Side-by-Side IQ Profile
The English Setter, ranked #37 by Coren for working and obedience intelligence, presents a thoughtful cognitive style according to The Cosmic Pet Pet IQ Lab. They achieve a 4/5 in problem-solving, indicating a strong ability to navigate complex situations and devise solutions, often with a measured, graceful approach. Their training speed also stands at 4/5, showing a readiness to learn and respond to consistent instruction.
With a 4/5 in memory, English Setters retain learned behaviors and experiences effectively, building a reliable understanding of their world. Their social intelligence and instinctive drive both score 3/5, suggesting they integrate well into family dynamics and possess a focused, yet often composed, hunting instinct.
The Brittany, with an impressive Coren rank of #19, showcases a highly agile and responsive cognitive makeup. They score 4/5 in problem-solving, signifying a keen intellect for quickly assessing and overcoming obstacles, making them exceptionally resourceful. Their training speed also hits 4/5, highlighting their eagerness and aptitude for rapid learning.
Where the Brittany truly excels is in its memory, scoring an outstanding 5/5, allowing for remarkable recall of complex information and patterns. Like the Setter, their social intelligence and instinctive drive are rated 3/5, indicating good social awareness and a powerful, energetic drive for their traditional roles.
Where English Setter Wins Cognitively
While the Cosmic Pet Pet IQ Lab scores reveal close parity in many dimensions, the English Setter’s cognitive strengths often manifest in a distinct, advantageous manner for owners who value a more contemplative intelligence. With a solid 4/5 in problem-solving and a robust 4/5 memory, English Setters demonstrate a thoughtful, deliberate approach to novel challenges. They excel at deciphering complex sequences and retaining nuanced information, often preferring to analyze a situation before acting. This measured application of their cognitive skills, supported by their elegant demeanor, allows for sophisticated, precise training that prioritizes sustained attention and graceful execution.
Where Brittany Wins Cognitively
The Brittany's cognitive profile shines with an exceptional 5/5 in memory, a standout trait that grants them a remarkable capacity for recall that surpasses many breeds, including the English Setter. This superior memory allows them to retain vast amounts of information—from intricate scent patterns to complex multi-step commands—with incredible accuracy and longevity. This ability to instantly access and apply past learning gives them a significant edge in environments requiring rapid adaptation and precise execution. Coupled with a 4/5 in problem-solving and training speed, this enhanced memory contributes significantly to their higher Coren rank of 19, making them exceptionally responsive and versatile partners in demanding activities.
Which is Easier to Train and Why
Both the English Setter and Brittany score an impressive 4/5 in training speed, indicating they are both quick to grasp new concepts. However, the Brittany’s unparalleled 5/5 memory gives it a distinct advantage in terms of retention and reliability of learned behaviors. While an English Setter learns quickly and remembers well (4/5 memory), a Brittany is more likely to recall commands with near-perfect precision and consistency, even after long periods or in highly distracting environments. This exceptional memory means less refreshing of old lessons and a faster progression to advanced, layered training for the Brittany. Their eagerness to please, combined with sharp recall and often intense focus, generally translates into a more seamless and rewarding training experience, especially for owners who enjoy pushing the boundaries of canine learning.
Which Suits Active Owners vs. Relaxed Owners
For owners seeking a companion with boundless energy and a constant drive for engagement, the Brittany is often the more suitable choice. Their robust 3/5 instinctive drive, combined with superior memory and quick problem-solving, means they thrive on consistent, challenging mental and physical stimulation. They are ideal for active individuals or families who participate in dog sports, hunting, or enjoy extensive outdoor adventures, requiring a partner that can keep pace and eagerly tackle new challenges. In contrast, the English Setter, while certainly an active breed with a 3/5 instinctive drive, often exhibits a more balanced energy level. They appreciate vigorous exercise but are generally more content to settle into a relaxed home environment after their needs are met. This makes them a potentially better fit for owners who enjoy activity but also value a calmer, more serene presence indoors, without the relentless demand for 'what's next' that can characterize some Brittanys.
The Verdict
Choose an English Setter if you appreciate a thoughtful, elegant companion with strong problem-solving skills and a balanced energy level that allows for both spirited activity and serene companionship.
Opt for a Brittany if you desire a highly responsive, exceptionally sharp-minded dog with outstanding recall, ready for demanding physical and mental challenges, and who can thrive with consistent engagement.
🧠 Find Your Pet's IQ Score
Our Pet IQ Lab assessment covers 25+ tests across 5 cognitive dimensions — personalized to your breed.
Take the Full IQ Test →Frequently Asked Questions
Are English Setters good family dogs?
Yes, English Setters typically possess a gentle and amiable temperament, making them wonderful family companions. Their 3/5 social intelligence allows them to integrate well into household dynamics, often forming strong bonds with children and other pets, provided they receive appropriate socialization.
Do Brittanys need a lot of exercise?
Absolutely, Brittanys are energetic sporting dogs with a strong instinctive drive (3/5) that necessitates significant daily exercise. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, their sharp minds and bodies can become restless, potentially leading to undesirable behaviors.
How do the Coren ranks relate to their IQ scores?
The Coren rank provides an overall measure of a breed's working and obedience intelligence, largely reflecting their ability to learn and obey commands quickly. While individual IQ dimensions like problem-solving and memory offer a more granular view of specific cognitive strengths, a higher Coren rank (like the Brittany's #19) generally suggests a quicker overall learning aptitude compared to a lower rank (like the English Setter's #37) in standard obedience contexts.