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Are border collies the smartest dog in the world?

Author

Jessica Hardy

Updated on February 25, 2026

Are border collies the smartest dog in the world?

Border Collies are the world's smartest dog breed when it comes to obedience & working intelligence. In fact, the world's single most intelligent dog was a Border Collie who knew over 1,000 nouns. And because they're highly adaptable dogs with superb herding intelligence, it's no wonder they're number 1.

Keeping this in view, which dog is the most intelligent?

These Are The 'Smartest' Dog Breeds, According to a Canine Psychologist

  • Border collie.
  • Poodle.
  • German shepherd.
  • Golden retriever.
  • Doberman pinscher.
  • Shetland sheepdog.
  • Labrador retriever.
  • Papillon.

One may also ask, is a border collie classed as a large dog? The Border Collie, a medium-sized dog at 30 to 45 pounds, possesses a seemingly supernatural amount of energy and stamina — a hardiness that was developed when he was required to work all day in the hills and valleys of the rugged Scottish border country, sometimes running 50 miles or more a day.

Keeping this in view, what is the intelligence of a border collie?

They Are Extremely Smart Dogs

Dog experts widely agree that the Border Collie is an intelligent workaholic. They are capable of learning a remarkable number of words and commands, and they are happiest when they are put to work every day.

Is it better to get a male or female border collie?

Males: Male dogs tend to want more affection than females and display more affectionate behaviours. They tend to be more "pushy" and will often nudge you for attention. As a male dog ages he is more likely to maintain his puppy-like exuberance than females, who tend to become more reserved and aloof.

Which dog can kill a lion?

Ovcharka Caucasian Mountain Dog

What is the least smelly dog?

The top dog breeds, that are the least smelly dog breeds, typically contain a much smaller sebaceous gland. These best smelling dog breeds include: Bichon Frise. Basenji.

Why Do Dogs Smell?

  • Labradors.
  • Basset Hounds.
  • Bulldogs.
  • Cocker spaniels.
  • St Bernard.
  • Blood Hound.
  • Mastiff.

Which dog breed lives the longest?

Longest Living Dog Breeds
  • Maltese. Females of this breed tend to live one year longer than their male counterparts, but all Maltese pups are expected to have long lifespans since they suffer from few serious genetic diseases.
  • Beagle.
  • Australian Shepherd.
  • Shih Tzu.
  • Lhasa Apso.
  • Cockapoo.
  • Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Toy Poodle.

Which dogs lick the most?

However, some golden retrievers do not need a reason to be affectionate and lick your face, they just are. Get your hands on one of America's most indulged dog breeds for that yummy licking goodness.

Labrador retrievers

  • Poodles.
  • Alaskan Husky.
  • Pitbulls.
  • Pugs.
  • German shepherd, and a lot more.

What is the smartest dog breed 2020?

  1. The border collie. Considered the smartest of all canine, the border collie is number one on this list.
  2. The Australian shepherd.
  3. The Poodle.
  4. The Australian cattle dog.
  5. The German shepherd dog.
  6. The Shetland sheepdog.
  7. The Papillon.
  8. The Rottweiler.

What dog has the strongest bite?

  • Cane Corso – 700 PSI.
  • Dogue de Bordeaux – 556 PSI.
  • American Bulldog – 305 PSI.
  • Doberman – 245 PSI.
  • German Shepherd Dog – 238 PSI.
  • American Pitbull – 235 PSI.
  • Chow Chow – 220 PSI.
  • Malinois – 195 PSI.

Why do border collies stare at you?

Border Collies are known as workaholics. They are intensely focused on getting tasks done and need stimulation and activity. A Border Collie will stare at you if you are not giving him enough of the action he requires. He needs to have a great deal of stimulation to satisfy his desire to work.

Do border collies like to cuddle?

Border Collies do like to cuddle and become attached to their owner or family. With a spunky and energetic personality, they might be overlooked as the cuddly kind of dog, but with extensive daily exercise, they love spending time snuggled up after a hard day of work or play.

Do Border Collies bark a lot?

The Border Collie is a barking breed. They are easily visually stimulated which is often why they bark so much. They will bark at anything that moves quickly, such as bikes, skate boards and the like. With the Border Collie breed, you also have the strong herding instinct and that just adds to the problem.

Are collies smart?

Personality: As part of the herding classification, the rough collie personality is known to most as smart, quick to learn, and very in tune to people. Rough collies, like the one featured in Lassie, can at times be very vocal. When rough collie dogs are bored, their bark is a clear sign that they need attention.

Do Border Collies protect their owners?

Protective. Similar to other herding and sheepdogs, Border Collies have a protective temperament and can be distrusting of strangers. The protective quality of Border Collies also makes them excellent watchdogs. They will always alert their family when they notice anything out of the ordinary.

Which dog is smarter border collie or Australian shepherd?

