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PLATE NO. 014Canis lupus familiaris
Border Collie
FIG. 014

Specimen

Border Collie

Bred over centuries on the Anglo-Scottish border to herd sheep with little human direction, the Border Collie is widely accepted as the world's most intelligent dog breed. The famous 'eye' — staring down sheep — comes hardwired, as does an obsessive need to work. With a job (herding, agility, flyball) they are unbeatable; without one they invent chores, including herding children, chasing cars, and rearranging furniture. Not a casual pet — they need 2+ hours of structured exercise and serious mental enrichment daily.

+ Strengths

03
  • 01Off-the-charts trainability
  • 02Healthy and long-lived
  • 03Excels at dog sports

Things to consider

03
  • 01Needs a serious job or sport
  • 02Can nip and herd children
  • 03Overthinks everything

Trait profile

15 dimensions · 0–10 scale
01Size
05/10
02Energy level
10/10
03Trainability
10/10
04Shedding
07/10
05Barking
05/10
06Friendliness
07/10
07Good with kids
07/10
08Good with other pets
06/10
09Alone tolerance
03/10
10Grooming needs
05/10
11Drool
02/10
12Health robustness
08/10
13Allergy-friendly
01/10
14Longevity
08/10
15Affordability
06/10