Everyone thinks his or her dog is the smartest. Of course, all dogs are intelligent: How else can you explain the fact that they pretty much loaf around while we work for them?

Poodles are renowned for their extraordinary intelligence. But there is arguably one smarter breed. And that is the Border Collie. Their main schtick is herding farm animals. But here’s a neat article about Radar, a border collie who keeps runways clear of birds--”sandhill cranes, ibis, turkey vultures and almost every variety of egret, heron, and duck”--at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida.

According to the Naples Daily News, Southwest Florida International Airport hired well-named border collie Jet in 1999 to clear runways. Radar took over when Jet retired.

Of course, I’m retired. And I’m just two years old. So who’s the smartest?!?

Until next time,

Mr. Dibs