Are you looking for a new dog, and find yourself wondering how smart are border collies? Perhaps you just found your new puppy and you want to know what you have to look forward to. Knowing all there is to know about the breed before getting one is highly advised. I’ll explain exactly just how brilliant they are, speaking from experience with my own.
Smart Border Collies
Initially it seems like a border collie is just learning tricks like any other dog would do. Then they learn more, and more, and then it gets to a point of trying to find something new to teach them. It’s as if their learning possibilities are endless. In a nutshell, that is exactly how smart a border collie is.
Now it’s not like your dog is going to be giving you those cute eyes that beg for more knowledge. Your dog just has the capability to keep learning as much as you are willing to teach them. I cannot tell you how many times I have been shocked at some of the things my girl, Baby has done or remembered.
Border Collie Herding Other Dogs
Instinctively they are terrific at herding animals. Border collies are actually known to be sheep herders. Some, like our girl’s parents, work a farm. They herd the sheep in the direction the farmer or owner suggests. Our border collie doesn’t have any sheep to herd so she uses her skills on dogs.
At times, while playing at a dog park Baby will try to round up a dog. The dog will think she’s just playing chase but she continues in these big round circles to try and make it go the direction she wants. It’s such a site to see a dog have instincts so strong that they carry down from generations. We’ve never trained her how to herd, and she was too young to do so when she was just a young puppy before we got her.
I’ve also read about border collies herding small children, but I can’t say that I have witnessed this first hand. We don’t have children, nor are we around them very often but I can bet that Baby would do the same.
Border Collie Intelligence
So I’ve mentioned how smart a border collie is, but I think it’s better to explain. Let’s go over some examples of just how intelligent they can be.
Performing Tricks
Performing tricks started very early with out puppy. She was trained quickly that this means she gets a treat. She will also do tricks just to please us as well. Our border collie never stops learning. In fact, this week she learned how to fist bump!
She knows all the typical dog commands like sit, lay-down, high five, and shake. We’ve gotten creative with most of her other tricks over the years. One of my favorites is only done between her and my husband, Eric (aka Dad to Baby). He has her get up on the bed, and then he bends down on one knee and asks her to marry him. She then will rest her paw in his hand for a few moments and then stand up tall. Once she’s standing, she wraps her front paws around his neck and gives him face kisses. It’s cheesy I know, but it’s absolutely the most adorable thing to witness.
Naming Toys
I’m not sure I would have come up with this idea on my own. I read about Chaser the border collie, and knew right away that I needed to teach Baby to do the same. Every toy we have ever purchased has been given a name immediately. Once we tell Baby the name of the new toy, the toys new name doesn’t get changed.
We have Snakey, Oinky, Clifford, Tennis Ball, Puppy, Soccer Ball, Floppy, and many many others. The trick with teaching a border collie to name their toys is in repetition. We introduce them one at a time and don’t offer a new one until she has mastered the other toy’s name. A way to test their recognition is to put all their toys together and ask your border collie to go retrieve whichever toy you wish. Ours will gladly play this game especially if it means she gets to play fetch or tug with the sought after toy.
Understanding Words & Phrases
This is where my border collie’s intelligence is so strong that it’s hard to believe. She understands words and phrases. It has gotten to the point now that my husband and I have to spell out w-a-l-k. I’m pretty sure she’s figured that one out too though. So, we’ve switched it up by spelling out s-t-r-o-l-l and other similar words.
A border collie can comprehend many different words and long phrases. I will say something not directed at mine and she will not only hear it but understand it. I’ll say to my husband, “I’m tired, I think we should get ready for bed.” Then, my pup will get up and walk to our bedroom and hop in bed to wait for us. She never does this throughout the day, because she’s always within a few feet from us. So, it goes to show that she understands what I am saying, even if I am not speaking directly to her.
When speaking directly to a border collie, you can tell they are listening by a specific gesture they perform. They will tilt their head left and right several times as if they are all ears and computing everything that is being spoken to them. It’s pretty cool to witness first hand. My dog acts like we’re having a very serious conversation, especially when it comes to t-r-e-a-t-s.
Left or Right
This intelligent trick has been a work in progress every day while my husband and I exercise our dog. It’s really quite simple, but goes to show how smart border collies can be. Anytime we come across a choice on the path between left or right, we direct Baby to “go left” or “go right.” I’ll say that she’s at about 95% with this command. It’s not perfect, but she mostly gets it correctly. This one took more time than most commands, but it easily exhibits her mental capacity.
Taking Visual Cues
Border collies are typically on high alert throughout the day. They rest when there’s an opportunity, but they’re usually on the move. Intense gaze is a typical description for collies. Mine likes to take a visual cue from actions my husband and I perform.
Putting on tennis shoes
I have specific tennis shoes I wear for walks. If I go into my closet to get shoes to put on, then my pup is always trailing right behind me. She wants to see which ones I am picking out. If I get my boots, then she runs to the couch to relax. Now, if I grab my walking tennis shoes, it’s a totally different story.
She understands these shoes are intended for when we go out together. Next, she runs to the door and back to me. She then starts in on her “talking” that we have taught her until we put her vest on to go out. I don’t have to say a word to her, she has just gathered this information on her own. Tennis shoes means walk time. Unfortunately I can’t wear them unless she’s coming with me now or I feel awful.
Packing a bag
We travel a lot. Whether for pleasure or business, my border collie comes with me every time. She’s never had a sitter or been left in a boarding facility. With that said, she’s watched me pack many bags. It doesn’t matter if were at a hotel, Airbnb, or leaving home, if I pull out the suitcase and duffel bags, then my girl knows it’s time for a trip.
Sometimes she shows she’s in the mood to go by grabbing her favorite toy and waiting by the front door. Other times, she runs to the bed and tries to blend in like I would actually leave her there unattended to. Regardless of her mood; she knows when I pack a bag that it’s time to hit the road. Inevitably she eventually hops in the backseat for our next adventure.
Bringing home to-go food
Typically when I am out to eat I try to order only the amount that I know I can eat. Occasionally I will bring home leftovers. Whenever I bring home extras, it is only for my border collie. My dog has now realized this and anytime I walk in the door with a to-go box, she knows it’s for her.
Usually I cook at home and she never begs for anything I make. She will however sit really pretty and wait for whatever treat I bring home in that white styrofoam box. This act could be contributed to smell, but it’s actually a visual recognition with Baby. As I mentioned, she will not beg for food I cook. I bring home different things as left overs as well, so it’s not a smell association.
If I decide that when I get home is not the best time to feed her the leftovers, then I put it in the refrigerator. She’s so good and doesn’t fuss about it. When I do decide to get it out to prepare for her, she is right there being good waiting patiently again.
Cuddling When You're Upset
I find this trait extremely endearing, but it also shows how aware collies can be. I truly believe they are always watching, learning, and reacting. If I am the least bit upset, my dog will stop whatever she is doing to come and cuddle. She nuzzles her face in front of mine and gives lots of kisses and then snuggles up close to me. It always feels like a protective action. Border collies are so faithful to their owners and I believe she does this to protect my feelings. So, not only are these dogs physically, mentally, and visually in tune with their owners, they are also watching out for you emotionally.
No Barking Allowed
Training a dog to not bark is extremely difficult. Training a highly intelligent breed, such as a border collie to not bark is actually pretty easy. Like with anything else you teach them, their main desire is to please you. My husband and I successfully trained our pup in just a few short weeks to not bark at other dogs, despite their yelps.
When we first got our Baby, we lived in a house with a dog on both sides of our neighboring backyard fence. Those dogs didn’t exactly like the new addition to our family and would constantly bark at her when she went out. Of course, we didn’t want her to pick up on this habit so we taught her right away that it was bad. The other dogs never stopped making a fuss when she was outside, but our dog also never learned the unfavorable behavior.
Overcoming Fear
Like humans, dogs have fears. Usually it consists of loud unusual noises, fireworks, or someone knocking on the door. It’s hard to have a border collie that is so devoted to you and not want to settle their fears. So, my husband and I figured there has to be a way to teach such a smart animal how to overcome her fears.
We started with her favorite toy, Snakey. She used to look out the front window and get upset if she saw a stray cat sun-bathing in her front yard. When she would get upset we would tell her to get Snakey. Then she would swing it around beating it up, which we only hope is not what she wanted to do to the poor cat outside. Anyways, we took this aggression and turned it into conquering her fears.
Now whenever a storm comes through or there’s loud noises that startle our border collie, we tell her to get Snakey. From there she remembers exactly what to do. She swings it around and around until the fear is no longer there. If another thunder roars then she just grabs her stuffed toy for another round. This may not be ideal in all households, but it just goes to show exactly how smart border collies can be, if given the opportunities.
Smartest Dog Breed In The World
I may seem a bit biased here, but it has been proven year after year that border collies are the smartest dog breed in the world. They’re highly intelligent, extremely loyal, and capable of so much. It’s really tough to explain exactly just how smart they are, but if you have the chance to spend some time with one, then surely you would understand.
Border collies are the smartest dog with a whole lot of energy and love to give. They certainly aim to please their owners and never stop working until told it’s time to relax. So, if you’re thinking about adding a new furry member to your family, then be ready for lots of exercise, mentally and physically. Also, be cautious that your pup doesn’t out-smart you!
