Apple Head Chihuahua: Care Information and Other Facts

The Apple Head Chihuahua is probably the most popular type of Chihuahua that you often see in dog shows, movies, and TV shows. Moreover, this type of Chihuahua may come in either long-haired or short-haired variations. Let’s find out more in this article.


Apple Head Chihuahua Highlights

  • Probably the most sought after Chihuahua variety.
  • May have either a short or long coat and they may come in any color that is acceptable for the breed.
  • In the mid-1800s, the Chihuahuas from Mexico were brought to America and named after the State in Mexico where they originated from.
  • Smart, yet not very easy to train. However, once you find the right reinforcement for your dog, you can, later on, train them with ease.
  • The temperament of males greatly differs from the temperament of females, so you have to consider this before you bring home a Chihuahua for your home.
  • Proper nutrition is very important, so they may live long and healthy.
  • Come in long-haired and short-haired varieties, so they have slightly different grooming needs.
  • Most health problems may be prevented with responsible breeding practices and proper care.
  • Expected to live for 14-16 years. However, it has been recorded that some Chihuahuas were able to live up to 20 years of age.
  • Have been mixed with other breeds to create designer dogs to create a dog with a huge head, short snout, and small size.

Apple Head Chihuahua Appearance

Apple headed Chihuahuas are probably the most sought after Chihuahua variety. Moreover, show type Chihuahuas mostly have apple heads. These types of Chihuahuas are called apple heads because their huge heads and short snouts somewhat resemble the shape of an apple. In Chihuahuas, this type of head is also called an “apple dome” skull.

Based on the Chihuahua show dog standards of the American Kennel Club, Chihuahuas are supposed to be well-balanced dogs less than 6 pounds. Moreover, they are supposed to stand 5-8 inches tall when they reach adulthood. They come in a wide variety of colors and 2 different coat types namely, the short coat and long coat.

The counterpart to this variety of Chihuahua is the deer head variety. The primary differences between these two varieties are the head shape and snout size. Besides, deer headed Chihuahuas are slightly larger than the apple heads. So, if you are looking for a teacup Chihuahua, then you often find them in the apple head variety.

Breed History


Dogs that resemble a modern-day Chihuahua were initially seen in older civilizations. However, due to the trade routes in certain areas, the dogs were usually included in the trades, too. The Toltecs were known to have dogs called Techichi which looked like larger modern-day Chihuahuas. In the 12th century, historians recorded that the Techichi was later on improved by the Aztecs that conquered the Toltecs. By the 1500s the Techichi became an important part of the Aztec culture that there were folklores involving them.

By the mid-1800s these resilient small dogs were present in remote villages in Mexico. Moreover, by this time, Americans also discovered the breed in these remote villages and decided to take a few specimens back home. By then, the dogs were called Chihuahuas as a tribute to the state of Chihuahua in Mexico where the dogs were initially found.

Since the 1940s, they have become very popular due to their numerous TV and movie appearances. Besides, celebrities often carried these tiny dogs in events. Also, Chihuahuas has gained more popularity in minor league baseball wherein a team was named after the breed.


Chihuahuas with apple heads are fairly smart. However, being smart doesn’t immediately mean that a Chihuahua is easy to train. To motivate an Apple Head Chihuahua, positive reinforcement has to be used to encourage training.

Sometimes, they may have a stubborn streak. However, if you find what motivates them, Chihuahuas can effectively be trained. You have to know exactly what motivates your dog to aid with your training session. Moreover, you can use food or toys to help with your training.

Despite the small size and fragile physique, they can be vicious and nasty if left untrained. Basic obedience training is essential for any dog and these Chihuahuas are no exception. Numerous behavioral problems can be avoided with proper training.

Apple Head Chihuahua Temperament

an active chihuahua

Believe it or not, but the sex of a Chihuahua greatly affects its temperament. Moreover, it is well-known that male Chihuahuas are more loyal and affectionate, which makes them sweet companion dogs. On the other hand, female Chihuahuas are calmer and clingier to their owners, which makes them great lap dogs.

If you are planning to get a Chihuahua as an additional pet in the household, you have to get a puppy and socialize it with your other pets at a very young age. Moreover, if you have cats, a Chihuahua may get along with them well, but they have to be introduced to each other properly. It might be better if your cat and Chihuahua grow together for more harmony in the household.


