The Chihuahua is amongst the most recognizable dog breeds out there. They are loved for their playful attitude, cute appearance, and most of all, their adorable size.
But did you know that there is such a thing as a deer legged Chihuahua?
The deer legged Chihuahua, also called the long legged Chihuahua, is a truly peculiar type of dog. If it’s your first time learning about deer legged Chihuahuas, sit back because you’re in for a treat.
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about deer-legged Chihuahuas, from their appearance and temperament to their full-grown size and health issues. Let’s get straight to it!
What Is a Deer Legged Chihuahua? Do Chihuahuas Have Long Legs?
Photo from @_jumping_jax (IG)
As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the entire world. To put this into perspective, these dogs do not exceed six pounds in weight.
In addition, the average length of a Chihuahua’s legs is just about three to four inches. So, does this mean there is no such thing as a long-legged Chihuahua? Well, not exactly.
Deer legged Chihuahuas, or long legged Chihuahuas, are believed to be descendants of Chihuahua mixes. They are typically linked to deer head Chihuahuas; however, they are not entirely the same. They have noticeably longer legs and are a few inches taller compared to regular Chihuahuas.
Simply put, Chihuahuas can have a set of long legs but such a feature is out of the ordinary.
If there are any, it will be very rare to see a purebred Chihuahua with a set of long legs. That said, if you see a long legged Chihuahua, it is most definitely a Chihuahua mix.
Is a Long Legged Chihuahua a Purebred?
In general, long legged Chihuahuas are not considered purebreds. In fact, they are believed to be Chihuahua mixes. However, there can be an exception to this.
Due to their taller stature, long legged Chihuahuas typically weigh more than regular Chihuahuas.
While these dogs may still have the telltale features of purebred Chihuahuas, their weight is simply unaccepted by the Chihuahua breed standards.
That said, although it is rare, it is still possible to register a long legged Chihuahua as a purebred. If your Chihuahua is born from purebred parents and has naturally long legs, you can have it registered in the AKC.
Height is usually disregarded by many kennel clubs when it comes to Chihuahuas. Their only consideration is the weight of the dog.
This means a long legged Chihuahua weighing below six pounds should ideally be recognized as purebred.
Deer Legged Chihuahuas vs. Deer Head Chihuahuas: Are They the Same?
If you are familiar with Chihuahuas, you may have already heard of the term “deer head.”
While this type of Chihuahua is different from a so-called “deer legged Chihuahua,” there is a very interesting fact about these two. But before that, let’s first try to understand what a deer head Chihuahua is.
When it comes to head shapes, there are two types of Chihuahuas — deer head Chihuahuas and apple head Chihuahuas.
The former have longer snouts and sloped heads while the latter have shorter snouts and rounded heads. So how does this relate to deer legged Chihuahuas?
In general, deer legged Chihuahuas have deer-shaped heads. This suggests that all deer legged Chihuahuas may also be considered as deer head Chihuahuas.
However, the converse of this statement is not true! Not all deer head Chihuahuas are deer legged Chihuahuas.
Another thing to know about deer head Chihuahuas is that they are slightly taller than apple head Chihuahuas. Their limbs are a tad longer and they can sometimes be as tall as they are long.
Because of this, it is believed that the deer legged Chihuahua is a descendant of deer head Chihuahuas but with even longer legs.
Simply put, if you want to know if a dog is a deer head Chihuahua, look at its head shape. On the other hand, if you want to know if a dog is a deer legged Chihuahua, then pay attention to the length of its legs.
Keep in mind that a Chihuahua can be a deer legged Chihuahua and a deer head Chihuahua at the same time!
Deer Legged Chihuahua Appearance: What Does a Long Legged Chihuahua Look Like?
The long legged Chihuahua has all the staple features of a regular Chihuahua except for the size.
These dogs can have a smooth coat or a long coat and they can also exhibit the different coat colors and coat markings as regular Chihuahuas.
Refer to the photo below for a deer legged Chihuahua:
Photo from @_jumping_jax (IG)
Typically, deer legged Chihuahuas have deer-shaped heads. Although it is possible, a deer legged Chihuahua with an apple-shaped head is unheard of.
As expected, deer leggeds are taller than regular Chihuahuas. They may weigh a bit heavier as well.
From afar, a deer legged and a regular Chihuahua are easily distinguishable from each other. The former will look more slender and a tad taller than the latter.
