Intelligence is a much-debated topic when it comes to dogs. Some people believe that all dogs are intelligent, while others think that there is a specific breed of dog that is more intelligent than the rest.
In this article, we will explore the question “What makes Border Collies the most intelligent dog breed?”
What Makes Border Collies So Smart?
The answer may lie in their history. Border Collies are a herding breed, and their original purpose was to herd sheep. This required them to be quick thinkers and have a lot of stamina.
Nowadays, these qualities still hold true. Border Collies are known for their high energy levels and their ability to think on their feet. They are also very versatile dogs. Not only can they herd sheep, but they can also compete in agility trials, obedience competitions, and even flyball tournaments.
Adaptive Intelligence
It is the ability to learn from your environment and adapt to new situations. This type of intelligence is often seen in working dogs, as they need to be able to understand and respond to their human handlers.
Border Collies are particularly good at this. They have a knack for reading people and understanding what they want. This makes them great companions, as well as excellent working dogs.
Instinctive Intelligence
This is the kind of intelligence that dogs are born with. It includes things like knowing how to bark, chase prey, and mate.
All dogs have instinctive intelligence, but some breeds are more adept at certain tasks than others. For example, herding dogs like Border Collies have a strong prey drive, which helps them to excel at sheepherding.
Border Collies also have a strong work ethic and are very food motivated – two qualities that make them ideal candidates for obedience training and other activities.
Working Intelligence
This is the kind of intelligence that dogs learn through experience. Things like learning tricks, manners, and commands fall under this category.
Many Border Collies are quick learners who excel at obedience and agility training. They have a natural affinity for herding, so they often make excellent working dogs on farms and ranches.
The Dog Intelligence Criteria
There are two primary criteria that experts use to judge a dog’s intelligence:
- Number of repetitions a dog takes to learn any new thing or a command
- Success Rate in learning a new thing or a new command
According to an intelligence test result, Border Collies came out on top of the list of dogs.
How Intelligent Are Border Collies Vs. Other Dog Breeds?
Border Collies are often considered to be the most intelligent breed of dog. They typically rank near the top of most intelligence lists, along with other highly intelligent breeds like Poodles, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
While all dogs are intelligent in their own way, Border Collies seem to have a natural ability to learn new things quickly and retain information well. This makes them excellent candidates for obedience training, agility training, and other activities.
How Smart Is My Border Collie Dog Compared To A Human?
While it’s hard to compare the intelligence of dogs and humans, some experts believe that Border Collies are roughly as intelligent as a two to three-year-old child. Of course, every dog is different, and some Border Collies may be more intelligent than others.
How To Test Your Border Collie’s Intelligence?
There are three ways to test your Border Collie’s intelligence:
Empathy Test: This test assesses your dog’s ability to understand and share your emotions. To test this you can try and see how your dog reacts when you act happy, sad, or angry.
Cognition Test: This test assesses your dog’s ability to learn and remember new information. there is a simple test that you can do at home to see how your dog scores. hide a treat under one of three cups and let your dog watch you do it. then, mix up the cups and see if your dog can remember which cup the treat is under. If he finds the treat on his first try, your Border Collie is a genius!
Problem-solving Test: This test assesses your dog’s ability to think creatively and solve problems. A great way to test this is to see how your dog reacts when presented with a puzzle. place your Border Collies favorite under something that is hard to reach like under the bed and see how long it takes them to figure out how to get to it.
Ways To Deal And Engage With Smart Border Collies
Now that you know your Border Collie is a genius, it’s important to keep their minds challenged. Here are some great ways to do that:
- Get them a food puzzle toy. This toy dispense treats as your dog plays with it, keeping their mind challenged and engaged.
- Take them on new and different walks each day. This will not only provide mental stimulation but also help tire them out so they can focus when you’re training them.
- Teach them new tricks! Not only is this a great bonding activity but it’s also mentally stimulating for your dog. Try teaching them how to roll over, play dead, or even shake hands.
Is A Border Collie The Right Dog For Me?
If you’re looking for an intelligent, active, and loyal dog then a Border Collie is the right breed for you! They excel in many different competitions and sports such as agility, obedience, and flyball.
Border Collies are also great working dogs. Many of them work on farms herding sheep or cattle. Others work as service dogs or therapy dogs. So if you’re looking for an all-around amazing dog, a Border Collie is the right choice for you!
Conclusion:
We would like to conclude by saying that, yes border collies are intelligent dogs. They have ranked number one in various intelligence tests conducted over the years. They are also very active and loyal dogs who make great working dogs as well as pets.