Deer Head Chihuahua: Dog Breed Info, Pictures & Facts

If you are looking for a tiny companion and furry sidekick, the Deer Head Chihuahua is a good place to start. This feisty little ankle-biter appears precious yet it is confident and sassy. They are pint-sized, yet believe (with all certainty) that they are ferocious. This small breed is great for those independent people who want a small pet with a big personality.

When it comes to this toy breed, however, many people judge the book by the adorable cover. With their small stature and cuteness, pet-parents will adopt the breed without looking further into their traits, personality, and overall care. This is where we want to help right that wrong!

If you have already fallen head over ears for this pooch, you will want to take a look at the information below. We have shared the Deer Head Chihuahua’s temperament, personality, grooming, needs, exercise requirements, and everything else you could need to know about this adorable pup.

Whether you are a canine connoisseur or you are in the market to adopt one of these ankle biters, you have come to the right place…

Deer Head Chihuahua Puppies

The Deer Head puppies are a sight to see. Before we get into that, though, you may be curious about what a “Deer Head” Chihuahua is, and how they are different from other Chihuahuas. First, let’s rewind a bit to the time of the Aztecs. It is believed by many experts that this is when the little canine originated which makes them one of the oldest breeds in the world.

These tiny tykes were bred to be companions, although there is some hunting in their past, as well. Fast forward to the early 1900s when the AKC recognized the Chihuahua and split them into two groups; the Deer Head and the Apple Head. What separates the two sub-breeds is appearance. The Deer Head tends to be bigger than their counterparts, and they have bigger ears. When looking at them from behind (and even in front), they resemble baby deers, hence the name.

As puppies, these little dogs are the epitome of wishy-washy adorableness. They will be playful, full of energy, and eager to romp and play. They are also very tiny, so you will need to be extra careful when playing with them. These little guys can be as small as 2½ ounces and only 3-4 inches tall. They can literally fit into the palm of your hand.

With their small frame, not only do you have to be careful while playing with them, but they should also be supervised very carefully to make sure they are not stepped on, sat on, or that they don’t fall off anything. As part of their playtime, you will also want to start introducing obedience training and social skills, but we will talk about all that later.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Deer Head Chihuahua

1. They Only Have Brown Eyes

One of the features in the Deer Head Chihuahua that makes them so endearing is their big eyes. Interestingly, the Chihuahua will only have brown eyes, although it can vary in hue from light golden to a dark chocolate color.

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2. They Shed Less Than Other Dogs

When you think of a dog’s shed, you would normally think the long-haired pups would have more fur to lose than short-haired dogs. The exact opposite is true for the Deer Head. In this case, the long-haired sheds less than the short-haired.

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3. There are Wild Chihuahua Packs in Arizona

Yes, there are wild Chihuahua packs terrorizing neighborhoods in Arizona. Technically, they are not “wild” but rather strays. The Chihuahua is the unofficial State Dog and over the years these little guys have become feral. They roam in packs and have even become aggressive. In fact, they have gained a tough “street” rep to be feared.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Deer Head Chihuahua 🧠

The Deer Head Chihuahua is a little dog with a big personality. They have what is known as “little dog syndrome” where they believe they are big and tough canines. This also leads them to be confident, brave, and a little sassy. They are happy to take on anyone regardless of their size, and they have no problem letting their displeasure at the situation be known.

Besides those charming qualities, this little guy is also alert and protective of their owners. Typically, the Deer Head will bond with only one member of the household. It is usually the person that spends the most time with them. Due to this personality quark, they make a great pet for single-person homes. They are also okay to be left alone for longer periods, so it’s okay if you work outside of the house, plus they are easy to travel with.

