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Are you the owner of a wonderful little ball of fur, or are you planning to get a puppy soon and want to know if the Chihuahua is intelligent?
In this new article, we will show you how to measure dog intelligence, where the famous “Chihuahua” dog breed ranks on this scale, and the main reasons why Chihuahuas are such brilliant little dogs. 😉
How to Measure a Dog’s Intelligence?
Every dog breed is different to study.
While there are various ways to measure canine intelligence, the most cited comes from Stanley Coren’s book on the subject. He highlights three types of canine intelligence and ranks common breeds, but keep in mind that a dog is capable of learning up to 1,000 words (as many 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 for which it was created.
– Adaptive intelligence:
This is 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? The easier it is to train, the higher its working and obedience intelligence is.
🐶 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 working and obedience intelligence.
Other studies 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 first build it for dogs and other animals, then 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 little one a lap dog? Do they bond with you and protect you from intruders by being wary of anyone other than you? Congratulations, your small companion passes the instinctive intelligence test for their breed!
Measuring adaptive intelligence
Hide a treat for your pup and see how long it takes 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 instinctive adaptive intelligence!
Measuring working and obedience intelligence
Can you teach your Chihuahua to sit? To lie down? To shake hands? To not jump? Bravo! Your pet dog has good working and obedience intelligence.
Are Chihuahuas Brilliant Dogs?
According to Stanley Coren’s canine test, the Chihuahua dog breed possesses an intelligence level slightly below the average of common dog breeds.
» However, they are sociable, affectionate, and loyal pets that can easily learn basic obedience commands like “come,” “sit,” or even “stay” if necessary.
Whether 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) Whether toy or standard 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 mastered the secret to a long life; most live 15 years or more.
5) Chihuahua puppies and adults love and need playtime – only an intelligent dog loves to play.
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 DoxieLife team – We are fans of dachshunds but remain in love with all dog breeds 💚🐶
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