Are Border Collies smart dogs? Yup, my Collie can understand the things I say and do, but I could never comprehend what “arf” and “woof” mean.
The Border Collie is the defending champ of canine intelligence, but what makes this breed the world’s smartest? How do Border Collies differ from other breeds? Read on to learn why dogs are a lot more intelligent than we give them credit for, especially the Border Collie.
What’s a Border Collie?
The Border Collie ranks the 35th most popular dog in America in 2020, and these canines are best known as agility stars, Frisbee wizards, and obedience champions
“Collie” is derived from the ancient Celtic word colley, which means faithful. Since the breed hailed from the hilly border between England and Scotland, it was christened “Border Collie.”
Border Collies stand between 18 and 22 inches tall and weigh between 27 and 45 pounds. This medium-sized breed is typically seen sporting a gorgeous black and white coat that is either coarse or sleek. However, the minority of Border Collies can also be tri-colored, red and white, sable, and solid black.
Are Border Collies smart dogs? I find it hard to talk about Border Collies without mentioning their intelligence. Not only are Border Collies smart, but they are also the smartest! While the breed is recognized as the “Grand Master of Herding,” these intelligent workaholics can excel at virtually any task. You can also find Border Collies employed for bomb detection, narcotics detection, and search and rescue work.
What Is the IQ of a Border Collie?
In 2009, NBC News reported that the average dog is as smart as a two-year-old child, while the Border Collie would trump a four-year-old when it comes to spatial problem-solving skills and basic arithmetic. But as for social skills, dogs are equally comparable to teenagers.
However, I am not sure I can agree that the Border Collie has a mental capacity equal to a toddler. Have you heard of Chaser, the smartest Border Collie in history? Chaser had a proven working vocabulary of 1,022 words, and she can respond appropriately to phrases and complete sentences. How many toddlers can obey specific commands, such as this dog?
One thing is for sure – Border Collies are closer to humans than we thought! While it is impossible to achieve an exact measure for their IQ, these dogs are wicked smart and flexible without a doubt. The most loveable quality about Collies is their eagerness to learn, and they are likewise sensitive about failing.
What Makes a Dog Smart?
Having a canine companion that can figure out everything you want it to do is something all of us dream of. But what makes a dog smart? By most standards, people consider an obedient pooch a smart one, and a dog with its own mind is a more intelligent canine.
Object Permanence
Dogs have displayed the ability for object permanence that allows them to find food, toys, and other objects of interest that are hidden from view. While cats also have some ability to remember the qualities of objects, it is not to the same extent that dogs can.
Perception and Episodic Memory
Dogs don’t understand how clocks and calendars work the same way as we do. But surprisingly, our furry pals know that if we sleep too much on a Saturday, they can tag along if we go out later that day. Our canine companions are likewise aware of their mealtimes. Best of all, canine pets know our routines better than we do!
According to research, dogs remember people and events. Regardless, it remains a moot point whether or not dogs can travel back in time through their minds — the reason why is because man’s best friend is often disregarded when it comes to lab experiments.
But as with any mammal, our canine companions develop a circadian rhythm. Also referred to as the “biological clock,” it is the internal mechanism that controls neuronal and hormonal activities in the body. Similar to ours, a canine’s biological clock is influenced by temperature, light, and social cues. Thus, even dogs know that it is time for them to hit the snooze button when daylight ends.
Human-like Social Skills
There are various ways domestic canines display human-like social cognition – even more so than our nearest relatives, the primates. For example, dogs take cues on human communicative behaviors, such as gestures, to search for something. Our canine companions are likewise aware of the things we can and cannot see in certain situations.
If there is something primates lag behind dogs, it is social intelligence. When I see my pet, she wants me to be around. My pooch wants me to be her social partner. She needs me! Whereas, a bonobo and a chimp – well, they don’t rely on humans their entire life.
Learning by Interference
Dogs also can learn behaviors from others by watching.
Emotional Intelligence
Research also suggests that dogs feel jealousy and anticipation, both of which are complex emotions. And although dogs can’t verbalize their feelings, they can distinguish emotional expressions of humans and respond appropriately.
Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds
Border Collie
The Border Collie is the Harvard grad of the pack. While his primary job is herding, he can also be the “Best Employee” in many working fields. I have yet to see another breed that is as versatile and driven as the Border collie!
Poodle
Poodles are dogs with beauty and brains. These hypoallergenic pooches were initially bred to retrieve game from water. Poodles were also circus performers in the past. Nowadays, you can see Poodles slaying the runway, winning dog shows, and going viral on the Internet for their witty antics. Poodles crave attention, and if they aren’t given enough, they will show you how creative they can get.
German Shepherd
I can’t say enough good things about the German Shepherd. This good boy isn’t just smart; he is loyal, fearless, and noble. This dependable canine can learn tasks only after a few repetitions and obey new commands with high success rates. Not many dogs can track down terrorists and jump out of a chopper, you know! However, a driven and highly competitive dog as the German Shepherd also needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Papillon
The Papillon is an excellent example that the size of your noggin does not equate to smarts. While he looks like a “forever puppy,” he is fiercer than he actually appears. This butterfly-eared pooch will ferociously protect over what belongs to him. He might not intimidate intruders, but he will alert you, and if given a chance, he will nip at the heels!
Labrador Retriever
America’s most beloved dog has earned high scores on canine intelligence tests. This canine A-lister loves to be lavished with attention and rewards, especially food! While the Labrador Retriever is playful and silly at times, he is actually a renowned police dog and an effective therapist to boot.
