You’ve probably heard the terms apple head and deer head to describe Chihuahuas, but have you ever heard of a pear head Chihuahua? You may wonder if they are a different breed of Chihuahua.
What is an apple head Chihuahua?
The apple head Chihuahua is the only type recognized in dog shows by the AKC. This is because the apple head shape is the actual authentic head formation of the Chihuahua breed. The apple head used to be the most common, but now most pet Chihuahuas are deer head.
This type is obviously called an apple head because of its apple shape. The shape of the head is well-rounded and domed. They also have big eyes a less prominent snout and a smaller sized body.
What is a deer head Chihuahua?
The deer head is called that because instead of being well-rounded and domed, their skull is shaped more like a deer’s head. Their head is a little more sloped and their snouts are generally longer and narrower. Their bodies are usually taller and thinner.
This type of Chihuahua is still a Chihuahua and are generally preferred by pet owners. They usually are healthier and have less genetic issues.
What is a pear head Chihuahua?
Pear head Chihuahuas are much less common and few are aware that they even exist. Some people may have a pear head Chi but think they have a deer head. I had never heard of this type of Chihuahua until just recently and most people haven’t unless they are a breeder.
The pear head is similar to the deer head except the head is more – you guessed it, more pear-shaped, and often the skull is flatter. They are usually larger than the deer head. I am not a breeder but I’m told that the pear head shape usually happens when a breeder breeds an apple head with a deer head Chihuahua. If you are a breeder and read this, please leave a comment below.
Although this is not the preferred type by most, the pear head Chihuahua is still a Chihuahua breed.
Whether they are an apple head, a deer head or a pear head they are still a Chihuahua. There is only one breed of Chihuahua but with different shapes, sizes, colors, and with long or short-haired coats.
But, no matter which type you have, I’m sure that you love them as I do my little deer head Chihuahuas!
How about Teacup, micro, or toy Chihuahua? Well, that’s another post.
Don’t miss; Teacup Chihuahuas, What You Need to Know
Now that you know, here’s a quiz. This is my Pebbles. Is she an apple head or a deer head? Leave your answer in the comments below
I’m sorry for the loss of your Pebbles. This if my first time here. Lots of wonderful info here. Thanks
Thank you for visiting. I’m glad you enjoy it and I hope you come back often! 🙂
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I call this a “Bambi head” because it looks like baby Bambi in the cartoon. My “Pebbles” looks just like yours but is gold instead.
I used to think I disliked Chihuahuas because I knew a couple of yappy, vicious teacup chis, but eventually I discovered that there are different types, temperaments, differently *socialized* chis. I adopted my Pebbles reluctantly but WOW! I’m so glad I did!! She’s my wonderful baby! 💖
WOW! I’m glad you did too! Sadly, that is the impression most people have of Chihuahuas, mean, vicious yappy little dogs. That is why I started ChiChis And Me, to help people to better understand the breed and what can make them mean and how to avoid the mistakes that many people make when getting a Chihuahua without knowing anything about them. Thank you so much for your comment! ~ Linda
A pear head?
It’s not an official “type” of Chihuahua like an apple head or a deer head. It is a term, however, that breeders use to describe a “deer head” with a flat(er) head. It happens occasionally when an apple head and a deer head mate. They are considered “undesirable” by most people (I think only because they may be larger). They are generally larger with a more prominent snout. It’s really only a term to describe the different head shape, not an official separate “type” of Chihuahua.
Deer head
👍 Thanks so much for your comment! ~ Linda
Pebbles looks like a dear head Chi to me, as are my 2, Merlin and Rufus.
I’ve had my chi for 10 years and never understood the explanations about deer head vs. apple head. This is the first one I’ve actually understood – I’m the proud mama of a little deer head! 😉
Hi Emma,
I’m so happy to hear it! I wrote this article exactly for that reason. I’ve talked to so many Chi owners that were confused about what type of Chihuahua they had.
Thank you for your comment and kind words.
Linda
Great website! How can I register to join?
Thank you very much! I’ve been working hard to make it both informative and entertaining. All you have to do is subscribe to our blog and you will get e-mail notices of new articles when they are posted so you won’t miss anything. You can do that here: http://eepurl.com/b06Xpz. Or just click on the “blog” on the home page. You can also receive exclusive news once a month by subscribing to my newsletter. That form is also on the home page. Both are free, all I ask is that you tell all your friend and family that love chihuahuas and all small breed dogs! Be sure to read my “privacy policy” you can be assured that any information you give us will be completely private!
Thank you again for being a loyal fan.
Linda
Owner & Designer
ChiChis And Me