Check out this video to see what a long legged Chihuahua look like:
Minnie- 1 yr. Chihuahua Rifle Animal Shelter 970-625-8808<a href="https://youtu.be/YTB2IKDgq68" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FYTB2IKDgq68%2F0.jpg" alt="Minnie- 1 yr. Chihuahua Rifle Animal Shelter 970-625-8808" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Deer Legged Chihuahua Height and Weight: How Big Will a Long Legged Chihuahua Get?
Since the deer legged Chihuahua is not a very common hybrid, their size varies a lot. On average, a full-grown deer legged Chihuahua can grow between 10 and 16 inches and weigh around 4 to 9 pounds.
Keep in mind that these numbers are rough estimates only. There are no set standards as to how big long legged Chihuahuas get. That said, you can have a good estimate by looking at the size of its parents.
Are Deer Legged Chihuahuas Recognized by Kennel Clubs?
There is no mention of the deer legged Chihuahua in the breed standard of the American Kennel Club. In fact, the only mention about the size of Chihuahuas is their maximum weight limit — six pounds.
The same can also be said to the breed standards of the United Kennel Club (UKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
All of these kennel clubs impose a six-pound limit in assessing purebred Chihuahuas but there is no restriction in terms of height or leg length in the show ring.
While long legged Chihuahuas are not recognized by any kennel club and are not included in the breed standard, these dogs are not outright disqualified as well.
Deer Legged Chihuahua History and Origin: Where They Intentionally Bred to Have Long Legs?
There is very little known about the history of the deer legged Chihuahua. However, most of its history is shared with the Chihuahua breed.
For starters, the Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds. It is believed that they are descendants of the ancient Techichi dog.
Techihi dogs existed during the reign of the Aztec civilization in 500 BC. These dogs share the same physical features as modern-day Chihuahuas except for their long legs.
Techihi dogs are taller and more slender than Chihuahuas. In other words, these dogs look exactly the same as the deer legged ones I am talking about. But are they actually the same?
Unfortunately, the Techihi dog has been considered extinct for hundreds of years now.
One theory claims that deer legged Chihuahuas are “purer” Techichi dogs compared to regular Chihuahuas. However, there is not enough evidence to prove this claim.
A more accepted theory is that deer legged Chihuahuas are Chihuahua mixes that resemble Techichi dogs.
Deer Legged Chihuahua Temperament: Does Their Appearance Affect Their Behavior?
It might be tempting to think that the appearance of deer legged Chihuahuas affects their behavior, but this is not true at all! For the most part, these dogs still exhibit Chihuahua-like behavior — both the good and the bad.
Deer legged Chihuahuas are lovely companions similar to any type of Chihuahua. They are intelligent, affectionate, and they do well in obedience training.
One thing to know about deer legged Chihuahuas and the breed, in general, is that they can be hard to potty train. These dogs tend to pee at random locations, especially during their puppy years.
Moreover, they also love nibbling on their owners’ hands or munching on furniture. They are friendly, but they can be aggressive towards strange objects or strangers, so they can be good watchdogs.
The temperament of deer legged Chihuahuas can be a bit of a mixed bag. However, when trained properly, these pooches can prove to be great family companions.
If you want a peek at how owning a Chihuahua feels like, watch this video:
THE REALITY OF HAVING A CHIHUAHUA | Misconseptions about Chihuahuas uncovered<a href="https://youtu.be/VJ6rBYu9ed4" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FVJ6rBYu9ed4%2F0.jpg" alt="THE REALITY OF HAVING A CHIHUAHUA | Misconseptions about Chihuahuas uncovered" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Deer Legged Chihuahua Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Long Legged Chihuahuas Unhealthy?
Some people consider the deer legged Chihuahua as the result of faulty breeding. This type of Chihuahua is not a designer breed. This means that they do not go through rigorous DNA tests before being bred.
On average, the health of deer legged Chihuahuas is still on par with their ordinary cousins. As long as it has healthy parents, there is a good chance that a deer legged Chihuahua will turn out as a healthy pooch.
In terms of lifespan, the average life expectancy of a healthy deer legged Chihuahua is around 12 to 20 years. Despite having a relatively long life, they are still at risk of some health issues.
Here are some common health issues of the deer legged Chihuahua that owners should be aware of:
Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is common in the Chihuahua breed. It is characterized by the dislocation of the kneecap. Toy or small dog breeds are predisposed to having this condition. Surgery is required to avert this health issue.
Bladder Stones: A dog with bladder stones have rock-like minerals in their urinary bladder. This condition is usually brought about by dietary factors. If left untreated, dogs with bladder stones may eventually have ruptured bladders.
Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar in dogs. A dog with hypoglycemia will exhibit a loss of appetite, blurred vision, heart palpitation, and even seizures. This health issue is averted by either oral medication or injections.
Tracheal Collapse: Chihuahuas are known to have a high risk of tracheal collapse. This condition causes a dog to experience difficulty breathing, vomiting, or wheezing. Tracheal collapse is a genetic condition mainly affecting small dog breeds.
Should you decide to get a deer legged Chihuahua, make sure to take it to the vet regularly. A rule of thumb is to bring your pet to the vet at least once a month.
How Much Does a Deer Legged Chihuahua Cost? Are They More Expensive Than Other Chihuahuas?
On average, deer legged Chihuahuas cost the same as the deer heads. These dogs are priced around $400 to $1,200. However, you can get one for around $100 to $300 if you decide to adopt instead.
Compared to other kinds of Chihuahuas, deer legged Chihuahuas are about the same price. These dogs are not designer breeds which means they don’t typically cost more than purebreds.
Moreover, there is not a lot of demand for long legged Chihuahuas. This means prices are likely to be within the range of a regular Chihuahua.
Places to Find Long Legged Chihuahua Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a deer legged Chihuahua puppy is not an easy task. There are not many breeders, if any, dedicated to raising and selling this kind of Chihuahua.
However, this is not to say that long legged Chihuahuas are impossible to find. These dogs still come by from time to time. All you need to do is to be persistent when looking for one!
As with other dog breeds, there are two different ways one can have a long legged Chihuahua.
The first way is to buy one from a reputable breeder who is acknowledged by a kennel club, while the second way is to adopt one from a shelter or rescue.
Listed below are some sources where you might find deer legged Chihuahua puppies for sale:
Techichi Dogs of America – Techichi Dogs of America is a deer Chihuahua dog club. They are not a dedicated long legged Chihuahua breeder. However, they are one of the oldest deer Chihuahua dog clubs in the United States who looks after any type of Chihuahua. Getting in touch with them is one of the best ways to find long legged Chihuahuas for sale.
Puppies.com – PuppyFind is an online platform where aspiring pet owners can browse listings of dogs for sale. Currently, they have over 800 listings for Chihuahua and Chihuahua mixes. Check out their website, your long legged Chihuahua might be waiting for you there!
Pets4You – Pets4You is an online website that features both dog and cat breeders. With their service, you can browse a list of reputable Chihuahua breeders. You also have the option to use location-based search to narrow down your choices.
Listed below are services where you might find long legged Chihuahuas for adoption:
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is one of the most famous pet adoption sites. This website hosts an extensive selection of pets, from dogs and cats to other animals as well. There are tons of Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes on their website. You also have the option to use search filters such as location, sex, size, and color.
Petfinder – Petfinder is another online adoption website. This service is on par with Adopt-a-Pet when it comes to usability and search features. You can browse Petfinder’s listing for Chihuahuas and you will most certainly find a long legged type of Chihuahua among the bunch.
When looking for a long legged Chihuahua using online platforms, you might need to try out a few related keywords such as “deer legged Chihuahua mix” or simply “Chihuahua mix.”
Remember that long legged Chihuahuas are not officially recognized as a Chihuahua variant; therefore, you might need to use a more general keyword.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo from @_jumping_jax (IG)
How Many Types of Chihuahuas Are There?
Chihuahuas are classified based on their coat length, head shape, and coat color. Here are some widely accepted types of Chihuahuas:
Long-haired Chihuahua
Short-haired Chihuahua
Smooth coat Chihuahua
Deer head Chihuahua
Apple head Chihuahua
Fawn Chihuahua
Teacup Chihuahua
Merle Chihuahua
Not included in the list but also accepted by other breeders and Chi enthusiasts are the deer legged Chihuahua and the pear head Chihuahua.
What Is the Tallest Chihuahua?
Deer legged Chihuahuas are the tallest kind of Chihuahua. They can grow anywhere between 10 and 16 inches in height. However, there is no official record of the world’s tallest Chihuahua.
On a similar note, the largest recorded Chihuahua is Milo. Milo is a 28-pound dog with a recorded height of 12 inches.
Final Thoughts
While deer legged Chihuahuas still hold a lot of mysteries, they still make a wonderful companion dog.
These pooches may not be recognized by the American Kennel Club breed standards, but their unique stature is arguably a head-turner.
That said, if you wish to own a long legged Chihuahua, make sure to keep an eye out for any health issues that may arise. Also, you should be more patient when dealing with these pooches.
Remember, this dog breed has a more unpredictable behavior compared to other more common breeds.
Comments