Once they have bonded with the human pet of their choosing, this little pup is playful and loving. They will be happy to romp around with you or cuddle on your lap. They are considered high-strung, however. Not to mention, they are yappy, so it can be an issue if you live in an apartment where noise is an issue. On the upside, they make great guard dogs.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Deer Head Chihuahua is not the best family pet. As mentioned, the typically bond with one person, and they can be wary of strangers. In fact, they can get downright aggressive by nipping and biting. This is also true with kids, so most experts do not recommend this pup if you have small children.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

To be blunt, no, not really. Again, this varies depending on their early training, but for the most part, the Deer Head Chihuahua is better off as the only pet. They are suspicious of other animals (and people for that matter) and will go as far as to protect you from what they believe is a threat.

Finally, because they bond with one person, they will not be pleased about sharing your attention with someone else. Again, this can be true of human friends along with the four-legged variety. Socializing your pet early can make a difference, though. There are many cases where the Deer Head Chihuahua lives comfortable with other dogs and cats, but it is better to be safe rather than sorry if you are not bringing them all in as babies.

Things to Know When Owning a Deer Head Chihuahua:

So far, we know that this little guy is feisty, active, and playful. They are going to bond with you and be a great travel friend. The Deer Head does not need constant attention, but they do need someone to make sure their confident and pushy behavior doesn’t get them into a situation where they could get hurt.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

As you can imagine, this little dog does not need a ton of food. They typically eat half a cup to a cup of food two times per day morning and night. This is subject to their age, weight, and health, of course. Your vet is the best resource to get a tailored recommendation, but we will cover the basics of a good diet.

First, the Deer Head can have some food sensitivities to watch out for, but they are not as common as their pickiness. You may have to try a few recipes before your pup will chow down, and they have no problem holding out until cuisine conditions improve. That being said, changing diets can cause tummy issues, so do so slowly by mixing in new meals with their standard fare.

On the flip side, this pooch is also prone to gaining weight. You want to ensure that they are not fed table scraps and foods/ treats high in sugars and other processed ingredients.

Their diet should also have the other important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your pet needs to be healthy. Antioxidants, calcium, omega fatty acids, and other ingredients are important in both their dinners and treats. Speaking of treats, dental treats for small dogs are also beneficial as your pet is prone to oral hygiene problems, as well.

• Try: Best Food for Chihuahuas or Best Food for Chihuahua Puppies 

Exercise 🐕

This little guy is very active and energetic, but they do not require a lot of exercise on your part. One short walk around the block per day is enough to keep them at a good weight and release any excess energy. What they do need more of is playtime. For this activity, they do well playing with you or by themselves.

For this reason, it is important to provide the Deer Head with a few toys to play with. A chew toy, rope today, and some plush animals are a good play to start. Like most canines, this little nipper will enjoy a good chew every once in a while. What they like more than that, though, is playing tug of war with you.

They are also a fan of tackling their toys. You will find them running about stalking their prey and ambushing them from behind as they somersault across the floor. This is another reason why it’s important to make sure your Chihuahua is in a safe place, so they don’t tumble down the stairs.

This breed is also a fan of burrowing. Instead of getting them a bed, a pile of blankets will suit their fancy better. They enjoy digging around under them where they will also go to sleep. With that being said, please don’t sit on your pup by accident!

Finally, the Deer Head Chihuahua doesn’t tolerate cold weather well. If you are going to be bringing them outside when the temperature is chilly, they will require a sweater, coat, and possible boots or socks to keep them warm. If the temperature falls below 35 degrees, they should not be taken out for walks at all.

• Related Read: Best Small Toys – great for Chihuahuas!

Training 🦮

Training the Deer Head takes time and patience. They have a short attention span, not to mention, they are stubborn and independent. These things combined will require you to keep lessons short and fun. Consistency and repetition are the best tools at your disposal with this pooch.

You will also need to take firm leadership in the relationship. As mentioned, the Chihuahua can be bossy and pushy. They will push boundaries and try to gain the upper hand. You must remain firm, yet gentle when training them.

With this breed, it is also imperative that you start training as young as possible. Although you will find this dictate with most canines, it is doubly important with the Deer Head. If your pup doesn’t have a strong leader, they will continue to test the waters and do as they please. Unfortunately, they not only become aggressive, but they can also become destructive. Once this stubborn little furball has acquired bad habits, it is hard to break them of it. This is also a reason why first-time owners are not recommended.

