Apple Head Chihuahua
Find Apple Head Chihuahua Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Apple Head Chihuahua puppies available.
Find Apple Head Chihuahua BreedersGet to Know Apple Head Chihuahuas
- Breed Standard Head Shape: The “apple head” is the only head shape recognized by major kennel clubs for Chihuahuas, characterized by a rounded skull and a sharp stop between the forehead and muzzle.
- Ancient Lineage: Apple Head Chihuahuas descend from the Techichi, an ancient companion dog kept by the Toltec and Aztec civilizations in Mexico.
- Strong Bonding Tendency: They are famous for forming intense bonds with one person and often act as a devoted shadow to their favorite human.
- Expressive & Vocal: Apple Head Chihuahuas communicate clearly through barking, body language, and facial expression, making them excellent alert dogs.
- Delicate but Long-Lived: Despite their fragile appearance, responsibly bred Apple Head Chihuahuas are among the longest-living dog breeds.
Breed History
The Apple Head Chihuahua originated in Mexico, where its ancestors—the Techichi—were revered as companion dogs by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. The modern Chihuahua was refined in the state of Chihuahua and later standardized in the United States, where the apple-shaped head became a defining feature of the breed standard. Selective breeding emphasized size, head shape, and temperament, leading to the distinct Apple Head variety seen today. The breed is now one of the most popular toy dogs worldwide.
Personality and Behaviour
- Deeply Loyal: They bond strongly with their owners and thrive on close human companionship.
- Bold & Fearless: Despite their size, Apple Head Chihuahuas are confident and often unaware of their physical limitations.
- Sensitive & Intelligent: They respond best to gentle, consistent handling and positive reinforcement.
Care
- Exercise: Short, regular walks and indoor play provide sufficient activity without overexertion.
- Training: Early socialization helps prevent fearfulness and excessive barking.
- Grooming: Weekly brushing (more often for long-haired varieties) keeps the coat healthy and reduces shedding.
Apple Head Chihuahua Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Chihuahua Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Results registered with OFA. Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own an Apple Head Chihuahua Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning an Apple Head Chihuahua is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Apple Head Chihuahua
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Apple Head Chihuahua puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Apple Head Chihuahua, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether an Apple Head Chihuahua is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
