Border Collies are quite smart, that's part of the reason they excel at Training/Agility Competitions.
My Golden, on the other hand is about as smart as a Box of Rocks, but lovable nonetheless.
Perhaps you misunderestimate your Golden's intelligence. S/he is smart enough to get out of a heck of a lot of work assignments you've tried giving him/her. That's pretty smart, IMO.
"Fetch? You talkin' ta me? I ain't got a clue, honey. Pass me another one a' those buscuits, wouldja?"
My sis in law has a golden, they are lovey puppies! However, we nicknamed him baby hugie because he doesn't realize how big and powerful he is and will knock you down when trying to greet you!
I'll stick with collies, and agree they are really smart...
Jiust about the the time I'm beginning to think that I am the smartest little sob to come down the street he shows me different.
We have our own vocabulary/word set.
'Hook-up" means get on leash, etc.
Duke the dog is a good old boy.
regards,