Apple Head Chihuahua – Full Dog Breed Info

Apple head Chihuahuas are the Chihuahua’s breed of honor. It is the most popular Chihuahua dog breed and it conforms to the breed standard. Often referred to as the poster child for the Chihuahua dog breed.

Just like the name, this Chihuahua has apple-shaped heads and round skull tops which gives them a noticeable forehead. And this feature is considered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) guidelines as the standard for a Chihuahua breed.

These dogs are small in size and are adorable, their handsome face is quite appealing. Great companionship is something they are known for in addition to their big attitude.

History

These dogs are the national dogs of Mexico and are ancient dogs that seem to have been around for longer than anyone can tell. There are so many old-world artifacts and ancient drawings around the world that show that these creatures have been around for a long time and were a favorite amongst the earliest nobles of human history.

How they became to be associated with Mexico is a question whose answer is vague and unexplainable. However, it was once assumed that these tiny dogs were annihilated during the conquest of Cortez.

Anyway, these resilient little breeds were able to survive in cloistered villages where they were found and collected by Americans in the 1800s. A lot of these dogs were found in Chihuahua, a city in Mexico and so they became known as the Chihuahua dog.

Everywhere they were taken to, these dogs were beloved for their small size and their spicy attitude, hence they became a fast favorite everywhere they went.

They were first registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1908. Since then they have become not only Mexico’s national dog but also a popular Hollywood sensation and an adorable family pet.

They are ranked at the number 30 spot on the American Kennel Club’s list of the most popular dog breeds in America. Though they have also become a very popular worldwide dog breed. These Chihuahua dog breeds are the only type of Chihuahua dog that is accepted for the show ring.

Appearance And Size

Apple head Chihuahuas are small-sized dogs that have an apple dome-shaped head. They have round heads, a 90-degree angle known as a stop where their muzzles meet their foreheads. Other important features are the long jawline, short necks, and what might be their most prominent feature, their bulging eyes.

Since they are small dogs, they generally have short legs and small ears. All Apple head Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot on their heads which is known as a Molera. Though this usually closes once they are about three to four months of age in some cases it may never close and this is perfectly normal

Chihuahuas are really small in size and as such weigh about 5 to 6 pounds and measure only a measly 5 to 8 inches in length.

They also have smooth long coats, though fawn is the most common coat color of the apple head Chihuahua. Other colors that can be found are; gold, white, chocolate, cream, and black colors.

They are also known for their upright ears, protruding eyes, and expressive faces. Here is a youtube video I found on the we

Grooming

Apple head Chihuahuas can be either long-haired or short-haired. Long-haired Chihuahuas generally require more coat brushing than short-haired Chihuahuas to avoid shedding.

Short-haired Chihuahuas can be brushed once weekly while long-haired Chihuahuas should be brushed at least twice weekly. A soft bristle brush is recommended to brush out any matted hairs on their bodies.

Apple head Chihuahua should also be bathed as often as required with gentle dog shampoos. Their nails should also be trimmed when necessary, ears should also be cleaned as often as necessary to prevent ear infections.

Brush your dog’s teeth daily with a recommended dog toothpaste and dental chews or soft finger brushes to avoid dental problems.

They should be well clothed to keep out cold especially during colder months as their tiny bodies can not retain heat. Shaking from cold can lead to dog seizures.

Temperament

Apple head Chihuahuas have generally charming and adorable temperaments. They are energetic and active dogs who act like bigger dogs though fairly well behaved.

As long as they are properly socialized from a young age, they tend to associate well with people. A point of note is their alpha attitude towards other animals and even you.

Despite their small sizes, they can be extremely bossy and disobedient if they are not properly trained. Confidence and braveness are qualities they have in spades.

They are great family dogs but it is not advisable to have an Apple head Chihuahua in a family with toddlers. This is because they are quite fragile and brittle therefore may be unwittingly hurt by toddlers in the process of playing with them.

They are also known to be quite vocal breeds and can carry on yapping throughout the whole day if their attitude is not kept in check.

They have a playful and fun-loving personality. Though they are also known to be a bit lazy and do not have any problem with just curling up on the couch and sleeping all day.

Owning to their size, they are suitable for apartment homes and are good around people.

Health

The apple head Chihuahuas have a long lifespan of about 14 to 16 years, though they may have serious health concerns some time in their lives.

They can be prone to some health issues like:

Patent ductus arteriosus is a very common congenital heart disease in dogs and it can lead to heart failure in fatal conditions.

Mitral valve disease is another heart-related illness that can cut the dog’s life expectancy short.

Brachycephalic Airway syndrome is a pathological condition that leads to breathing issues and discomforts like snoring, sleep apnea, and others. Exercising is usually difficult for chihuahuas with this syndrome.

Patellar luxation is an abnormality of the kneecaps that causes it to move out of its normal position. Thankfully, this scary condition can be treated successfully through surgery.

Cleft palate is a disorder of the mouth roof and it can cause slow growth, coughing, and even pneumonia.

Cranial soft spot occurs when the molera or soft spot located on their head does not completely develop sometimes and as such does not close leaving their brains quite fragile and exposed to injuries.

Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in dogs and it is an inherited disorder.

Other health issues that they may suffer from are dental issues, ocular issues like eye diseases, eye injuries, and eye infections which mostly occur as a result of the shape of their skull and their bulging eyes.

They are also extremely vulnerable to poisoning from food or treats that contain toxic ingredients.

Training And Exercise

Apple head Chihuahuas tend to develop nasty habits, so they require a lot of training and socialization all throughout their lives.

According to various experts, these creatures love to get out of line and push to see how much they can get away with. So they will always need a firm but loving figure to put them in place.

The praise technique and the positive reward system are the recommended options when it comes to training Apple head Chihuahua.

Apple head Chihuahuas are a bit lazy, if they are not stimulated they will just stay curled up on the couch all day. However, they do need exercise but in moderate amounts per day, brisk walks also help to boost their energy.

Food And Diet

Apple head Chihuahuas should be given high-quality dog food that is specified for their weight, age, and activity levels. They should be given meals that contain more meat proteins.

During dog food shopping, it is important to make sure that the food purchased is made especially for smaller dog breeds because they develop differently from bigger dog breeds and also need different nutrients.

They need fresh water every day as well. Most importantly caution should be followed while giving them treats as these are often high in calories.

Extra care should also be taking in feeding Apple head Chihuahuas as they tend to be overweight easily and this can cause issues to their overall health.

They mostly need about one cup of dog food daily divided into two meals preferably morning and evening. Individual dogs may need more or less food so it is advisable that you visit your vet for advice on the best food and feeding routine for your dog.

Toxic ingredients like chewing gum and chocolate can be harmful to their health. It is important to monitor them to prevent them from eating these harmful items. You can get a list of some dog foods here

Should You Get An Apple Head Chihuahua?

There are a number of good reasons why you might consider getting an apple head Chihuahua and some of them are:

1. They make for a great home companion, whether you have kids or not. Apple head Chihuahuas make for great companions because of their joyful and charming personalities.

2. They are small-sized dogs and are suitable for apartment life as they do not need much space.

3. Apple head Chihuahuas are cute and adorable pets that fit nobility and people of high status. These dogs fit well in women’s bags or fashion baskets and can be carried around while you are shopping, sightseeing or just walking around.

4. They are great with children, as long as they have been exposed to relationships with people and other animals from puppyhood. Their high intelligence levels also make it easier to train them to obey basic commands.

Buying An Apple head Chihuahua

Apple head Chihuahuas generally costs anywhere between $500 to $1000 though this is highly dependent on the quality of their parent dogs or physical appearances.

Apple head Chihuahuas can be bought from registered breeders at the prices mentioned above or they can be adopted from puppy rescue shelters at around $50 to $100 for adoption fees. The rescue shelters will also cover the first veterinarian checkup to ensure that the dog is in a healthy state.

Summary

Apple head Chihuahuas are cute, funny, and adorable small-sized dog breeds. Since their discovery in Chihuahua Mexico, they have become extremely popular.

These dog breeds are not just popular, but they are also the only Chihuahua dog breed that is accepted in the show ring.

Though they may have a lot of health challenges, they make up for it with their cuteness and sweet personality. It would also interest you to know that these dog breeds are highly favored in the sight of nobles, dignitaries, and even Hollywood stars.

These dog breeds are also very easy to cater to, as they do not eat much food and are not big enough to trash your apartments when left alone.