Intelligence. Both the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie are intelligent dogs. However, the Border Collie is undoubtedly more intelligent. Aussies are tied for the 42nd smartest dog breeds, while the Border is the king of dog intelligence – sitting at the number 1 spot.

Can border collies be left alone?

Border collies should not be left alone for long periods of time. If you're leaving your home then your collie should have someone visit them if you're gone for more than a few hours. Unlike other breeds, collies can develop isolation distress and separation anxiety easily.

How smart are border collies compared to other dogs?

Border Collies are the world's smartest dog breed when it comes to obedience & working intelligence. In fact, the world's single most intelligent dog was a Border Collie who knew over 1,000 nouns. And because they're highly adaptable dogs with superb herding intelligence, it's no wonder they're number 1.

Are border collies easy to train?

Are Border Collies Easy to Train? Border collies learn new things very quickly, but this should not be mistaken for being easy to train. It is important to train your Border collie to behave properly right from the start so that they do not pick up bad habits.

Do Border Collies run away?

If your Border Collie has run away one too many times, it may be time to step up and take action. By nature, Border Collies are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please but they are also one of the most challenging to live with.

What is the lifespan of a border collie?

10 – 17 years

Are border collies good house dogs?

Do Border Collies make good pets? Yes, with good training they can be a wonderful addition to your family. Keep in mind that they are working dogs at heart and, without a high level of exercise and mental stimulation, Border Collies can grow bored and mischievous.

What is a good weight for a border collie?

Male: 14–20 kg
Female: 12–19 kg

What age do border collies slow down?

Border Collies are highly intelligent and quick learners, but they are slow to mature – they are “puppies” until around 2 or 3 years (or older), and many 10- and 12-year-old dogs are still very lively and full of energy. Don't expect a Border Collie to start acting mature and dignified at 3 or 4 years of age!

How heavy should a collie be?

Average size and weight

Border Collie male normally weighs up to 30kg and is up to 56cm tall, and a healthy female weighs up to 25kg and can be up to 50cm in height.

Why are border collies so cheap?

Because it took the American Kennel Club until 1995 to recognize Border Collies as an official breed, their popularity levels are not as high as they are with other dogs from the herding and working group. That means you can usually find a pup for a price that is reasonably affordable.

Are border collies aggressive?

Yes! Border Collies are aggressive; the dogs have a high barking tendency and are not friendly to other animals either. In addition to the inherent reason mentioned above, the aggression of Border Collies stems from many other factors. Let's take a look at some of them to study their behavior in detail.

What do most border collies die from?

The Border collie can often live as long as 18 years or more. The most common causes of death are old age, cancer and cerebral vascular afflictions.

Are border collies a one person dog?

Border Collies usually prefer to bond to one person. They have an inherited instinct to do so because they are designed to work with one person as a team. To work at what they are best at, herding, the Border Collie needs to be very sensitive so often do not respond well to heavy handling.

Are border collies high maintenance?

Border collies are high-maintenance canines. Not in the grooming department -- they don't care about appearances. They're high maintenance because they possess a work ethic like no other dog. If your border collie doesn't have a meaningful outlet for all that energy, not-so-hilarious hijinks ensue.

Are border collies scared of everything?

Border Collies are in touch with their surroundings and reacting to visual cues, and as such they can easily become fearful and anxious due to this and other genetic factors.

How do you calm a border collie?

How to Calm a Border Collie
  1. Book the dog an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out possible health concerns.
  2. Place the dog on a low-protein, low-fat diet.
  3. Allow the dog plenty of exercise throughout the day.
  4. Set up a safe room in your home for the dog when you leave.
  5. Add a few unwashed articles of your clothing to the room.

Do Border Collies get jealous?

Everyone with more than one dog probably knows this already. Dogs, like people, get jealous. I have two border collies and can attest to this. Researchers found that man's best friend nipped even at stuffed dogs when their owner showed the fake pooch attention.

Can a border collie be a service dog?

Border Collies can make excellent service dogs for the right type of handler. Owners of this breed state that it can be mentally and physically exhausting, even exasperating, trying to keep up with a Border Collie. This dog is a herding animal, which means it has an overwhelming urge to gather a flock.

How do border collies show affection?

Border Collies show their affection by running large circles around their pack. It signals their intense need to keep their family going in the right direction. Although there is not much in the backyard out to get us, this behavior is a testament to the Border Collies' love for their family.

Are border collies better in pairs?

Two border collies are great company for each other when you cannot be with them. They can also provide each other with much of their daily exercise as long as they are of a similar size. Watching two border collies interacting with each other is better than watching any television program.

How long do border collies sleep?

How Much Do Dogs Sleep – Most dogs sleep 12 – 14 hours per day. Large dog breeds can sleep up to 18 hours a day. Is Your Dog Sleeping Too Much?