Border Collie 'Recognizes' Uncle Justin Verlander on TV and It's Pure Sweetness

Justin Verlander currently pitches for the Houston Astros, but he's had one very furry fan since his days with the Detroit Tigers and The New York Mets, and that's his dog niece named Lila.

Just check out how smart Lila the Border Collie is when she recognizes her human uncle take the mound!

The adorable video was shared by the TikTok account for @ Ben_verlander , who is the brother of Justin. Watching Lila see her human uncle is just the sweetest thing ever! TikTok viewers agree and one person said, "Pretty good pitcher vs. really good dog." LOL! Another added, "Justin must be a good as person, cause a dog wouldn’t lie.. loves the uncle." She really does, her reaction is everything. I bet these two play some really epic games of fetch together.

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Another Border Collie owner added, "My border collie, who’s never seen a sheep in real life, immediately recognized one on TV. They’re insanely smart."

So how smart are these beautiful dogs? Read on to find out!

How Smart are Border Collies?

Ask any Border Collie owner, and they will be quick to tell you how smart their dog is. These dogs are so smart, that some have even been known to paint pictures and do yoga .

Border Collies are one of the smartest dog breeds, and Border Collies can learn new commands and tricks quickly, often after just a few repetitions. These dogs are bred for herding, so don't be surprised if you adopt a Border Collie and find them herding your other pets, your kids, or even you!

Here's another video of Lila recognizing her famous uncle at just six months old.

Because these pups are so smart, they need a lot of both physical and mental stimulation, because when they get bored, which can easily happen to smart dogs that like performing jobs , they can get destructive. Consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best with Border Collies due to their sensitivity and eagerness to please. They love pleasing their owners and they are great with reading both verbal and nonverbal cues, which make them pretty easy to train.

The American Kennel Club says, "Early socialization is especially vital with the Border Collie , entailing positive exposure to a wide variety of people and situations from early puppyhood through about seven months. Obedience training that starts early and continues throughout the BC's life will keep him happy and provide needed mental stimulation. Border Collies are highly intelligent and highly trainable and are superstars at canine activities such as herding, obedience, and agility. Due to their tendency to herd animals and people, they do best with older, well-behaved children."

If you are looking for a dog to adopt who may also end up being a fan of watching baseball, the Border Collie may be for you! Check with your local shelter or breed specific rescue to see availability in your area.