Australian Cattle Dogs, also called Blue Heelers, are smart. Ten-month-old, spayed Starbucks is ready to demonstrate that. The spark in her eyes, her attentive expression, the way Starbucks watches and analyzes indicate her potential. That means that Starbucks needs to live with someone who appreciates and understands her.

Canine psychologist, Dr. Stanley Corin, says Heelers possess all three forms of canine intelligence. They’re obedient, learning new commands in five repetitions and obeying 95 % of the time. They have instinctive intelligence. They know to nip the heels of cattle they’re herding. And they have adaptive intelligence. They solve problems.

But brilliance brings challenges. Starbucks needs stimulation and attention. Even if she’s smart enough to operate a remote control, Starbucks could never be a couch potato.