Are Border Collies Really the Smartest Dog Breed?

Before we prematurely crown the Border Collie as the top dog in the intelligence stakes, it's worth considering what we mean by "intelligent." Dog intelligence isn't just about how fast they can learn tricks or how quickly they respond to commands. It’s more about a mix of problem-solving abilities, social intelligence, and adaptability.

According to Stanley Coren, a renowned psychologist with expertise in dog intelligence, the Border Collie leads when it comes to canine intelligence and his work has has greatly influenced our understanding of this. His book, The Intelligence of Dogs, ranks different breeds based on their ability to understand new commands and obey the first given command. Border Collies, unsurprisingly, came out on top in his rankings. But there's more to the story.

There's no denying that Border Collies are incredibly sharp. Bred originally as working dogs, they've had to develop strong problem-solving skills to herd sheep and other livestock, including geese and often working independently to gather and move the flock from A to B. This background has honed their ability to learn commands quickly and execute them with incredible precision.

Border Collies have also shown some remarkable feats of intelligence. Chaser, for example, was a famous Border Collie who could understand over 1,000 words and even grasp basic concepts like object permanence and categorization. That’s pretty impressive and might make you think, "Well, case closed. Border Collies are the most intelligent!"  But intelligence is multi-faceted, and there are different ways in which it can be measured. 

While Border Collies are amazing at learning new tasks, other breeds also shine in areas that the standard tests might overlook or completely ignore. For instance, consider the Labrador Retriever, which might not top the obedience charts like the Border Collie but excels in emotional intelligence and therapy work, making them a firm favourite when it comes to the role of the comfort dog. Labs are often the go-to dogs for search-and-rescue missions too, or as guide dogs because of their calm temperament and ability to understand and respond to human emotions. Pretty smart, wouldn't you agree?

Then there’s the Poodle, which ranks just behind the Border Collie in Coren’s intelligence tests. Poodles are incredibly versatile and have been used for everything from circus performances to hunting. They’re fast learners and can adapt to a wide range of different environments, making them strong contenders in the canine intelligence stakes

Is the Border Collie really the smartest breed, the most intelligent? Well, If we’re talking about learning new commands exceedingly quickly and performing highly complex tasks, by canine standards, then yes, they most certainly are. But intelligence is a broad and slippery concept, and what makes a dog intelligent can vary depending on what you value in a dog, be it as a pet or working dog

Some people might prefer a dog that can perform tricks and follow simple commands, while others might value a dog’s ability to understand human emotions or adapt to new environments. At the end of the day, intelligence is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to finding the right dog for you. Whether it's a Border Collie, a Poodle, a Golden Retriever, or a mixed breed from the local rescue shelter, each dog has its own unique way of being absolutely brilliant.