Border collies get a lot of heaping praise for being super-smart, clever, inventive, resourceful and just all-around impressive. But is the adulation really all that warranted?

Why yes, yes it is. Case in point:

Border Collie Dave "never puts a foot wrong" and can even navigate around puddles despite his blindness - leaving vets completely baffled by his condition.

Owner Jane Downes, 69, said that Dave always comes when called and will happily play with other dogs despite his retinas being completely undeveloped - making him even more remarkable.

A top UK vet has declared Dave a "medical mystery" after confirming that the pooch - believed to be between five to seven years old - is fully blind.

Jane, who owned Dave for almost a year before making the discovery, said: "No one's got any answers. It's just a conundrum.

That's right: Dave is so naturally skilled that his own owner didn't realize he was blind for nearly a year.

Most dogs can barely keep it a secret when they piddle on the carpet. Dave, meanwhile, can move through the world with grace, dignity and adroitness even as he remains afflicted with a significant disability.

We should all strive to live our lives by Dave's the Dog's example.