haz7dog3 said:
Mr Cwtchy said:
Of your options, Malamute looks the best to me.
But we have a Border Collie at home, who essentially beats every other dog hands down. ^_^
The Collies are unequivocally the smartest breeds of dog, and the best looking (opinion). They are medium-sized, friendly and loyal but demand a lot in return.
Temperament and the needs of the dog are the most important factors that should be considered before taking on a life long commitment. My last dog was an Irish Terrier (also medium-sized) who had a lot of character. He had playfulness, intelligence and stubbornness in equal parts. His needs were a fraction of that of a Collie's. Though I would love to have another Border Collie, I know it would be selfish of me, as I know i don't have the time or space to fully stimulate and care for it. My first Collie demanded constant stimulation, and I dont think I will be able to provide such levels until im retired! (But thats me and my plane of existence...)
I own a Border Collie. Perhaps I should say, I live with her. Terrific dogs, super intelligent, funny as heck...and VERY high energy. A lot of Border Collie owners, myself included, will be the first to caution against getting one unless you're willing to basically make your dog your hobby. Just giving them room to run won't do it, you've got to find a "job" for them to do or they get bored. And you just don't want to see them bored.
Here's my gal, doing her thing. She's a smooth coat (short hair) BC, btw. The (rough coat) seem to be more popular these days, for all that rough coat is a recessive trait. My mum-in-law grew up in Northumberland (near the English/Scottish border that their name comes from) and she tells me that the working collies up there were all short haired.
And here she is, finally tuckered out. Give her 15 minutes, she'll be back at it again.
Final comment: mine was a rescue. It's not true that if you want a specific breed that you have to go to a breeder. Not to say that getting a mutt is bad, either-- I've owned and loved mutts, too (had a German Shepherd mix that was every bit as smart as my BC)