Dogs most similar to a Border Collie in intelligence, drive, and herding ability include the Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie), and Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler), all sharing high energy, trainability, and a strong working instinct, with Shelties being smaller versions and Aussies having a slightly more muscular build and family focus, notes this A-Z Animals article, this Daily Paws article, and this PetPlace article.
The adorable bordoodle is a border collie mix that might not shed as much as its relatives and might have a slightly calmer demeanor.
9 Calm Dog Breeds
The #1 smartest dog breed, consistently ranked by experts like Dr. Stanley Coren, is the Border Collie, known for its exceptional ability to learn commands quickly (sometimes in under five repetitions) and obey them consistently, excelling in problem-solving and demanding mental stimulation. Other top contenders for intelligence often include the Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Shetland Sheepdog, recognized for their trainability and eagerness to please.
For example, Afghan Hounds have the lowest adaptive intelligence, which makes them the least intelligent dog.
The Top 10 Hardest Dogs to Train
1. Golden Retriever. It's safe to say that this breed is one of the most personable around. Golden Retrievers are always eager to please and have a calm temperament, which means they will be happy to socialise with everyone – even with other pets!
If you are considering a dog to do therapy work with — for example, in long–term care facilities, schools, or hospitals — you'll want to look for a dog that has high trainability but a calm disposition, such as a Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever.
Rhodesian Ridgeback. Ridgebacks generally don't bark a lot. They may bark to alert you to something unusual, and some might bark when bored, but this isn't a yappy breed. This African breed was bred to hunt and guard their homes.
Many new owners hear “socialise, socialise, socialise” but with Border Collies, too much socialisation can do more harm than good. Flooding a young dog with endless new people, dogs, and situations often overwhelms them. Instead of building confidence, it can create reactivity and nervousness.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
The most difficult age for a Border Collie is typically adolescence, roughly between 6 to 18 months, characterized by hormonal changes, increased independence, fear periods, heightened sensitivity to movement, and a potential "loss of recall," making training feel like starting over, though patience and consistency are key to navigating this challenging "teenage" phase.
Lurchers tend to have a short, easy-care coat that requires minimal grooming, appealing to those seeking an attractive but low-maintenance dog. Their energy levels are moderate, needing daily exercise but without the extreme demands of a traditional Border collie, making them versatile companions for many home types.
If you're interested low-energy, non-shedding breeds, consult our guide to find out which canine companion is right for you.
Yorkshire terrier:
Hence, a Yorkie can be a perfect match for docile tempered dog breeds like Mastiff, Border collie, and Great Dane who are known for their obedience.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and Shih Tzu, all known for their laid-back, affectionate, and easygoing temperaments, thriving on companionship over high activity.
Popular Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for Busy Owners
10 aggressive dog breeds
The Border Collie is widely recognized as the dog breed with the highest "IQ," consistently ranking first in intelligence studies for their exceptional ability to learn commands quickly (under 5 repetitions) and obey them (95%+ of the time). Other top breeds include the Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Doberman Pinscher, all known for their trainability and problem-solving skills.
According to this study, the naughtiest dog breed is (drum roll please) the Japanese Spitz, with 86.67 hashtags or mentions noting unruly behavior. For those who haven't heard of this breed, they are tiny little white marshmallow fluff-balls who are cousins to the Pomeranians.
From toy breeds to large breeds and everything in between, here are the top dogs to potty train!
Some of the most common include: