The Secret Language of Border Collie Eyes

👋 Hey, Jei here! Welcome to a 🔒 subscriber-only edition 🔒 of the Border Collie Newsletter. Each week, I share expert tips, engaging stories, and essential advice to help you keep your Border Collie happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated.

Have you ever been captivated by your Border Collie's unwavering gaze? Their eyes communicate more than words ever could, revealing intelligence, emotion, and a deep bond with their human companions. This week we’ll explore the fascinating ways Border Collies use eye contact to connect, communicate, and collaborate.

In this issue:

• 👀 How Border Collies use their intense stare to communicate and herd.

• 🧠 How their sharp eyes reflect their problem-solving abilities and emotional depth.

• 📚 Techniques to deepen your connection with your Border Collie through meaningful eye contact.

— Jei Meininger

But before we dive in, the Border Collie of the week is… Winnie!

“Winnie is such a smart Border Collie! She’s always ready to play or learn a new trick, and her cuddles are the perfect way to unwind after a long day.” - Austin

Do you want your Border Collie to be featured next week? Just send a picture and a short description to [email protected], and your pup could be showcased! 🐶✨

I remember the first time I experienced the focused gaze of a Border Collie. I was at a sheepdog trial, seated on a weathered bench, when a sleek black and white dog approached me and locked eyes with an intensity I had never felt before. The stare was so piercing that I instinctively looked behind me, wondering if the dog was focused on someone else. If you own a Border Collie, you probably know this feeling—no matter where you go or what you do, your dog is always watching, always predicting your next move.

The Science Behind the Bond

As mammals, both humans and Border Collies share a remarkable genetic connection—about 84% of our genes are identical¹. However, this doesn’t mean we are 84% identical in every way. For perspective, humans share 60% of their genes with bananas, but we are clearly not 60% banana! Genes are just a blueprint; the way they express themselves varies greatly.

Because we share a closer common ancestor with dogs than, say, birds, our ability to communicate with them is more natural. This is why, thousands of years ago, early humans began sharing food with wolves, leading to their domestication. Over time, selective breeding created different breeds suited for specific tasks—some bred for companionship (hello, Golden Retriever owners!) and others for intelligence and agility. Enter the Border Collie.

The Power of "The Eye"

Dogs primarily communicate using body language—posture, tail movement, and ear positioning all convey meaning. Border Collies take this a step further with their intense gaze, a herding technique known as "the eye." Unlike other breeds that bark or bounce for attention, Border Collies often just stare. And that stare has power.

In human culture, direct eye contact can signal confidence or respect, but it can also feel confrontational. In the canine world, prolonged staring is usually a threat—except for Border Collies, who use it as a tool to control livestock. Their unwavering gaze intimidates sheep into moving exactly where they want them to go, or freezing them in place. Even Border Collies puppies without herding experience display this instinct, whether they’re gently guiding children around the house or subtly steering other dogs during play.

The Border Collie Mind: Problem Solving and Prediction

Border Collies are among the most intelligent breeds in the world. Their intelligence is not just about obedience—it’s problem-solving, strategic thinking, and even manipulation. A friend once shared a story:

This kind of cleverness comes from their ability to observe before acting. While some dogs react impulsively, Border Collies tend to assess a situation, recognize patterns, and respond strategically. Whether it’s figuring out how to open doors, mastering puzzle toys, or anticipating your next move, their minds are always engaged.

The Vision of a Border Collie: Seeing the World Differently

Although both humans and dogs rely on vision, their perception differs significantly. Humans have trichromatic vision, allowing us to see a full spectrum of colors. Dogs, however, have dichromatic vision, meaning they primarily see blues and yellows while struggling to distinguish reds and greens (which appear as muted browns or grays).

Yet what they lack in color perception, they make up for in motion sensitivity. Border Collies’ eyes contain a high density of rod cells, which enhances their ability to detect movement—even in low light. This is crucial for tracking sheep, responding to subtle handler cues, or even noticing a flick of an eye.

Another advantage Border Collies have is their field of vision. Humans typically have a 180-degree field of view, whereas Border Collies have an astonishing 250-degree range. This means that even when they seem fixated on one thing, they are still highly aware of their surroundings—an essential skill for herding.

The Double-Edged Sword of Intelligence

While a Border Collie’s intelligence is a marvel, it can also be a challenge. Without sufficient mental stimulation, they can develop compulsive behaviors like excessive staring at objects, shadows, or even imaginary things.

We’ll discuss these issues and potential solutions in more detail in a future article. If you notice this kind of behavior, it’s important to seek guidance from a veterinarian or other qualified professional who can help address underlying issues and ensure your Border Collie’s well-being.

However, be careful not to misinterpret natural herding instincts as unhealthy behaviors. Just as some hyper-specialized breeds, like Bulldogs, suffer from respiratory issues due to selective breeding, Border Collies have been bred for extreme working abilities. This can sometimes result in herding behaviors manifesting in unsuitable settings.

Here is an example of a Border Collie overdoing it by trying to herd his owner:

The Emotional Language of the Border Collie Gaze

Not all Border Collie stares mean the same thing. Here’s how different emotions are conveyed through their gaze:

• Happiness: A soft, warm look, often with a relaxed brow.

• Excitement: Wide, bright eyes that flick between you and the object they desire (like a frisbee or treat).

• Frustration: A narrowed stare with a furrowed brow, as if saying, “Why isn’t this working?”

• Curiosity: Quick, darting glances taking in new sights or sounds.

• Deep Connection: A lingering, thoughtful gaze that feels almost human.

Strengthening Your Bond Through Eye Contact

The relationship between humans and Border Collies is unique. Unlike their wolf ancestors, who interpret direct eye contact as a challenge, Border Collies have evolved to use eye contact as a form of social bonding—just as humans do.

A 2015 study found that mutual gaze between humans and dogs triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone."² This is the same biological response that occurs between mothers and infants. Another 2018 study in Animal Cognition revealed that Border Collies are particularly adept at interpreting human eye contact, able to distinguish even subtle changes in gaze direction or intensity.³

But here’s what most owners don’t realize—this works both ways. If you know what to look for, you can start decoding your Border Collie’s gaze, unlocking another level of interaction. Here are the best techniques to develop this skill:

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