Team My Angel Shih Tzu
These small breed shih tzu dogs look very innocent and cute on the face, but at the same time, their well-developed minds are very sharp and make abrupt decisions. Indeed, the IQ level of small-breed dogs is not as high as that of dogs of other big breeds. But don’t take these small breed dogs lightly; you will learn how smart Shih Tzu dogs are by reading the article.
According to research by Dr. Stanley Corens, the intelligence level of these small breed dogs is 70 out of 79. This does not mean they are lagging behind the above-ranking dogs; actually, they forget commands if reputation is not made. Otherwise, they are fast learners and understand behavior and training!
Of course, these small breed dogs understand and follow all the commands of companionship, emotional bonding, and other training very well. Their short-term memory is very good, but they forget long-term things, so through repetition and consistency, they can remember many things. These dogs are very smart but stubborn at the same time, so they can be taught many things with love and good behavior. Let us know what Shih Tzu smart dogs are and what feats they can do!
Picture Credit: Wallpapercave – Yandex
As yet, there is no scale to measure intelligence, but Dr. Stanley Corens wrote a book in 1994 called “The Intelligence of Dogs.” This book is a complete research-based book in which the doctor talks about intelligence based on response toward basic commands.
Of course, he did not do this research on dogs himself because he was a psychologist who taught at the University of Columbia. He sent a request to the AKC and CKC to ask dog obedience judges to rank different breeds based on learning behavior and learning commands. In which they got 199 responses, about 79 breeds were ranked, of which this small breed shih tzu dog is ranked 70th.
Interestingly, the ranking was done on two bases:
Although the Canine Intelligence Scale ranking is 70 for small-breed dogs, this does not mean that this breed is completely dumb and incapable of thinking. Rather, these dogs have been found to be extremely smart in many areas, Such as behavior learning, relationship making and bonding, and exercise training learning.
Yes, but from this research, Stanley Coren’s Ranking, it was definitely concluded that these flat-faced dogs cannot pick up commands so quickly, so they have a very urgent need for consistency and repetition.
| Adaptive Intelligence | Working intelligence |
| This small breed dog is an example of adaptive learning. | When it comes to their working intelligence, they are not that proficient because they don’t pick up commands and solve problems that way. |
| Their adaptive learning is very high because they are highly socialized and adapt to the environment. | But yes, through positive reinforcement consistency and excellent training skills, obedience and Working behavior can be enhanced. |
| Shih tzu easily lives in apartments and homes, and this adaptive learning helps these dogs cope with different challenges. |
Shih tzu dogs are stubborn, but with love and positive reinforcement, they can be taught to be active. Remember that these dogs are not that intelligent, so the owner should always show consistency and patience before training them!
Here are some effective tips for training these little furry dogs:
Picture Credit: Baltana – Yandex
| Obedience Training | Trick Training |
| As part of obedience training, be sure to teach your dog basic commands such as sit, walk, stand, and drop objects. | Trick training is very interesting in flat-faced small dogs, such as teaching your dog how to roll on command, show dead behavior, spin, jump, touch an object, speak, bark, or be silent. |
| Also, teach him how to walk on a leash, how to stay calm, and not to run immediately outside the house but to wait for his owner. |
Picture Credit: Ruimages – Yandex
Picture Credit: Youtube – Yandex
There are a few factors that will help you to make your fellow smarter and learn better.
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A Shih Tzu owner should keep all the factors mentioned earlier in mind to make the training period easier!
Shih Tzu smart and cute dogs always win the hearts of their owners with their positive behavior. Their intuitive nature makes them very unique. Of course, it is a smart breed, but its priority is to spend quality time with its owner. Let’s see what behavioral traits improve their intelligence level.
These cute breed dogs love to be socialized very much. They are not at all afraid of interaction with people and are not afraid of new faces. Rather, they love to play and do activities with other animals and children. Yes, but it is also true that these dogs have an independent nature and like to spend some time alone.
If we talk about their behavior, no doubt Chinese breed canines are so loving and caring. Shih Tzu has the characteristic of creating a strong bond with every human. It is very easy to train these dogs and teach them good commands because they are ready to do anything for the happiness of their owner. But sometimes, they become difficult to train as they become stubborn due to their independent nature if they are not treated with love.
Shih Tzu’s positivity, mental level, strong bonding, and positive behavior make these dogs highly intelligent. Although these dogs are not that intelligent, through positive effort, consistency, and repeated practice, they are learned very quickly. We cannot call their intelligence level their smartness because these dogs are really smart in their behavior in remembering things and forming bonds with people.
Picture Credit: Dailymail – Yandex
These small breed dogs get very bored by performing the same activities over and over again, so of course, their mental engagement is very important. Mental engagement activities include many games like puzzles and scenarios through which you can improve your dog’s cognitive strength and enable him not to get bored but to learn things well with repetition.
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Importance of Mental Engagement
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| Agility Work | Scent Work |
| Best for physical fitness. | Enhance tracking skills. |
| Boost problem-solving ability. | Improve mental stimulation. |
| A fun activity for canines. | Improves critical thinking. |
| Improves confidence. | Make Shih Tzu smart. |
Picture Credit: Pupvine – Yandex
This is the most interesting section of the article. Some articles, journals, and research proposals on Shih Tzu’s smartness have been published, and I have summarized them for you! Two scientists researched the intelligence of dogs, the first named.
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Dr. Brian Hare: Shih Tzu is a masterpiece with good problem-solving abilities.
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Dr. Stanley Coren: Shih tzu are good learners, but sometimes they are stubborn.
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Dr. Pamela McKenzie: Shih tzu are smart, but they are independent, so training may be difficult.
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Moreover, studies specific to Shih Tzus indicate that there are two journals.
Finally, Shih Tzu have a very loving, smart, intelligent, and affectionate nature and soon become very familiar with their owners. Of course, these dogs are ranked 70th on the Stanley intelligence scale, but positive reinforcement helps to enhance Shih Tzu’s smartness. Enjoy cuddling your little fellow! Moreover, Visit our website for more information!
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