Border Collies: The World's Smartest Dogs

The World's Smartest Dogs | Border Collies

If you've ever watched a Border Collie work a flock of sheep, you already know this is no ordinary dog. With a piercing gaze, an almost supernatural instinct, and a brain that seemingly never clocks out, the Border Collie has earned its reputation as the world's most intelligent dog breed. But how did this extraordinary animal come to be, and what makes them tick?

This week on Doggone History, Rich digs into the fascinating story of the Border Collie, from the rugged hills dividing England and Scotland where the breed was shaped into the ultimate herding machine, to the legendary 1893 dog named Old Hemp who is considered the father of the modern Border Collie. We'll explore how their intense, hypnotic stare they use to control livestock, the iconic "eye", became one of the most recognizable traits in the canine world.

Whether you're a proud Border Collie owner, a sheep farmer with a trusted four-legged partner, or just someone who has ever been humbled by a dog on YouTube herding ducks, this episode is for you.

Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Rich Napolitano.

https://www.doggonehistory.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices