In this post we are going to talk about the intelligence of chihuahua dogs, which makes them very dear to many tutors. In addition, the physical and behavioral characteristics of these dogs will be described.
Chihuahua intelligence
Chihuahuas are very intelligent dogs, learn quickly and are very self-confident breed. These dogs are very easy to learn and develop new skills for their own benefit beyond the commands taught by a trainer. However, the intelligence of these dogs can make them more stubborn with the tutors.
Dogs intelligence
Intelligence in dogs is evaluated according to the development of the 3 intelligences:
- Instinctive
- Adaptive
- Work.
Instinctive intelligence in dogs
Instinctive intelligence is the dog’s ability to play its own role in the environment. For example, a chihuahua naturally performs the role of guarding and protecting its tutors. The Chihuahua is a breed originally bred to be a guard dog, so its instinctive intelligence will be measured by assessing how well it performs the tasks.
Adaptive intelligence in dogs
Adaptive intelligence is related to the dog that does things for itself based on experiences and the environment in which it lives. For example, when a chihuahua opens the closet door to get treats. Intelligence will be evaluated according to the tasks learned alone by the dog to conquer its own things.
Work intelligence in dogs
Work and obedience intelligence, on the other hand, evaluates the dog’s ability to learn skills and commands taught by the tutors. An example is the dog’s ability to learn to sit, lie down and turn around when requested by the tutor.
About the Chihuahua breed
One of the theories about the origin of the Chihuahua believes that these dogs lived wild in Mexico. These small dogs were captured and domesticated by the indigenous people of the region.
Physical characteristics
The head is very round and small, and the eyes are round. The ears are large and are always on alert. It is a dog with a compact body, short and muscular limbs, its tail is moderately long, carried high, arched or in a semicircle.
The Chihuahua’s coat can be short-haired or long-haired and can be found in many shades and combinations except for the merle color.
Behavior / Temperament
Chihuahuas have a strong personality. They are small dogs but agile, alert, restless and very courageous. It’s a dog that can bark a lot. They can react to any strange movement, always calling the tutor’s attention. Therefore, it is considered a good guard dog.
Breed health
Chihuahuas are very healthy animals, but they need to do physical activities such as playing and going for walks to burn off some energy. This breed can have some genetic diseases such as:
- Patellar deviation;
- Cryptorchidism;
- Hydrocephalus.
Patellar deviation is a disease where the animal may limp and feel local pain, as the patella leaves the anatomical place, which may lead to injuries from temptation and other complications.
Cryptorchidism is the disease present in males where one or both testicles are not observed in the scrotum. The puppies are born with the testicles in the cavity and until 8 months these testicles tend to be in the scrotum.
After 8 months of the absence of one or more testicles the animal is considered cryptorchid. In these cases, castration of the animal is indicated, since the testicle in the cavity has a greater predisposition to become a tumor that can worsen the health of the animal.
Hydrocephalus, on the other hand, has no well-described causes. It is the disease that happens in the intra uterine life where there is a large accumulation of liquids in the puppy’s skull. Thus, the bitch may have difficulties when giving birth to the animal in a natural way, being a necessary cesarean section. Puppies often die due to neuronal complications generated by hydrocephalus.
Dogs with these genetic disorders are discouraged from breeding. And there must be veterinary monitoring for better resolution of the cases.
These animals do not have so many reproductive problems, but gestational follow-up with a veterinarian is advised due to the high incidence of hydrocephalus, which can lead to dystocia, resulting in the mother and the offspring’s death.
Animals must have a routine of being vaccinated and dewormed. In addition to care with ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks. When these preventive cares are not applied, the animals can present health problems.
Illness, happiness, excitement, or fear can cause the animal to shiver, this same sign can be seen when they are cold. If constant tremors are observed, a veterinarian should be sought.
General Care
Short-haired dogs do not need clipping, while long-haired animals may need clipping. Bathing these animals must be done constantly and they must have their fur brushed at least twice a week.
Baths in this breed are indicated with specific shampoos for dogs and neutral shampoos. Bathing should be done very carefully, especially to avoid getting water into the ear. The animal must always be very dry after bathing to avoid the growth of microorganisms that can lead to dermatitis.
Brushing the dog’s teeth is necessary to prevent tartar buildup. Brushing the teeth should be done every 48 hours, using specific toothpaste for dogs. As for nail clipping, the nail should be cut once or twice a month. Cutting the nails prevents the animal from getting hurt or even hurting the tutor.
Conclusion
Intelligence is the ability of dogs to develop skills and commands for their own well-being, or to please their tutors. Some dogs can play the natural mini guard dog skill. But nowadays these dogs are being used as companion dogs. Chihuahuas are excellent companion dogs in addition to having a physical size and behavioral characteristics that please many tutors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Chihuahua intelligence
How heavy is a chihuahua?
The Chihuahua’s weight should be between 1 and 3 kg.
How long does a chihuahua live?
Chihuahuas usually live between 12 and 20 years, depending on their genetics and general care.
Do the chihuahua bark a lot?
Yes, because they are dogs that have great hearing and any noise they find suspicious they will bark. Thus making them good dogs to guard.
Reference
CBKC – Brazilian Canine Confederation, 2015 Official Breed Standard: chihuahua. Available at: https://cbkc.org/application/views/docs/padroes/padrao-raca_187.pdf, accessed January 22, 2022.
Pictures from pixabay.com
