Do you know that Bearded Collies, also known as “Beardies”, are one of the oldest dog breeds in Britain and have a rich history as highland herders? It’s fun, isn’t it? Not only that, there’s much more about these animals that meets the eye. They are highly intelligent, delightful to be around and make for great companions – if you are lucky enough to have one in your family, you’ve got a real gem!
One of the Beardie’s most prominent traits is their intelligence. Do you know those amazing dogs you see on TV shows or in movies that can perform tricks, follow complex directions and outsmart the bad guys? Those kinds of feats don’t just happen with any old dog breed – it takes a certain level of intellect. And guess what? The Bearded Collie has got it!
The next time you see a Beardie performing tricks in dog shows or movies, understand that it’s not a random occurrence. It’s the result of their high intelligence level combined with systematic training. Bearded Collies’ quick learning ability and remarkable memory make them excellent students.
Let’s go a little deeper on how smart Bearded Collies are. Research shows that, on average, dogs understand up to 165 different words or signals. That’s jaw-dropping, isn’t it? But, Bearded Collies don’t just fit into the average bracket. In fact, they’re believed to understand over 200 different words or signals! This puts them into a category of the most intelligent dogs, underlining their capacity for learning and understanding.
Getting a Bearded Collie to do things may be as simple as teaching them to understand what you want. That’s because Beardies are what dog trainers refer to as ‘bidable’. This means they not only hear and understand commands, but they are also willing to do what you tell them. It’s a measure of a pup’s ability to work in partnership with a human, and the Bearded Collie sits high on this scale.
However, a word of caution: these dogs are not just intelligent, they are also incredibly independent. Combine these two, and you might end up with a furry pal that will push boundaries and try to outsmart you!
Many Bearded Collie owners have stories about how their fur friend has learned to unlatch doors or trick them into handing out more treats. The desire to explore and investigate things comes naturally for this breed. So, as a pet owner, be ready to match their high intelligence with appropriate activities and challenges to keep them engaged.
And here comes the handy tip: While a Beardie’s smarts can make them a joy to own, it also means they require an owner who is willing to put in the time to train them. Their independent thinking, driven by their herding background, can sometimes be misinterpreted as stubbornness. However, with a motivational and positive reinforcement approach, you can turn this trait into obedience.
Remember, a newborn Bearded Collie puppy isn’t aware of its inherent intelligence. It looks up to you, its owner, to unlock that potential. Train them with gentle consistency, give them plenty of mental stimulation and you’ll end up with a motivated, eager to please, and highly intelligent pet.
There’s more to a Bearded Collie than just their intelligence, though. They are also known for their friendly and affectionate demeanor or their striking physical appearance, characterized by a long, flowing coat and a typically ‘bearded’ face. And their playful, energetic, and sociable nature makes them incredibly family-friendly dogs.
To conclude, with the Bearded Collie’s level of smartness, you’re getting an exceptional package. They’re more than just eye-candy with their beautiful double coats. They’re intelligent, fun, loving companions who will make every day a good one. If you’ve got the time and dedication to train and exercise them, they will make a rewarding addition to your home. Highly intelligent, wonderfully vibrant and loving to boot – what more could you want in a pet?
But remember, with great smart dog, comes great responsibility. Keep them challenged, entertained, and they’ll be the loyal, adoring fluffy companion you’ve always wanted!
