Do you have a dog? How many words does he/she understand?
An Austrian Border Collie named Betsy, believed to be one of the world’s most intelligent dogs, understands this many human words:340
According to a recent National Geographic report, Betsy’s comprehension of human words rivals that of non-human primates, in terms of intelligence and logic. This brainy collie just needs to hear a word twice before figuring out that it is a command or instruction. Researchers who have studied Betsy believe that, in addition to her unique skills, Border Collies in general may better understand human vocalizations, since this herding breed historically had to pay close attention to spoken instructions.
This painting was done from a photograph in the national geographic. We had a bundle of old magazines dropped into work, and when I saw this lovely dog in the photo I decided to give it a go. The photo was taken by Vince Musi, here is a link I found about the photographer and the wonderful intelligent Betsy.
The painting is 33cmX49cm ( cut down single watercolour paper, arches) it is watercolour, sennelier soft pastel and conte pastel pencil.
‘Betsy’ watercolour and pastel 33cmX49cm ( photo from national geographic magazine, by Vince Musi )
RebeccaEvans Create 
Betsy is a beauty! Such a clever and endearing girl. You too Rebecca for painting such a becoming portrait for Betsy.
Is it possible Betsy can understand more words then some humans? 🙂
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Too true Susan, I am totally with you on that one.
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Wow – such a great job, Rebecca. Love !
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Thank you cynthia
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Wow, Betsy is beautiful. You have captured her intelligent eyes.
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Thank you Sharon, I really enjoyed painting her.
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Those eyes!!! I’m swooning! This is so well done. 😍
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She is beautiful as well as intelligent, a great combination to have.
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I agree those eyes! 🙂
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Thank you Margaret, they say it is all in the eyes😀
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What a great painting of Betsy! She is very captivating with those bright eyes. I’m not sure how many words my dogs know, they tend to ignore my requests unless a treat or a walk is attached to the words.
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Totally agree Cathe, my dog will do tricks one day, the next she looks at me like…ummm, no not doing, turns her head and looks the other way, lol, that’s respect 😀
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This is really incredible work! Oh, I am so sorry I have a long list of to-dos today but I am so loving your animals. They are really amazing. In every medium(!!!) ❤
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Thank you so much Laura, lovely to see you back, I hope you can get some relaxation in? X
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I’m trying, Rebecca! I could gaze at your animal paintings forever. So much to learn! You do beautiful work. 💜
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Thank you Laura, I should bottle all of your amazing comments, for those times I am feeling defeated. I do love this WP community, so pleased to have found it, I just wish I had more browse time, to properly check out everybody😀😀😀
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I know the feeling re: having time. How could someone with your talent ever feel defeated???? This is a bit mind-blowing. I guess it happens to us all. We all have expectations and a product. Will they match? I don’t think they probably do very often, but what happens is what’s meant to happen. OK I’ve gone off on a tangent. Still sleep-deprived lol. ❤ Glad to be able to encourage you – you deserve it!!!
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Thanks Laura, make sure you get a catch up on that sleep after all the hard work you have been doing 😴
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