Chihuahua’s average size, they perfectly meet the AKC’s breed standards.

Having AKC recognition means the Apple Head Chihuahua fetches a higher price compared to the deer-headed variety. While prices for deer head Chihuahuas start from $400, Apple Head Chihuahuas average around $800, with some going for over $1500.

Is an Apple Head Chihuahua right for me?

Apple Head Chihuahuas are loyal, smart, and easy to handle. Their unique face sets them apart from most other dogs, and their adorable size allows you to carry them around very easily. If you can put up with the medical expenses or are willing to provide them health insurance, Apple Head Chihuahua can be a perfect long-term companion for you.

Related Questions

Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_(dog)

https://chihuahuaclubofamerica.org/chihuahua-breed-standard/molera-statement/