Are Chihuahuas Very Smart Or Dumb
I know what you’re thinking. It seems like we’re back at square one in trying to understand how smart Chihuahuas are.
As a trainer, I don’t equate obedience with intelligence. After all, you spend enough time training a dog with positive reinforcement, and there will come a time when the furball will pick up the trick. So, all dogs tend to have some measure of adaptive intelligence (the ability to solve problems, etc., based on past experiences).
However, apart from all that, canines also have keen social cognitive skills. They can understand human behavior based on visual and audible cues and adapt accordingly. That’s one area where Chihuahuas excel.
So, understanding how smart these stubborn and adorable little dogs just require a change in methodology. Here’s how.
When gauging whether your Chihuahua is a smart dog, it’s necessary to understand not all canines are created equal.
They have unique personalities, and each breed is heavily influenced by genetics and the reason behind its existence. For example, consider the fact the Border Collies and German Shepherds were both bred to herd sheep. To an extent, both breeds are wired to be working dogs and will thrive when they have tasks to do.
Now, think back on Chi history. Chihuahuas are companion dogs, and they’re often described as loyal, protective, affectionate, and even sassy. They’re not known for their ability to follow commands, nor are they defined as pliable.
But that’s mostly because so much of your Chi’s life revolves around you. This breed loves cuddling and like being lapdogs. They can form deep bonds and will likely single out one person to develop a profound attachment with.
So, Chihuahuas are motivated by their attachment to their owners. Their protective instincts are always at the fore. That’s one reason why your pet is quick to bark when someone’s at the door or when someone’s standing a little too close to you. As long as their human is safe, Chis aren’t too concerned with following commands or learning new tricks.
That doesn’t mean your Chihuahua is dumb. It’s just as bright as any other canine. But, you need to handle and train a Chihuahua a little differently for best results.
Are Chihuahuas Hard To Train
The question – are Chihuahuas intelligent – is often tied up to how easily they can be trained. A lot of people are under the misapprehension that Chihuahuas are difficult to train. But that’s not entirely accurate.
Chis are known for their willfulness. They’re often called tenacious and sidelined as hard to train. The truth is, the problem isn’t so much the dog as it is the training method. If you find it challenging to train your Chihuahua, it’s possible because you’re trying to force your pet into doing stuff.
Punishments and reprimands don’t work too well with this breed. If anything, you’re likely to make your pet even less likely to follow your cues if you start losing patience. You need to treat your pet with gentleness and focus on training through positive reinforcement.
Make training your Chihuahua seem like fun-time, and you’ll notice a marked difference in how your Chi behaves. Training a Chihuahua will require perseverance and consistency, but if you stick to your guns – your pet will end up picking all the tricks you’re trying to teach it.
