If you want a Chihuahua it’s important to know how devoted, lovable, and caring they can be. They are extremely protective (especially females), so don’t be surprised when you see a big personality come out of their tiny little frames. In order to end up with the perfect match for you and your family it will be important to do a little research. Take the time to research their characteristic traits, health issues, and even their overall personality. This will prevent any unnecessary issues down the road.

It’s possible that you will come across an apple-head or deer-headed Chihuahua during your research. However, Chihuahuas are either have short hair or long hair. So there isn’t much difference apart from the characteristics on the outer shell. They can be quite comical at times, but a lot of it has to do with their tiny stature.

If you’ve already started your research it can get a little confusing when you hear terms like deer-head Chihuahuas. There are reasons for these terms, and its important to understand them before you decide upon an acceptable breed.

Just ask the American Kennel Club and they will tell you that the Chihuahua is almost square in appearance. The females do have slightly longer bodies than the males, which is for reproduction purposes. The shape of the dog’s skull will be important as well. The apple-head is necessary if you want to register your Chihuahua as a purebred dog.

When you come across a deer-head Chihuahua they will have a slightly elongated shaped compared to an apple-head. This meets it does not meet the standards of a purebred Chihuahua.

Since this is not a requirement of the American Kennel Club it can be a misleading event if breeders present it as a breed all their own.

Always remember that Chihuahua either have short hair or long hair, which is the only two types of breed out there. The decision you make here really comes down to preference and the characteristics of that particular one.

The head needs to have a rounded “apple dome” in order to be a true Chihuahua. The snout will be fairly short and have a pronounced point. Their eyes should be bigger, round, be well apart, and not be protrusive. So before you purchase a new Chihuahua it’s important to understand what the standard is before rushing to a decision.