Golden Retriever
Sweet, patient, and loyal, the Golden Retriever is a walking pill for sadness. He guides the blind and heals the broken. This smarty-pants can learn over 200 commands, making him an indispensable companion to physically challenged individuals. If dogs can be doctors in the future, Golden Retrievers will be the first ones to get a medical degree.
Doberman Pinscher
Movies often depict Doberman Pinschers as bad guys, but in reality, these dogs make an excellent family pet and guard dog. Dobies, however, require tons of fun exercise to remain hale and hearty.
Australian Shepherd
As with any smart canine, this eager beaver seeks fun and adventure. He can be your best friend if you live an active lifestyle. A dog as lively and energetic as the Australian Shepherd is a fantastic jogging and hiking companion. He also excels at various competitions.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Sheltie resembles a mini Rough Collie, and just like his look-alike, he is committed to protecting his human herd. A smart doggie like the Shetland Sheepdog picks up routines fast, and training is a breeze because he is eager to please.
Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as the “blue heeler,” this working dog from Down Under is alert, robust, and resourceful. This canine workaholic revels in new experiences that will tickle his bright mind. Tidy and organized, he is known for putting his toys back after playing. However, canine shenanigans are likely when bored.
How Smart Is a Border Collie?
The Border Collie’s popularity of being the smartest dog breed is credited to canine psychologist Stanley Coren and 199 obedience trial judges from the Canadian Kennel Club and American Kennel Club.
Border Collie vs. Other Dogs
Dog breeds that were either recognized by the CKC and the AKC were allowed to participate. Out of the 138 qualifying breeds, the Border Collie performed best, earning the title “The Smartest Canine Breed in the World.”
The panel finalized the list of the most intelligent canine breeds using the following criteria:
- The number of repetitions a dog breed needs to learn a new command
- The success rate that a dog breed follows a known command on its first try
The Border collie learns a new command at least five times faster than the average smart dog that understands a new command between 25 to 40 repetitions. Furthermore, the average intelligent canine obeys a known command on its first try with a 50% success rate, but the Border Collie has nearly double the success rate for obedience.
Grandmasters of Herding
The Border Collie, along with 25 other herding breeds, has been specially developed to chase and organize animals. However, the Border Collie is the ultimate canine shepherd. Even if a Border collie has never seen sheep or cattle, his instincts will kick in. If you have a Collie at home, you have already witnessed this naturally ingrained ability in daily life.
What makes the Border Collie special is he stalks and crouches like a lion in the jungle. The world’s number one shepherd dog moves with extreme precision, thanks to its unique anatomy. The Border Collie has a space between the top of its shoulder blades, allowing the cunning dog to slither while staying low to the ground.
Another trick the Border Collie has in his sleeve is his hypnotic stare. Border Collies intimidate and manipulate livestock with their glaring eyes. So, be warned: if you have a Collie at home, he may also attempt to hypnotize you if you are holding something tasty!
Adaptive Intelligence at its Finest
As mentioned above, our canine companions can learn by watching others and take cues from human behavior. Border Collies, however, are observed to have a higher level of adaptive intelligence. As such, these canines are a lot more observant and meticulous.
Would Border Collies Make Good House Pets?
Having a Border Collie as your canine companion may seem a wonderful idea. However, this Einstein of a dog is not a perfect fit for every family. Don’t get me wrong. Border Collies make excellent pets, but can you fulfill the physical and mental stimulation needed of this breed?
Border Collies are Energetic as an Energizer Bunny
To be a successful pet parent or guardian to a Border Collie, you need to provide an outlet for his exuberant energy requirements. If you live in an apartment or a house without a spacious yard, it will be difficult for you to raise your pooch. Play Chuckit! Flying Squirrel with your Collie. Better yet, consider participating in sports or engage in any activity where your pooch can tag along.
Border Collies Don’t Do Well When Bored and Alone
Never leave your Collie for too long because this breed is predisposed to separation anxiety. If you have to be away for work, make sure your four-legged genius will have many things to do. Do not underestimate the power of a bored Border Collie! Know if your dog is up to mischief by taking a peek using the Furbo Dog Camera, and surprise him with a treat if he is a good boy.
Border Collies Will Try to Discipline Your Kids
If you have small children, it is wise to adopt a pup rather than an adult dog so that they will grow together. Best of all, you will have plenty of opportunities to train your pooch. Otherwise, you will find your adult Collie trying to herd your little rascals. If the children are stubborn and naughty, your pooch will likely give them a scare.
Border Collies Need You to Be Financially Ready
Border Collies are undeniably wonderful dogs, but you need to be financially capable of providing for your pet. As with any dog, the expenses can soar high. After all, having a dog is just like having another child. Think of the factors that you have to consider when bringing one home: food, supplements, bed, toiletries, vet bills, and so on.
Summary
Are Border Collies smart dogs? Indeed they are! The list of the most intelligent dog breeds that was developed nearly 20 years ago is still recognized today. However, intelligent canines, such as the ones mentioned above, are a double-edged sword. There can be consequences if you cannot meet the needs of each dog, especially the Border Collie.
Being in the wrong household often leads to the Border Collie being dropped off at local shelters. We don’t want that, and we know you don’t want that to happen, too. Therefore, you must recognize the physical and mental exercise requirements of this dog before you welcome one home.