You want to concentrate your training efforts on obedience training and socialization. Behavioral training is also important along with housebreaking. Positive reinforcement along with firmness has been shown to work best. This combined with consistent short lessons will be effective at curbing the worst of the Deer Heads antics.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming this tiny pup’s coat is at a moderate level. The Deer Head Chihuahua can have either long or short fur. As mentioned, the shorter coat sheds more but will require the same amount of grooming as the long-haired. Both coats are soft and shiny, though.

The short-furred Chihuahua should be brushed a few times a week to keep the amount of loose shed as minimal as possible. The same goes for the long-haired, although in this case, you not only want to avoid hairy furniture but also reduce the number of mats in their fur.

You will also need to bathe this pup every three to four weeks to keep them clean. You want to use a gentle and organic shampoo, and make sure the water is not too hot or too cold. What’s more, make sure you are drying your pet as much as possible even when the weather is warm. Because of their small size, they can become chilled quickly.

Ears, Teeth, and Nails

As we mentioned in the diet section, the Deer Head can be prone to dental problems. For this reason, you want to brush their teeth as often as possible. Daily is ideal, but as often as you can manage it is important. You will also need to schedule regular vet/dental appointments to rid their teeth of bacteria build-up.

The Chihuahua’s ears and nails will also need some maintenance. Check their ears weekly for signs of infection, mites, and wax. Wipe them clean with a dog ear wash solution, and make sure you trim any longer fur around them.

As you have probably guessed, their little nails are thin and fragile, so they can break easily. Keeping them filed down will help. This should be done every two to three weeks depending on the time of year. Outdoor play will naturally file them down.

All of these grooming requirements should be part of your pet’s training, so they become accustomed to the activity. Remember to give them praise and treats when they do well. As your Deer Head will become attached to you, they will often look at the chore as a time of enjoyment. Trying to brush the teeth of a snarly little beast is not fun, though…trust us.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Unfortunately, purebred canines can be prone to health issues. Each dog is different, however, and the likelihood of them developing any health concerns can vary due to several factors. Their genes, age, lifestyle, and weight all play a key role in their overall health.

Male vs Female

Spayed and Neutered

As far as the differences between the genders, it mostly has to do with whether or not they have been spayed or neutered. For example, the female’s heat cycle can last for months. During this time, they can be cranky. They may bark more, nip, be more prone to sleep, and just generally be unfriendly. This is often because they are in some discomfort.

Male Deer Head Chihuahua, on the other hand, can be quite the escape artists when they have not been fixed. You may notice that your pal is eager to escape when you don’t see any reason why they would? This is because they can smell a female in heat from a long way off. Not only that, but they may be able to smell the girl Deer Head (or any girl, they’re not picky), that had been at the dog park three hours ago.

Other Differences

As far as their personality differences, some pet-parents have noticed that the female is more apt to bark. She is more standoffish and takes on the dominant role when there is a male around. The boy-Chi can be more affectionate. He is more likely to cuddle on your lap, and he is more prone to push the boundaries with his owner.

Again, these things can vary from dog to dog. You may find a female who loves to cuddle or a male that does nothing but yack all day and night. Most importantly, getting your pet fixed is important. It can help with their temperament and reduce health conditions like ovarian cancer in females.

Conclusion

If you are a single person looking for a playful, energetic, and protective companion, the Deer Head Chihuahua may be the right pet for you. They are great if you have to travel a lot and even if you work outside the house. They require minimal outdoor exercise, plus they are great for apartments and city living.

This adorable fur-baby is tiny, but with a bigger than life personality. They are sassy, a bit pushy, but can also be very affectionate. In our opinion, if you have the time to devote to a small pooch with their funny antics, you will find a behest friend for life.

See Also:

• 7 Different Types of Chihuahuas (With Pictures)
• Apple Head vs. Deer Head Chihuahuas: Key Differences (With Pictures)

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Featured Image: Pikist