Chaser the Border Collie

Chaser was a Spartanburg native, a beloved member of the Pilley family, and research assistant to Dr. John W. Pilley, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Wofford College. Professor Pilley and Chaser gave the world scientific affirmation that dogs are not only smarter than many think, but capable of much more through groundbreaking research and her unprecedented learning of over 1000 objects, which were her toys. Chaser had the largest tested vocabulary of any animal on the planet, bringing her international fame and the title of "the smartest dog in the world." Her learning methodology was play, reflecting Dr. John W. Pilley, Jr.'s view that all creatures can learn and that when learning does not take place, the methods must change.

Spartanburg, South Carolina · United States