An Apple Head Chihuahua is a loyal, playful, and active lap dog. They are affectionate canines with a penchant for cuddles. But there is more to an Apple Head Chihuahua than their bright and loving personality – it is their appearance that makes them distinct from other Chihuahuas.
As the name implies, an Apple Head Chihuahua has a well-rounded and dome-like head – just like an apple. They have short jaws and short snouts. Apple Head Chis also have large, round eyes that tend to stand out from their relatively small faces.
If you are looking to own an Apple Head Chihuahua, or you already have one and want to get to know your pooch better, keep reading. We will explore the distinct traits, features, and care tips for this adorable dog breed.
What Is An Apple Head Chihuahua?
Apple Head Chihuahuas are small canines in the “Toy Dog” category. But do not confuse these dogs with other Chis, as they have their own unique characteristics that set them apart from the rest.
What Does An Apple Head Chihuahua Look Like?
The most striking physical trait of this dog breed is the head. It is dome-like, similar to the shape of an apple. Such a canine may or may not have a molera, which is a “soft spot” on the head. Overall, these features conform to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard for the dog breed.
Apple Head Chihuahuas have small bodies, short legs, and short necks. They are about 9 inches tall and weigh between 2 and 6 pounds. Moreover, this canine is smaller than the other type of this dog breed, the Deer Head – which you can learn more in our article on it.
Another unique characteristic of the Apple Head Chihuahua is the distinct “stop” or the angle extending from the muzzle to the forehead. When you look at its profile, you will notice a more pronounced stop, which is at a perfect, 90-degree angle.
Lastly, these dogs have large, round eyes and a short snout that appears to be slightly pointed. Their jaws are also short, which is only relative due to their small faces. When put together, these features give Apple Head Chis a comical appearance that accurately depicts their personalities!
How Long Does An Apple Head Chihuahua Live? Common Health Problems Of An Apple Head Chihuahua
A healthy Apple Head Chihuahua can live for 16 years or longer. However, these canines are predisposed to certain health issues that affect many small dog breeds. It is important to learn about these common health problems to know how to care for your pet the right way.
Tracheal Collapse
This is a typical health concern among older and overweight Apple Head Chihuahuas. The rings of cartilage in the trachea tend to collapse due to a lack of rigidity. Thus, the trachea wall becomes narrower, resulting in difficulty with breathing.
Telltale signs of a tracheal collapse include harsh breathing and gagging. Your pooch may also cough often when eating or drinking. Exertion and stress can make this condition worse, and complications may arise over time.
Hypoglycemia
Apple Head Chi puppies are susceptible to hypoglycemia because of their bodies’ inability to regulate glucose in the blood. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include muscle tremors, lethargy, and seizures. It is a life-threatening condition.
Regular feeding is important to prevent this health concern. But at the same time, you need to make sure that the food provided meets your dog’s daily nutritional needs. This way, your Chi is receiving ample calories and nutrients each day.
Patellar Luxation
Another condition among Apple Head Chihuahuas is a luxating patella. It is often a congenital problem, which involves a dislocated kneecap. Patellar luxation varies from mild to severe cases, in which the latter will require surgical treatment.
You can easily identify patellar luxation by observing your pet’s hopping behavior. Apple Head Chihuahuas suffering from a slipped kneecap tend to hold their leg up instead of running or walking normally. They may also yelp, which is the case with very severe patellar luxation.
Obesity
Apple Head Chihuahuas that are fed with table food are prone to obesity.
If your pooch exceeds 6 pounds, then there is a weight concern that needs to be addressed. Health issues linked with obesity in Chis include diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, to name a few.
You can prevent this medical condition with your pet by providing just the right amount of food. They need regular feeding but be sure to control the portions. A good quality dog food with adequate calories and nutritional content can ensure the ideal weight and health of your dog.
How Do You Take Care Of An Apple Head Chihuahua?
As discussed earlier, Apple Head Chihuahuas are prone to certain medical conditions.
However, you can minimize these risks through proper care techniques that are specific to this dog breed.
For instance, you can eliminate episodes of hypoglycemia by feeding your pooch with high-quality food. They need the right amount of calories, which helps to maintain their desirable weight.
