Is the Chihuahua intelligent?

Are you the owner of a magnificent little furball or are you planning to be one soon with a puppy and want to know if the Chihuahua is intelligent?

 

In this new article, we are going to show you how to measure dog intelligence, where the famous "Chihuahua" dog breed ranks on this scale, and the main reasons why Chihuahuas are brilliant little dogs. 😉

How Do You Measure a Dog's Intelligence?

All dog breeds are different to study.

While there are various ways to measure canine intelligence, the most cited one comes from Stanley Coren's book on the subject. He highlights three types of canine intelligence and then classifies common breeds, but keep in mind that a dog is capable of learning up to 1,000 words (the same as a 3-year-old child).

In 1994, Stanley Coren, a professor of canine psychology, published The Intelligence of Dogs. In it, he highlights three types of canine intelligence:

- Instinctive intelligence:

Herding dogs were bred to herd. Guard dogs were bred to guard. Your dog's breed determines its instinctive intelligence, or the intelligence it inherits from its breed and the reasons why that breed was created.

- Adaptive intelligence:

This refers to your dog's ability to solve problems for which it has not been trained.

- Working and obedience intelligence:

This is standard training intelligence. Can your dog learn to sit? To not jump up? The easier it is to train, the higher its working and obedience intelligence is, and its ability to be trained.

🐶 Here are the 5 most intelligent dog breeds according to his ranking:

1) Border Collie

2) Poodle

3) German Shepherd

4) Golden Retriever

5) Doberman

According to Mr. Coren, the Chihuahua was ranked among the bottom three breeds for its working and obedience intelligence. 

Another study on dog intelligence

The study by Rosalind Arden and Mark James Adams tested 68 Border Collies to build a model of general intelligence.

They called it the G factor. A partial goal was to build it for dogs and other animals first, and then to see if the same model could be applied to humans.

Measuring your Chihuahua's intelligence

Measuring instinctive intelligence

Chihuahuas were bred to serve as companions. Is your fawn-colored dog a lap dog? Does it bond with you and protect you from intruders by being suspicious of anyone other than you? Congratulations, your small companion passes the instinctive intelligence test for its breed!

Measuring adaptive intelligence

Hide a treat for your pup and see how long it takes for them to find it. Don't use the same spot. An adaptive intelligence test relies on how quickly Chihuahuas can solve new problems for which they haven't been trained. Did they find the treat? Congratulations again - your Chihuahua has innate adaptive intelligence!

Measuring working and obedience intelligence

Can you teach your Chihuahua to sit? To lie down? To give a paw? To not jump up? Well done! Your companion dog has good working and obedience intelligence.

Are Chihuahuas Brilliant Dogs?

According to Stanley Coren's dog test, the Chihuahua breed has an intelligence level slightly below the average of common dog breeds.

» However, it is a social, affectionate, loyal pet and can easily learn basic obedience commands like "come," "sit," or even "stay" if needed.

Long-haired or short-haired, their temperament (sometimes aggressive) makes them excellent guard dogs because they bond deeply with their owner. Furthermore, Chihuahuas have a long lifespan and are far from being fragile little dogs.

7 Reasons That Make Chihuahuas Subtle and Insightful

 

1) Short-haired or long-haired Chihuahuas are affectionate and loyal.

2) Miniature (toy) or standard in size, they are excellent guard dogs due to their barking.

3) Chihuahuas can easily learn basic obedience commands like "come," "sit," and "stay."

4) Regardless of their coat, they have grasped the secret of a long life; most live 15 years or more.

5) Chihuahua puppies or adults love and need playtime - Only an intelligent dog enjoys playing.

6) They are always alert to intruders and protective of their family.

7) Chihuahuas are famous for their origins but also because they are the smallest dogs in the world.

- The Teckelshop Team - We are fans of dachshunds but remain in love with all dog breeds 💚🐶