Smart and agile The Border Collie thrives on learning complex tasks, such as running an obstacle course. (more) What Is the Smartest Dog Breed? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/What-Is-the-Smartest-Dog-Breed Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Tracy Grant Tracy Grant is a senior editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. She previously served as editor in chief, the first woman to hold that title. Tracy Grant Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 5, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Smart and agileThe Border Collie thrives on learning complex tasks, such as running an obstacle course.© Eva Krizmanic/Dreamstime.com The Border Collie is widely recognized as the smartest dog breed because of its uncanny ability to learn tasks quickly and perform them exceptionally well. This native intelligence, coupled with extreme agility and herding capabilities, makes the Border Collie singular in its skill set when compared with other dog breeds. This combination of intellect and agility has made Border Collies outstanding sheepdogs along the English-Scottish border for about 300 years. Border Collies do not merely learn “tricks” or follow commands; they also ...(100 of 257 words)

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