Why are Border Collies so smart?

Question

I have a Border Collie, and I have read articles stating that they are number one in intelligence - and he sure has proved to be.

Answer 1

Actually, Zenkitty, you're thinking of a different kind of Collie. When you think Border Collie, think the movie "Babe".

Border collies are fantastic dogs that can excell at almost anything you throw at them. They can be easily trained to do almost anything from herding almost any animal imaginable to compete at sports like flyball and frisbee. My favorite aspect is how they always seem to be listening to you. Especially when they do that cute turning their head to the side thing. ;)

I do highly advise anyone thinking of getting a border collie to really evaluate the time they have to spend with it. Because they're so smart, they get bored VERY quickly and therefore if they aren't stimulated frequently they can cause a lot of damage. (i.e. if you live in an apartment or if you have a busy schedule I'd highly rethink this idea unless you intend to really give them quality time.)

Answer 2

They were bred that way. There are two factors here: working dogs, and especially shepherd dogs, are bred for smarts because they need to use judgment (doggie judgment, but judgment after all) to control the sheep. Then smaller dogs have to be smarter than larger ones, and as I recall, Border Collies are smaller than Standard Collies. A smaller dog will more often need to outsmart an opponent than a larger one, which can sometimes overpower the opponent physically without being all that smart.

They are a marvelous breed, aren't they?

Answer 3

They REALLY are. I think that border Collies are such an OLD breed. Somehow with their natural instincts and breeding the "wisest" of them all for years and years make them masters in their intelligency.

I do have to say though, even though I've seen border collies, mixed breed and such, my boston terrier is a real intelligent guy also.

I just think all dogs are smart. But do have to agree borders are GREAT!!!!!!

Answer 4

they are just really smart type a queston in the search for questons called or type Are border Collies the smartest dog that may help you out

Answer 5

I have a border collie too and he is smarter than a lot of people that I know. He has this innate ability to sense my emotions and respond accordingly (ie- if I am sad, he snuggles up with me).

Answer 6

Thanks for your question, because you've convinced me more than ever to get one. I wasn't sure which breed to get.
When I was a boy, I had a border collie bud named Sam. He was very protective. He went with me everywhere. Soak and wet, he didn't look very heavy, looked kind of skinny, but one day he got into it with two dogs. Sent one home yelping and tore the other one up in his own yard. Sam was one helluva dog.

Answer 7

They aren't so smart. I've never seen a collie who could write even basic JavaScript or balance a check book.

Answer 8

did you read that in a border collie book? look at what dog is trained for police work and to help the handicapped. but i am sure they are smart. they are friendly and good herding dogs.

Answer 9

they are a Herding breed & Herding dogs are generally very smart. (German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois & Shepherds, Collies, Bouvier, etc)
I would not say they aare #1 b/c German Sheps are used for everykind of dog job so they rate as one of the #1.
It would be odd for anyone to claim the 1 breed is the smartest as each breed has it's pros as smarts

Answer 10

Because collies are a smart breed just like labrodors and retrievers.