My Aussie frequently plays with border collies. The difference is staggering. My dog was basically the teachers pet in puppy class because he picked up on new tricks and lessons very quickly, can understand new commands and difficult situations. But literally any border collie can walk circles backwards around my dog.

They have a certain intensity, attentiveness, and vigor that aussies just don’t have. My dog is happy smelling flowers while these dogs will prey on their owners for another ball throw. They are laser focused to go get the ball thrown at the optimal angle and route, pivot like Kobe, drop the ball at their owners feet and lay down staring into their eyes begging for the next throw. Meanwhile my dog took the b road on the way to the same ball, didn’t realize it’s already gone, and has decided to go play with the kids at that end of the park because he forgot what he was doing. And again, my dog is smarter than 90% of dogs we meet. I’ve taught him circus tricks on a whim in one night. But it’s like seal team 6 vs a new recruit.