Are Shih Tzus Smart? Understanding Their Intelligence and Training Tips

The Shih Tzu is a cherished small dog breed in the United States, known for its luxurious flowing coat and adorable looks. While their appearance draws many admirers, there’s often curiosity about their smarts and how trainable they really are. How do Shih Tzus stack up in terms of intelligence compared to other breeds? This article dives into their distinctive intelligence traits, their placement on canine intelligence rankings, and hands-on advice for successfully training your Shih Tzu.

How Is Shih Tzu Intelligence Evaluated?

Dog intelligence is commonly gauged by how rapidly a breed learns and responds to new commands. A widely accepted standard is the canine intelligence ranking developed by psychologist Stanley Coren, which measures breeds by the repetitions needed to master a command and how reliably they obey on the first try. Shih Tzus tend to score lower on this scale, reflecting their reputation for being a bit stubborn and slower at picking up commands.

Where Does the Shih Tzu Rank in Dog Intelligence?

Typically, Shih Tzus require 80 to 100 repetitions to consistently learn a new command, significantly more than many other dog breeds. They respond to the first command roughly 25% of the time on average. On Coren's list of 79 breeds, Shih Tzus rank around 70th. This doesn’t mean they lack intelligence but instead showcases their independent and occasionally strong-willed character.

Distinctive Features of Shih Tzu Intelligence

Although Shih Tzus may not lead in obedience intelligence, they demonstrate strong social and emotional smarts. They quickly form deep bonds with their owners and are very emotionally attuned. Their brilliance is more visible in their affectionate nature and eagerness to please familiar faces, rather than rapid command obedience.

6 Expert Training Tips for Your Shih Tzu (USA Focus)

1. Use Positive Reinforcement: Motivating their sometimes headstrong temperament with reward-based training, using delicious treats and warm praise, is key.
2. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Shih Tzus have brief attention spans, so 5-10 minute sessions repeated multiple times a day work best. Start with simple commands like "sit" and "come." For example, incorporating training at dog parks or during short walks in neighborhoods like Austin or Portland can help keep them engaged.
3. Early Socialization: Enroll your Shih Tzu puppy in local puppy socialization classes or groups often offered by American Kennel Club (AKC) clubs or your local humane societies. Early exposure helps reduce anxiety and encourages better social behavior with other pets and people across different environments, whether in urban settings like New York City or suburban areas.
4. Consistent House Training and Crate Use: Employ crate training as a safe and secure den, aiding housebreaking efforts. Frequent bathroom breaks paired with immediate praise help instill good habits effectively.
5. Patience and Repetition: Given their gradual learning style, consistent and patient training is crucial. Avoid punishments that might damage trust, ensuring positive reinforcement remains central.
6. Seek Professional Assistance When Necessary: If challenges arise, American professional dog trainers specializing in small breeds can provide customized strategies focused on positive reinforcement and understanding breed-specific behavior.

How to Know If Your Shih Tzu Is Smarter Than Average

There’s plenty of variety among individual Shih Tzus. If your dog learns commands faster or obeys more reliably, it might be one of the more intelligent ones. Generally, a well-trained Shih Tzu will master around five essential commands with consistent and patient training. Focus your efforts on commands that keep your dog safe and happy within your household.

Conclusion

While Shih Tzus may rate lower on typical obedience intelligence scales, their social intelligence and affectionate nature make them wonderfully rewarding companions. By applying patience, positive reinforcement, and US-adapted best practices like early socialization and crate training, you can raise a happy, well-behaved Shih Tzu. Appreciate their unique way of learning and enjoy a loving canine friend for life.