Feeding the Chihuahua might seem like an easy task because of their small size and small food portions. However, this is exactly why you need to take extra care in selecting food for your dog. Apple headed Chihuahuas eat less, so they have to get the right nutrition to form small amounts of food. Hence, you need to select nutritious food for your dog at all times.

Not all dog foods are created equal, so you carefully have to pick what is best for your Chihuahua. However, you might want to avoid these dog food brands because they aren’t going to be beneficial for your Chihuahua’s health. Also, you have to avoid giving any human foods that aren’t safe for dogs. For the tiny Chihuahua, a small amount of toxic food might easily kill them.

Health and Care

two dogs on a bed

Chihuahuas can make great pets if they are cared for properly. Moreover, as a responsible pet owner, you are in charge of your Chihuahua’s health and well-being. Caring for an Apple Head Chihuahua is quite simple since they are still dogs that require similar care. However, due to the small size of Chihuahuas, they are more prone to certain health issues and injuries that you have to be aware of.


The life expectancy of a Chihuahua is 14-16 years. However, it can be shortened or prolonged depending on the care that you are providing your Apple Head Chihuahua. Furthermore, some illnesses are congenital for the breed and this may significantly shorten their lifespan.

They have been recorded to live for up to 20 years if given the proper care. Also, if any health problem emerges in their lifetime, early detection and intervention may prolong the life of your dog. Moreover, certain diseases may also be prevented with regular vaccinations.

Common health problems

As a purebred dog, the Chihuahua breed a whole is predisposed to certain health risks. However, some of these might be avoided with responsible breeding practices and proper care. Also, due to the small size and delicate head of this Chihuahua, they are more prone to injuries, so they have to be handled with care at all times.

Apple headed Chihuahuas are predisposed to the following health conditions:

Specific care information

The big heads of this Chihuahua have a soft spot called the molera. Moreover, due to their short snout, they are more prone to breathing problems and temperature regulation problems that may lead to heatstroke.

Due to the sensitivity of the physique of this Chihuahua coupled with the soft spot on their heads, they are more delicate than other dogs. They have to be protected from bigger dogs that may play rough. Also, they have to be protected from falling or hitting hard objects due to their soft and large heads.


This type of Chihuahua comes in short-haired and long-haired varieties. This means that these different coat types may need different grooming needs. Nevertheless, all Chihuahuas need the best shampoos.

Short-haired Chihuahuas only need occasional bathing and brushing. On the other hand, long-haired Chihuahuas need to be bathed at least once a week and brushed 2-3 times a week. Therefore, the long coat Chihuahua needs more time and effort when it comes to grooming. But, if you are truly dedicated to caring for your Chihuahua you might not notice their different grooming needs very much.

Apple Head Chihuahua Puppies

Chihuahuas often give birth to 1-3 pups per litter. However, due to the size of their heads and tiny physique, they are more likely to need a caesarian section when giving birth to a litter. It is very rare for a Chihuahua to give birth to more than 3 puppies in a litter.


The typical price of Chihuahua puppies in the US range from $500 to $2000. However, some breeders declaring their Chihuahuas as teacups sell for a bit higher than that. Also, champion pedigree and show dogs are more expensive than pet quality dogs. This price is only for a puppy, but vaccinations, pet needs, and veterinarian visits are not yet included in this cost.

Chihuahua Mix Breeds

Chihuahuas have been used in several designer dog mixes to create small dogs with added traits of another breed. Moreover, most of the popular designer dogs are Chihuahua mixes. Here is a complete list of designer dog Chihuahua mixes. However, among these designer dog mixes these are the most popular:

Breed Organizations

This is a purebred dog that is recognized by major breed organizations in the US and UK. Moreover, the apple head in a Chihuahua is a desirable trait which allows a Chihuahua to qualify in standard breed dog shows and other activities organized by these kennel clubs:

United States

United Kingdom

If you are looking for a small dog to keep you company, these might be your best bet. Moreover, they are easy to maintain due to their small size. The Apple Head Chihuahua might be the breed for you if you want an affectionate dog with a huge personality while in a small package.

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