15 Surprising Facts About the Border Collie
Border Collies might look like just another smart and friendly dog, but there’s so much more going on behind those bright eyes and quick movements. These dogs have a fascinating history and a set of traits that truly set them apart from other breeds. Here are 15 facts that prove the Border Collie is way more than just a cute face.
Border Collies are also called the smartest dogs in the world.
This breed has earned a reputation for being incredibly smart, and it’s not just a nickname—they can understand new commands in just a few tries and remember them for life. Many can learn the names of toys, solve puzzles, and respond to verbal and hand signals. Their brains are always working, which is why they’re so good at jobs that require quick thinking.
They were bred to herd sheep in the hills of the UK.
The Border Collie was developed in the border region between Scotland and England, which is how they got their name. These dogs were specifically bred to help shepherds move sheep across rough, uneven ground. Their intense focus, speed, and agility made them perfect for herding, and even today, many of them still carry those strong instincts, trying to “herd” pets, people, or even children.
Their intense stare is actually part of how they control animals.
If you’ve ever seen a Border Collie in action, you may have noticed their sharp, focused stare—it’s not just a habit; it’s a skill. This behavior is known as “the eye,” and it’s a technique they use to keep sheep in line. Their body stays low, their eyes lock-in, and somehow, with no barking or biting, they get animals to move exactly where they want.
They need mental challenges as much as physical activity.
You might think a long walk or game of fetch is enough, but for a Border Collie, it’s just the start. These dogs crave mental stimulation and love to be challenged with tasks like learning new tricks, playing puzzle games, or even helping out around the house. Without things to do, their smart brains can get bored quickly, which often leads to chewing, digging, or nonstop barking.
One Border Collie learned over a thousand words.
A dog named Chaser amazed the world by learning the names of more than 1,000 different toys and retrieving each one correctly. This incredible ability showed just how far a Border Collie’s brain can go with the right training and attention. Chaser could even group objects by type or action, showing that these dogs aren’t just smart—they’re capable of advanced understanding and memory on a level most dogs can’t reach.
They often outsmart their owners.
Living with a Border Collie can feel like living with a clever little trickster who’s always one step ahead. They watch closely, figure out routines, and learn how to get what they want. Many owners report their dogs opening gates, finding hidden treats, or predicting daily activities before they even happen. Their sharp minds are always observing, learning, and trying to stay ahead of you.
They’re not ideal for first-time dog owners.
As much as they’re loving and loyal, Border Collies can be overwhelming for someone who’s never had a dog before. They require constant attention, long periods of exercise, and mental games to keep them satisfied. Without those things, they can become anxious or destructive. They do best with someone who understands how to channel their energy into training, sports, or jobs that keep their mind and body engaged.
They’re champions in dog sports and competitions.
If you’ve ever seen a dog fly through an obstacle course, jump through hoops, or solve a problem in record time, chances are it was a Border Collie. These dogs are natural athletes with lightning speed and sharp focus, which makes them dominate in agility, flyball, obedience trials, and more. They love the challenge of competition, especially when it means working closely with their human.
Their energy levels seem endless.
Most dogs need a nap after a long walk or some playtime, but Border Collies seem to have a bottomless supply of energy. They were bred to work all day on farms, running across fields and thinking on the go. If you don’t give them enough physical activity, they’ll make their own fun—often by chewing furniture, chasing shadows, or trying to herd everything in sight, including people.
They’re sensitive to their owner’s emotions.
Despite being fast and active, Border Collies are also deeply emotional and often highly sensitive to the moods of the people around them. They notice small changes in tone, body language, or facial expressions, and they’ll often respond with concern or affection. This emotional connection makes them incredibly loyal and sweet, but it also means they can get anxious in stressful or loud environments.
They use their entire body when they’re working.
When a Border Collie is herding, it’s not just about running after animals. They use a full-body approach—lowering their chest to the ground, creeping forward slowly, pausing at just the right moment, and then suddenly speeding up. Every movement is calculated to influence the herd’s direction. It’s almost like a silent dance that uses instinct, precision, and timing in a way that’s very good to watch.
They’re extremely easy to train, but that can be a double-edged sword.
Because they’re so smart and eager to please, Border Collies respond well to training, often picking up commands after just one or two tries. But that also means they can pick up bad habits just as fast. If you’re not careful or consistent, they’ll learn the wrong things and keep doing them. These dogs do best with patient, positive training that’s fun, structured, and keeps evolving over time.
They’ve made appearances in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Thanks to their stunning looks and ability to follow complex commands, Border Collies are popular in the entertainment world. They’ve played roles in movies, starred in TV shows, and appeared in ads—often doing impressive tricks or emotional scenes. Their high intelligence makes them easy for directors to work with, and their expressive faces help them connect with audiences in ways that feel surprisingly human.
They bond closely with one or two people.
While they can be polite with strangers, most Border Collies form deep, lasting attachments to one or two people in their lives. They like to follow their favorite humans around the house, sleep close by, and get involved in whatever you’re doing. That strong emotional bond means they’ll stay loyal, try to read your mood, and do whatever they can to keep you happy and close.
Many still work full-time on farms today.
Even though Border Collies have become popular pets, thousands of them are still used on working farms around the world. Their natural instincts for herding are so strong that even young puppies start practicing the behavior without being taught. Watching them in action—guiding livestock with just a look or movement—shows just how perfectly built they are for a job that hasn’t changed much in centuries.
