Apple Head Chihuahuas: Tiny Dogs with Surprisingly Big Brains!
No, that’s not an adorable microscopic alien, or a Gremlin being fed a speck of dust—that’s an apple head Chihuahua!
One of the most iconic physical characteristics of the breed, the dome-shaped skull of the applehead Chihuahua is hard to miss when you know to look for it. The embodiment of the official Chihuahua dog breed standard according to the American Kennel Club and other breed registries, apple head Chihuahuas are one of the most easily recognizable small dog breeds in the world, and beloved by people globally.
To many, the apple head is the most desirable type of Chihuahua, and they sure are cute! I happen to own a mixed-breed apple head Chihuahua and two mixed-breed deer head Chihuahuas, and my apple head certainly gets more comments and attention than the other two.
If you’ve always dreamed of owning one of these tiny, round-headed dogs but want to learn more, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive into the miniature world of the apple head Chihuahua.
@puppiesboutique 🥰🫠🇺🇸 teacup apple head Chihuahua 🇺🇸🫠🥰 #applehead #teacupchihuahuas #chihuahua #chihuahuastiktok #chihuahuafanclub #chihuahuasoftiktok #chihuahualove ♬ original sound – Puppies Boutique
Meet 5 Apple Head Chihuahuas
I could look at photos of apple head Chihuahuas all day, but I’ve restrained myself and only included a handful of pictures for you to admire. Pay close attention to the shape of each dog’s head so you can identify apple head Chihuahuas “in the wild.”
1. Ariel
Ariel is a solid red apple head Chihuahua whose little nose is even red! Ariel recently welcomed a new Chihuahua puppy to her home, so she has been busy teaching them how to adventure, snuggle, and play.
2. Yume
Yume is a tiny blue apple head Chihuahua who loves to accompany mom everywhere! Whether they’re going to a cafe, on an outdoor adventure, or just snuggling on the couch, Yume is glued to mom’s side.
3. Pete
Pete is a super cute creme apple head Chihuahua whose tongue has a habit of trying to escape his mouth. A quirky little guy, Pete likes to dig in his daddy’s beard, start play fights with his canine siblings, and demand special treatment whenever the temperature isn’t to his liking.
4. Pickles
Pickles is a gorgeous long-haired apple head Chihuahua from Munich, Germany. A great example of how Chihuahuas need the same enrichment as big dogs, Pickles loves to go on hikes in the mountains and romp with other dogs outdoors.
5. Kinako & Monaka
Meet sisters Kinako and Monaka, a pair of adorable cream apple head Chihuahuas from Japan. These two cuties do everything together, but you might see them get into a little spat now and then—it’s the sisterly way to argue every once in a while!
What Is An Apple Head Chihuahua?
Apple head Chihuahuas are purebred Chihuahuas with a specific head shape. Named for their domed head shape, apple head Chihuahuas sometimes look like they’re supporting giant globes on top of tiny little bodies. That apple dome skull might look a little goofy on the Chihuahuas small frame, but their unique skulls are holding one of the biggest brains in proportion to their body of any dog breed.
Canine brain size doesn’t scale to match body size. Small dogs with domed heads—like the apple head Chihuahua or the Brussels Griffon—have larger brains relative to their bodies than big breeds like Labs or German Shepherds. Don’t let anyone fool you into believing your Chihuahua can’t be smart because it’s small—they have the brains to prove their intelligence, literally!
Apple Head Chihuahua vs Deer Head Chihuahua
There are two “types” of Chihuahua: apple head Chihuahua and the deer head Chihuahua. Both the same toy breed, apple heads and deer heads only differ in physique, but have the same temperament, breed-specific needs, and lifespan. Both types can have short smooth coats or long coats, and come in the same range of colors and standard markings.
Only the apple head Chihuahua is recognized by the American Kennel Club, and deer head Chihuahuas are not permitted at dog shows or official judging show rings. Deer head Chihuahuas can compete in dog show events that are not for official breed standard recognition like agility and obedience trials.
Let’s take a look at a side by side comparison of an apple head vs deer head Chihuahua, then get into their major physical differences.
Pictured Above: Apple head Chihuahua (left) and deer head Chihuahua (right) [Sources: @Juju_the_Chihuahua and @Pheobe_The_Beach_Chi]
Apple head Chihuahuas have round, dome-shaped skulls that slopes to an almost 90-degree angle at the back where the head meets the neck. Apple heads also have short muzzles, short necks, and shorter legs as compared to the deer head Chihuahua. Most apple head Chihuahuas stand 8–8 inches tall and weigh between 4–8 pounds, though the AKC standard calls for them to be under 6.
Deer head chihuahuas have longer, more gradually sloping skulls, longer muzzles, larger ears, longer necks, and longer legs than the apple head. Deer head Chihuahuas are also larger in size and weight, standing 8–12 inches tall and weighing in at around 7–10 pounds, though some exceed this.
Apple Head Chihuahua Temperament
Social, sassy, and affectionate, apple head Chihuahuas are charming little dogs with huge personalities. Protective and possessive of their families, Chihuahua form strong bonds with their humans, but may be selective with strangers and newcomers. Not a breed recommended for families with young children, Chihuahuas are courageous and assertive dogs who don’t hesitate to enforce their boundaries.
Clever and sometimes mischievous, Chihuahuas need regular mental stimulation to keep them entertained and regulated. Despite what many falsely believe, Chihuahuas also need physical exercise, and can be moderately high energy as compared to other toy breeds.
Very trainable and eager to please, Chihuahuas do best in adult only homes that understand their unique needs and assertive personalities. I personally would not recommend a Chihuahua for a first time dog owner, since they can be prone to reactivity, anxiety, and behavioral problems when not properly socialized or handled. Even though they can fit in a purse, Chihuahuas are not an accessory, and have the same needs as large dog breeds.
Apple Head Chihuahua Health
When purchased from a reputable breeder who performs proper genetic testing and health screening, Chihuahuas are very healthy little dogs who live 14–16+ years. The most serious health problems that impact apple head Chihuahuas are heart issues, but proper genetic testing can prevent these problems. Other health issues to be aware of if you own an apple head Chihuahua include:
- Eye and vision problems
- Joint issues (e.g. patellar luxation)
- Back injuries
- Dental disease
- Epilepsy
Dogs labeled “Teacup Chihuahuas” are much more likely to have serious health problems. “Teacup” dogs are not an official size, and are bred by choosing the smallest possible breeding pairs. Breeding dogs down in size is proven to create serious genetic complications and physiological abnormalities, and you should avoid breeders who advertise that their dogs are teacup.
Where To Find an Apple Head Chihuahua for Sale
You can find apple head Chihuahua puppies for sale from high-quality and reputable breeders in nearly every state. The American Kennel Club marketplace is a good place to start if you want to buy an apple head Chihuahua puppy, but I strongly recommend looking into rescuing an apple headed chihuahua.
The Chihuahua Club of America has a Chihuahua rescue directory, but you can easily find Chihuahuas at your local shelter. The second most abused and abandoned breed in the world, Chihuahuas are always available for adoption.
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