Chihuahuas are generally considered “fair” or slightly below average in traditional obedience-style intelligence tests, but they are quite smart in other ways. They tend to make up for slower command learning with strong alertness, problem‑solving ability, and a big capacity to bond closely with their people.
Test scores vs real life
Standard rankings that focus on working and obedience intelligence place Chihuahuas near the lower end of tested breeds, often around 120th–130th out of roughly 140 breeds. In practice, this means a typical Chihuahua may need 40–80 repetitions to learn a new command and may obey on the first try only about a third to two‑fifths of the time.
Other kinds of intelligence
Those same sources note that Chihuahuas show good “adaptive” intelligence, meaning they learn from experience and figure things out on their own. Owners and kennel clubs describe them as very alert, emotionally tuned in, and capable of excelling in obedience or dog sports when trained consistently and kindly.
What this means for owners
In day‑to‑day life, a Chihuahua’s small size and big personality can make them seem stubborn, but that is often independent thinking, not lack of intelligence. With short, positive training sessions, clear boundaries, and plenty of mental stimulation (puzzle toys, trick training, scent games), most Chihuahuas learn quickly and can be just as enjoyable to train as many “smarter” breeds.
