Dogs in general are sensitive to scents, in comparison to human beings, but there is great variation among different dog breeds.
The border collie’s sense of smell is excellent. It is thousands of times more sensitive than an average person’s sense of smell but it is also exceptional in comparison to many other dog breeds. Border collies have always been great at tracking, and they can learn to be amazing hunting companions due to their senses and agility.
Dogs’ Olfactory Sense
On average, a dog has 15 times more receptors in its nose and mouth than a human to perceive odors. They dedicate a much bigger portion of their brains than people to interpret the information they receive via the olfactory system. That translates into a sense of smell that is beyond imagination for human beings.
A dog’s sense of smell is a few thousand times more sensitive than ours, according to research.
For us, the sense of smell is mostly complementary, since we rely on seeing and hearing. It is not the case for a dog:
- Dogs can detect if you are stressed or anxious by smelling you
- They can recognize another animal after being separated for years just by smelling them
- Puppies can recognize their moms by scent when placed between a couple of mama dogs.
In other words, dogs’ sense of smell is incredible for a human being, although not impressive compared to some species of animals that thrive in the wild and are not domesticated.
Dog Breeds And Their Sense of Smell
The breed, and how the dog of a particular breed has lived with people or in the wild, strongly determines the acuity of the dog’s sense of smell.
Dogs that have historically been hunters, rescuers, and guarding dogs have the most sensitive olfactory sense, even in comparison to other domesticated canines.
On the other hand, brachycephalic, as well as decorative lap dogs, never had to rely on their sense of smell that much. They are still more sensitive than people but not nearly as sensitive as other dogs.
The Border Collie’s Sense of Smell
Border collies have always been quintessential working and farm canine companions of people. They helped with guarding property, cattle, and livestock. Border collies have also been hunting companions: they do not attack but they are great at tracking and retrieving prey.
Compared to an average dog, border collies have a great sense of smell. They are not as stellar in smelling things as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, labradors, or beagles. However, being the incredible working farm dogs they are, border collies do have extremely sensitive noses.
To Conclude
A border collie’s sense of smell is excellent in comparison to other dog breeds.
Your border collie can guard and protect, hike, herd, and do so many other things to help you, even though the dog is your companion first and foremost. Even if you are a hunter, your herding pet companion will likely excel at helping you, given the border collie’s intelligence.
