A recent two-year research study has crowned border collies as the most intellectually gifted dog breed, highlighting their remarkable cognitive abilities. The study revealed that some border collies can even recall the names of toys they were given two years prior. This finding aligns with long-held beliefs among dog owners who often view their pets as exceptionally smart.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall Leonard, a border collie with a zest for life and a penchant for watching television. Whether it was the news, Antiques Roadshow, or horse racing, Leonard would intently observe the screen, even mimicking the horses as they jumped. Although he never mastered cryptic crosswords, his skills with a ball and his ability to find his favorite toy on command were nothing short of impressive.
Despite this, I approached the study’s findings with a sense of resigned familiarity. Our own dachshund, while not demonstrating the same intellectual feats as a border collie, exhibits his own unique talents. He can detect the sound of a crisp packet from afar and reliably knows meal times, albeit within a flexible timeframe.
The central question remains: is a highly intelligent dog truly desirable? While it’s advantageous for a dog to understand basic commands and behave well, the primary reasons many of us have dogs are companionship and affection. We seek their presence and emotional support rather than their intellectual prowess.
In the comedy series Colin From Accounts, the titular border terrier, who uses wheels instead of back legs, brings together a couple who reflect on how their lives would differ without him. The humor lies in their contemplation of a life devoid of their canine companion, highlighting that dogs enrich our lives beyond their intellectual abilities.
The researchers’ efforts to rank dog breeds by intelligence seem somewhat misguided when weighed against the more subjective qualities of companionship. It’s less about a dog’s IQ and more about their presence, sense of humor, and affectionate gestures. While border collies may top the intelligence charts, it’s their behavior and personality on the couch that often matter more.
Our beloved Lenny, though not a quiz champion, offers engaging company and affection. His playful nature and readiness for a cuddle overshadow any intellectual shortcomings. The real question might be whether we, as pet owners, should reassess our expectations and whether we are providing sufficient mental stimulation for our dogs.
Ultimately, perhaps it’s the owners who should be evaluated for their intelligence and commitment to their pets, rather than the dogs themselves.
