A very interesting deer head Chihuahua fact is, they make great companions, and you can carry them with you anywhere, anytime, and anyplace. Journey with DogAppy and get to know more about your fellow-traveler.
Handle With Care
The deer head Chihuahua, smallest in the toy group, with its delicate, fragile body structure needs a lot of love and care. This tiny little purse dog is quite a runner and can be easily injured or stepped upon in a crowd. Extra vigilance on the owner’s part is advisable.
A deer head Chihuahua mascot named Gidget, mouthing the phrase Yo quiero Taco Bell! (“I want Taco Bell!” ) for a Taco Bell ad campaign, brought into the limelight the existence of this tiny, pint-sized dog.
What is fascinating is the history of the Chihuahua breed of dogs which dates back to the 9th century A.D. Archaeological proof indicates that these teacup-sized canines originated in Mexico and have actually been named after a state called Chihuahua. Research has revealed that it is indeed a descendant of the Techichi dog breed that the Toltec tribes owned.
In 1904, the American Kennel Club officially registered the chihuahua breed. Today, these mysterious teacup chihuahuas are a household name in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, gradually making their presence known to the rest of the world.
Know Your Deer Head Chihuahua
The Chihuahua breed have common traits; however, every chi is unique and stands out individually. The deer head chihuahuas possess their own personality traits. Here are a few that can help you distinguish between the chihuahuas.
Physical Traits
New Yorker, a nickname given to the Chihuahua, is small in size. They have deer-shaped heads with a longer noses. They are agile, zippy and sharp-witted. Their ear shapes vary from erect to droop downs and are blessed with large and luminous eyes. Popularly known as the long coat and short coat breed, the deer head chi is found in both varieties.
Weight
The deer head Chihuahua, according to the statistics provided by The American Kennel Club, weighs between 7-10 lbs and are larger in size as compared to the apple heads.
Lifespan
They can live between 15 -20 years and sometimes even longer. Some of the fragile lot in this chi family are susceptible to injuries. A jump from a sofa could cause nasty injuries to their small bones.
Color and Coat
The deer head chis come in a wide variety of colors which can be solid, marked, or splashed. Just to name a few, chocolate, black, fawn, rare blues, rare whites are the coat colors. The hair of the coat is soft in texture and can be long or short in length depending entirely on the type.
Temperament
Chihuahuas are good-natured, devoted, and faithful to their owners, possessing a child-like quality of cuddling up next to you in the bed and love to be petted very often. The chis have a pack mentality, accepting only their own family and can be quite aggressive towards other breeds. With their sharp ears, strong hearing sense, and their guarding instincts, they make great watchdogs. They threaten mayhem while guarding their homes.
Chihuahua Types and Their Differences
Apple head Chihuahua
The upper part of their skull is wide and round, which is slightly sunken in as in an apple. A unique feature is the sunken part called the fontanel or molera, similar to the soft spot that is seen on the heads of human babies. These apple heads with their shorter snouts are at an increased risk of being plagued with health problems. Timely care and healthy diet can eliminate these problems.
Deer head Chihuahua
The deer heads have a head shape similar to that of a young deer with a face that is elongated as compared to the apple heads. Their snouts and bodies are generally longer. They are also healthier than the apple heads. According to many owners, the deer head chis are more obedient and less aggressive than their counterparts even though they are not the best candidates for dog shows.
Pear head Chihuahua
They derive their names because of their pear-shaped heads and are quite an uncommon lot. Their skull is flat, and they have prominent muzzles. They are larger in size, which is often the result of the breeding between apple head and deer head chihuahuas.
Health and Care
Chihuahuas, because of their size and delicate built, demand extra care. They need healthy food, loving homes, and warm clothing. During winters, they tend to get cold easily. Wrapping them in a well-fitted sweater or jacket is advisable.
The deer head chihuahua has less health problems as compared to apple heads or pear heads. The most common health problems are obesity, teeth and gum problems, hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, and tracheal collapse.
Hypoglycemia
In this condition, a drop in the blood sugar levels leads to a buildup of fluid around the brain, which may result in eventual death. It is particularly seen in chihuahuas which are about 9 months old.
Symptoms: Dizziness, seizures, swollen head.
First Aid: Get back the blood glucose to a safe level by giving the dog a source of sugar, like some syrup, honey, or jam, a teaspoon of maple or corn is also a good option. Keeping them handy always is advisable.
Patellar luxation
A rheumatic condition which has two main types; namely, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The dog walks with a limp, has difficulty climbing up and down the stairs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis It is caused when the joint tissues are damaged, which leads to inflammation and pain.
Osteoarthritis In this condition, the joint cartilage breaks down as a result of old age, poor nutrition, and insufficient exercise. The bones in the joints rub against each other, resulting in severe pain which hampers their walk.
General Care
Weight control, exercise, a balanced lifestyle and diet can prevent the above conditions. Regular grooming of hair, teeth, and nails in these dogs is a must and relatively easier.
An interesting and lesser-known fact is that the extent of teeth care determines the shape of their ears as well. Intense chewing during the teething stage of these dogs can cause the muscles that are at the base of their ears to weaken, hence giving the ear a floppy or droopy shape.
Dental oral sprays, at least twice a day, is essential to prevent buildup of plaque and tartar. Most importantly, routine visits to the vet is essential.
Chi―a friend who sticks with you at all times. If he is your choice, this deer head with its graceful, sassy expression and i-am-always-there-for-you looks, will drive away every pang of loneliness you feel.
