Smartest Dog: Border Collie Reveals Human-like Capabilities

Published August 6, 2011

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In a recent study, Chaser, a Border Collie, shows that dogs possess the kinds of skills that are equivalent of human intelligence. Chaser is considered one of the world's smartest dogs.

Recent research by the American Psychological Association proves what any dog owner already knew: dogs are smart!

But, exactly, how smart are dogs? Chaser, a Border Collie (considered to be one of the smartest dogs) can distinguish the difference between nouns and verbs and correctly identify over 1,000 different objects!

Chaser enjoyed the attention of scientists, led by her owner and trainer, retired psychology professor John Pilley. Chaser responded correctly to identifying a noun as an object 95% of the time, according to USA Today. Not only was Chaser able to pick out the correct toy out of over 1,000 every time, she was able to identify toys she's never seen by process of elimination - all based on verbal commands. Chaser definitely qualifies as one of the world's smartest dogs.

More studies conducted by University of Florida in Gainesville showed that dogs are extremely attuned to human body language and behavior.

Two years ago, Stanley Coren of the University of British Columbia presented research that stated that "dogs can learn about 165 words, can count to four or five, and have a basic understanding of arithmetic. He said the mental abilities of dogs are close to those of a human child of about 2 or 2½ years old, but abilities vary by breed" according to USA Today.

Not bad, for just a dog, right?

Check out Chaser, the incredible Border Collie and one of the world's smartest dogs, in action, via ABC News

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Lana Vitsup

Lana is a proud member of the Petside team and is the resident "dog-crazy" person. She shares…

Filed Under: Dog & Cat Breeds, News & Blogs, Dog Breeds, News
Tags: Border Collie, Dogs, border collie, pet news, smartest dog breeds, studies

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Comments (20)

Anonymous (Unverified)

Added 09-14-2012 05:17pm

That's pretty funny, because you can't spell either. LOL.

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Anonymous (Unverified)

Added 06-17-2012 09:27pm

Border Collies are awesome, SO smart.

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Reader 2020 (Unverified)

Added 06-13-2012 03:45pm

I've had a border collie for 5 years. She is by far the smartest dog I've owned. As a pup she figured out how to get ice from the ice dispenser. (Now she likes ice in her water!). When going for a ride in the car she carries her leash to the car. If she drops it you just have to say you forgot it, and she'll run right back to were she left it. Her memory is incredible, recently we've had a rabbit staying in our neighborhood. This rabbit was running to a certain spot in the yard, which caused our dog to run to the same spot. Even though the rabbit stopped using this spot, Jess will stand on the porch waiting for this rabbit.Not only is she intelligent, but also another attribute is how affectioniate she is. If you like a active dog, you'll love a Border Collie. Just be sure you like a dog who loves to play, walk and have a task to do.

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Stagger Lee (Unverified)

Added 03-11-2012 09:09am

I had a Border collie when Multiple Sclerosis hit me hard in 2001."Hank" knew something wasn't right, walked by my side, followed me on my tractor, always there. My legs gave way out of nowhere, Hank had 4, and used them all, just for me. He was my right hand, now he's gone. I have missed him for 5yrs.Everyday. Money can't buy what he had to give unconditionaly.