Is a Border Collie the most intelligent dog?

Is a Border Collie the most intelligent dog?

Last updated Oct. 10, 2024 – Written by M Hasnain Ashraf

Is a Border Collie the most intelligent dog?

Yes, the Border Collie often exists as one of the brainiest dog breeds. Both layperson accounts of owners and researchers/scientists in the field attest that they are, in fact, brilliant dogs. Here’s why.

Top rank in dogs' brain

Research:

Border Collies ranked number one in the book The Intelligence of Dogs by psychologist after ranking in new commands, obedience, and working intelligence. Coren, Border Collies master new commands in under five repetitions and comply with first commands 95% of the time or better.

Why It Matters:

Here, it ranks them above most breeds considered to be high in intelligence, such as Poodles and German Shepherds, and shows just why they are so capable of learning.

Learning and Problem Solving

Why It Matters:

Border Collies are fast learners and problem solvers. They have been known to outsmart and find ways around various complex tasks assigned to them and sometimes even outsmart owners superbly. For example, they can open doors without using keys, solve puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, and find ways to outsmart problems presented by themselves.

Famous Example:

Chaser is a Border Collie who holds the record for being the most intelligent dog in the world. She was taught over 1,000 object names and could even tell verbs from nouns to demonstrate her comprehensive knowledge of human language.

Working Intelligence

Border collies were bred for herding, which means the job demands sharp problem-solving, focus, and fast decision-making. They can manage any style of livestock at their handlers’ whim through instinct or learned behavior.

Why It Is Remarkable:

They make spontaneous decisions while moving huge herds with enormous expanse, which explains their intelligence. They use body language, strong gazing, and swift thought processes to push animals along, sometimes even without significant human interference.

Readiness to Learn and Work

High Trainability:

Border Collies are highly mentally stimulated and eager to learn. They are highly trainable for every purpose, from obedience training to the most complex dog sports like agility and flyball.

Why It Matters:

Their great desire to please their masters, coupled with their rapid ability to learn, makes them top dogs in training competitions. They also become very popular among working dogs, especially in search and rescue, detection, and therapy, because they are indeed compelled to work and are not very stupid.

Advanced Ability to Learn Complex Commands

They possess an intense level of obedience, and they can learn and execute complex tasks, often ‘stringing together’ multiple commands or steps to complete a job. Advanced obedience routines are really not much of a problem for Border Collies, who can also be taught to distinguish between specific objects, tasks, or people.

Why It’s Unique:

While many dogs can learn basic commands, border collies are different because they have the cognitive ability to understand complex, multi-step instructions and intricate patterns, whether in a competition setting or a practical application such as search and rescue.

Emotional Intelligence

Why It’s Important:

Border Collies are also emotionally intelligent. They can sense their owners’ emotions and body language. They usually know when their owner is disturbed or anxious and provide comfort or respond accordingly. Another sign of their deep understanding and sensitivity is that they can read human cues.

This emotional sensitivity, combined with their cognitive abilities, makes them excel as therapy and service dogs.

In a nutshell,

Yes, the Border Collie is undoubtedly one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Intelligence includes solving problems, herding ability, fast learning, and trainability. They have unmatched capabilities to understand commands, respond to human cues, and learn complex tasks, thereby making them not only the smartest but also one of the most versatile working dogs worldwide.