The Royal Canin Chihuahua dog food is specifically formulated to meet a purebred Chi’s nutritional requirements during adulthood. It helps prevent obesity as it purveys only the required nutrients that a Chihuahua needs. These kibbles are tailor-made for these dogs. Every bite is enhanced with flavors and aromas that no picky eater can ever resist.
Another essential product for Apple Head Chihuahuas is an appetite booster. This is particularly important with growing puppies who are more susceptible to hypoglycemia.
The TOMLYN High Calorie Nutritional Gel is an appetite stimulant and a high-calorie support that helps prevent hypoglycemia. It contains essential fatty acids, as well as a concentrated amount of vitamins and minerals for total health support.
To strengthen the knees and joints of your pooch, it helps to provide a special supplement that minimizes the risk of patellar luxation. The Doggie Dailies Glucosamine is a soft chew supplement that supports joint health, eases discomfort, and enhances mobility. It also has chondroitin, CoQ10, and essential enzymes for overall health and wellness.
With the right supplement, well-balanced meal, appetite support, and proper care, you can help your Apple Head Chihuahua thrive and attain longevity.
Do Apple Head Chihuahuas Make Good Pets?
When deciding on whether an Apple Head Chihuahua is good for you or not, it is important to consider two things: your health condition and the dog’s temperament. You want to be sure that this dog breed will not trigger any allergies – and that the personality suits your preference.
Do Apple Head Chihuahua Shed?
If you are an allergy sufferer, you may be wondering if Apple Head Chihuahuas are hypoallergenic or if they shed at all. The truth is that they do shed but not as much. This is why it is not a pain to clean up, and there are no issues with fur nuisance in your carpet, couch, and so on.
As these dogs shed very little, many people assume this breed is hypoallergenic. However, it is not entirely true since they still produce dander, although just very minimal. As a result, it can still pose an allergy risk, but the dander is much easier to manage.
Temperament Of An Apple Head Chihuahua
Their comical appearance reveals the kind of personality they have – bright, cheery, and light.
These small dogs are brimming with an infectious charm. They love to wave their tiny paws up in the air, twirl around on their back legs, and basically a total entertainer. But at the same time, no two Apple Head Chis are alike.
The personality depends on various factors such as training, socializations, and the parents’ genetic temperament. For instance, some Apple Heads are mellow while others can be feisty. Others may be placid and timid or outgoing.
I recommend that you check with the breeder the personality of the parents to have an idea about the potential temperament of your pooch. Furthermore, proper training is essential since it greatly impacts your dog’s behavior and tendencies.
Are Apple Head Chihuahuas Rare?
Perhaps you are interested in owning one, and you are wondering about the price involved. So, how much does an Apple Head Chihuahua cost?
As with any dog, the price tag varies depending on the rarity and lineage of the canine in question.
For instance, you may be able to find ethical and reputable breeders that sell purebred Apple Head Chihuahuas for $1,500 or even higher. This is the case with Chis with a championship lineage, which makes them more expensive than average.
However, the average price of this dog breed ranges from $300 to $1,000. Do take note that an Apple Head Chihuahua is not a rare breed. In fact, they are not hard to come by. Instead, these dogs are simply bred to the AKC standard.
Be wary of breeders that sell this pooch at an excessively steep price, especially without proper documentation of the dog’s lineage. It is best to look for a trustworthy breeder that offers the right price for healthy dogs.
Related Questions
How Many Puppies Can An Apple Head Chihuahua Have? An Apple Head Chihuahua can give birth to 2 to 3 puppies. In some cases, they may have 5 puppies per litter, although it is not very common. Due to their small bodies, they give birth to fewer puppies than other dog breeds.
What Is The Difference Between An Apple Head And Deer Head Chihuahua? Deer Head Chihuahuas are taller and heavier than Apple Head Chihuahuas. For instance, Deer Heads are double the size and weight of Apple Heads. They also have longer necks and legs, and their long limbs give them an elegant appearance.
How Big Will An Apple Head Chihuahua Get? An adult Apple Head Chihuahua can grow up to 9 inches tall. Some can grow as tall as 15 inches. They are also rather light, as they tip the scale at barely 7 pounds.
