What Herding Dogs Can Teach Us About Genetics, Intelligence, and Travel Compatibility

Explore the dog genetics behind herding behavior and Border Collie traits—and what this means for pet travel and behavior compatibility today.

Introduction: Why Herding Dogs Are a Window Into Dog Genetics

There’s a reason herding dogs, like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, seem to be a step ahead of their human handlers. Their uncanny intelligence, responsiveness, and work ethic are more than just impressive training results—they’re the product of thousands of years of behavioral adaptation, shaped by selective breeding and genetic evolution.

Now, a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances reveals the genomic blueprint behind these behaviors. From chase-bite motor patterns to heightened spatial memory and human-directed problem solving, researchers are beginning to decode what truly makes a herding dog tick—and what this might mean for dog genetics, herding behavior, and even pet travel and behavior compatibility today.

The Origin of Herding Behavior: From Wolves to Border Collies

The story of herding behavior starts deep in dog history, long before the rise of modern breeds. Early humans selectively bred dogs that showed signs of cooperation, trainability, and the ability to manipulate livestock without harming them. This selection gradually amplified certain behaviors—like stalking, chasing, and staring—while minimizing others, like killing or eating prey.

The result? A group of breeds with unparalleled motor control, self-restraint, and an intuitive grasp of human commands. The American Kennel Club classifies 32 official herding breeds, including the Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois. Though their origins span continents, their working behaviors are strikingly similar—a sign that evolution has favored specific genetic paths across populations.

What Genomic Studies Reveal About Behavioral Adaptation

While genetic studies have long been used to understand canine morphology—like coat type or skull shape—behavior has remained a more elusive frontier. That’s because behavior is complex: shaped by both nature and nurture, and influenced by training, environment, and social interaction.

To crack the code of canine behavioral genetics, scientists sequenced the whole genomes of 551 dogs across 12 herding breeds, plus 91 nonherding breeds as controls. Using powerful statistical tools like XP-CLR and XP-EHH, they scanned 50 million genetic variants to find signs of “selective sweeps”—regions of the genome that have been favored through evolution.

Their findings? Herding breeds share common selective signals linked to genes that control cognitive function, social interaction, and motor learning. These weren’t random accidents of evolution—they were carved into the dog genome by thousands of years of purposeful human selection.

EPHB1: The Genetic Switch Behind Herding Precision

One gene stood out above the rest: EPHB1. This gene encodes a receptor involved in axon guidance—a process that shapes how brain cells connect and communicate.

In working-line Border Collies, EPHB1 showed strong signs of selection. A specific version of this gene, or “haplotype,” was found in over 84% of working-line Border Collies but only 22% of show-line collies. Even more fascinating, this same haplotype appeared in a genetically distant breed—the Entlebucher Mountain Dog—suggesting gene flow or convergent evolution tied to herding.

What does EPHB1 do? In mice, it’s associated with locomotor hyperactivity and spatial memory. In dogs, it likely plays a role in their ability to navigate complex terrain, respond to directional cues, and inhibit impulses—like chasing too hard or nipping too roughly.

In short, EPHB1 may be one of the core genes that define herding behavior.

Border Collies: The Divide Between Show and Work

Modern Border Collies come in two varieties: working-line and show-line. While both fall under the same breed name, their genetics—and behaviors—are diverging.

Working-line collies are bred for instinct, drive, and problem-solving ability. Show-line collies are bred for appearance: coat quality, head shape, and adherence to AKC conformation standards.

Genome-wide studies revealed over 170 SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) that distinguish these two groups. The working-line collies showed enrichment in genes tied to cognitive control and motor precision, while show-line collies had stronger signals in genes controlling facial and cranial structure.

This split isn’t just theoretical—it plays out in real behavior. Show-line collies are often more reserved, calmer, and less reactive to moving objects. Working-line collies? They’re relentless, focused, and sometimes too smart for their own good.

Across Breeds: Genetic Sharing Among Herding Dogs

It wasn’t just Border Collies showing these selective sweeps. Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and others all carried overlapping regions in genes tied to learning, spatial awareness, and impulse control.

One of the most surprising findings? Genetic introgression—or gene flow—between distantly related breeds like the Border Collie and Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Despite their different geographies and ancestry, they seem to have inherited a common genetic toolkit for herding. It’s like evolution said, “This works—let’s use it again.”

These discoveries reinforce the idea that herding behavior isn’t just trained—it’s built into the dog’s biology.

What Dog Owners Say: Linking Genes to Behavior in Real Life

The study didn’t stop at sequencing. Researchers turned to a large-scale behavioral survey called Darwin’s Ark, where owners rated their dogs on traits like sociability, biddability, and toy-directed motor patterns.

Dogs carrying the EPHB1 herding haplotype were significantly more likely to:

• Engage in chase-bite behaviors

• Fixate on toys or moving objects

• Show “laser focus” during play or work

Even when comparing mixed-breed dogs, the presence of this gene predicted higher engagement in herding-like behaviors, especially with toys. Border Collie owners weren’t just imagining their dog’s obsession with frisbees—it’s written in their DNA.

This kind of research is transforming how we understand dog behavior, and could someday lead to better breed-matching, training methods, and even behavior-informed pet relocation plans.

Why These Findings Matter for Pet Travel and Breed Compatibility

For pet relocation experts—and responsible owners—knowing your dog’s genetic traits is essential.

A dog with a strong herding background might:

• Get anxious in crowded airports

• Fixate on fast-moving luggage carts

• Respond intensely to new environments without structure

At 0x Cargo Pet Travel, we recognize that behavior isn’t random. When we help relocate a pet internationally, we tailor the experience not just to the dog’s size and health—but also their temperament and instincts.

Whether you're moving a relaxed Golden Retriever or a high-drive Border Collie, we provide:

• Customized travel crates for behavioral comfort

• Airport handlers trained in breed-specific responses

• Quiet waiting zones for anxious or reactive dogs

• Post-arrival integration tips based on breed and background

Your dog’s genome is part of their journey—and we’re here to honor it every step of the way.

Conclusion: The Herding Dog’s Legacy Lives On

Herding dogs aren’t just smart—they’re a triumph of evolutionary design. Their behaviors, once shaped by sheep fields and open pastures, now offer a fascinating window into the genetics of intelligence, learning, and human-dog cooperation.

The discovery of genes like EPHB1 opens new doors—not just for scientists, but for pet lovers, trainers, and relocation experts. Understanding your dog’s biology can help you train better, travel smarter, and build a deeper connection with your canine companion.

So next time your dog crouches low, eyes locked on a tennis ball—remember: that’s not just play. That’s thousands of years of selection, echoing through your backyard.

And wherever your journey takes you, 0x Cargo Pet Travel is here to make sure your dog’s instincts, comforts, and unique behaviors come along for the ride.