Are Border Collies Really the Smartest Dog Breed?

by HollieT

Border Collies are renowned for intelligence, excelling in obedience and task learning but are they really the smartest dog breed? See how they measure up

When it comes to dogs, every breed has its defining traits. Some are known for their loyalty, while others are renowned for their striking good looks, then there are those that seem to have it all—like the Border Collie. These super smart black-and-white (and sometimes merle, red, or tricolor) beauties have earned a reputation for being the Einsteins of the canine world. But are they really the most intelligent breed, or is this just myth?

How do we define canine intelligence?

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.

Border Collies: The Brains Behind the Bark

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. 

Border Collie I'm a Genius T-Shirt
Border Collie I'm a Genius T-Shirt
Border Collie Pup- Genius in the Making
Border Collie Pup- Genius in the Making

Canine Intelligence is Multi- Faceted

Labrador Retriever Vs Border Collie Vs the Poodle

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

The Verdict

The jury is out

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. 

Updated: 08/31/2024, HollieT
 
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DerdriuMarriner 6 days ago

Thank you for your comment below, in answer to my previous observation and question.

Your answer three comment boxes down intrigues me in its information about Piebald and Welsh Mountain ponies as possible candidates for the pony breed in your avatar.

Is the rug complicating the pony-breed identification or might it always be an involved investigation to identify whether it's a Piebald or a Welsh Mountain?

HollieT 10 days ago

I think he was just playing, DerdriuMarriner.

It was a sunny January day but the field was really muddy, I think he had just enjoyed rolling in the mud

DerdriuMarriner 11 days ago

Thank you for your comment below, in answer to my previous observation and question.

Did the Piebald/Welsh mountain pony get muddy playing or racing or working?

HollieT 13 days ago

Hi DerdriuMarriner!

I'm not really sure, he was wearing a rug, I think he was Piebald and possibly Welsh Mountain

DerdriuMarriner 15 days ago

Your avatar is so appealing. It's clear that the Border Collie makes friends with the pony perhaps a bit muddled by being muddy.

What kind of pony is he/she?

HollieT 16 days ago

Hi DerdriuMarrner!

I haven't seen it but intrigued now after reading some reviews. I've owned many dogs, mostly taken from rescue shelters and each was brilliant in their own way, it has to be said. I had a Bull Mastiff when my children were younger and she would insist on accompanying my then 8 year old son to the bathroom and also insisted in leading him down the stairs, in case he fell. Nonetheless, I have to confess that my Border Collie was incredibly intelligent. Astoundingly so, that's her in my avatar making friends with a very muddy pony. I miss her, she died two years ago and I no longer have dogs. When I retire and I'm not out at work all day, I will be taking a trip to the local rescue centre and bringing a new friend home :)

DerdriuMarriner 19 days ago

Your conclusion that "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." appeals to me.

Have you seen the 2018 film Alpha?

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