Among all dog breeds, the Border Collie ranks first in intelligence. Because sheepdogs already tend to be very bright, and the Border Collie is the smartest of them all, many people assume that a highly intelligent dog must be easy to raise. In reality, the Border Collie is an exception.
Border Collie Intelligence
Among all breeds, the Border Collie is generally recognized as the number one dog in intelligence, and many owners say its intelligence is obvious in everyday life. A Border Collie may damage furniture and then act innocent. Basic training can feel like a simple game to it. It can learn and remember fairly complex commands with ease. Some owners even joke that after urinating in the wrong place, a Border Collie may knock over the water bowl to cover the evidence. People sometimes compare its intelligence to that of a seven or eight year old child. That comparison is not exact, but it gives a rough idea of how clever the breed can be.
Is the Border Collie Easy to Raise?
When it comes to ease of care, the mainstream view is that Border Collies are not particularly easy to raise. They are sensitive and highly alert, and they are often not as outwardly affectionate as breeds like Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers. As herding dogs, they need a large amount of exercise. If they do not get enough activity and mental stimulation, destructive behavior at home is very likely.
Border Collies are extremely smart and good at reading their owners, so they can understand commands almost instantly. Some things seem to be learned without formal teaching. However, their obedience is not always strong, and that can make training more difficult than people expect.
Many people want a smart dog and choose the Border Collie for that reason, but after living with one they discover that high intelligence is not the same as easy management. A Border Collie may understand everything and still choose not to cooperate. In that sense, it is often more challenging than a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever.