Some people might say that on the barometer of intelligence, English Setters fall squarely in the “average” category for dog breeds. What these people overlook, though, is that what constitutes “intelligence” in the canine universe is not as simple as one, two, three. Unraveling the intelligence quotient of an English Setter opens up a world of delightful discoveries.
Start by picturing the scenario: a quiet house, a lazy afternoon, and a thunderstorm brewing outside. A sudden rush of wind, a flash of light, and then the first crack of thunder. People might jump, children might cry, but what about the dog who was peacefully napping on the rug? She perks up her ears, glances around, and then saunters over to the linen closet fetch her own thunder jacket. To many, this may sound like a scene out of a Disney movie, but for English Setter owners, it’s just another day in their lives!
Having described the scene, let’s dive into the exploration of English Setter’s intelligence by first understanding a crucial fact: Dog intelligence isn’t about scoring high on a standardized test or solving complex puzzles. It’s a rich blend of instinctive behavior, adaptive learning, obedience, problem-solving skills, and sensory perception. And when we take a magnifying glass to the English Setter’s abilities in these areas, we discover a far more nuanced, deep, and impressive intellect than that “average” label suggests.
Firstly, this breed, a fine hunter from centuries back, displays excellent instinctive intelligence. This isn’t about knowing how to sit or fetch; it’s about innate behaviors that the dog was bred for. In the case of an English Setter, it was setting, that is, locating and pointing to game birds so that the hunters could throw their nets.
Today, while many English Setters may never sniff out a pheasant or duck in their lives, this ancient instinct persists in fascinating ways. They are hardwired to choose a high vantage point in the house – a picture window, a hill in your backyard, or a convenient perch on the back of your couch. From these watchtowers, they’ll assiduously keep an eye on the comings and goings – all the while with an intense but poised comportment.
This instinctive intelligence also gives them an edge in adaptive learning and problem-solving. They are quick to notice patterns and routines, swiftly catching on to the cause-and-effect in their daily environment. This explains the dog who fetches his thunder jacket when a storm is on its way. Or the one who trots over to the fridge knowing you’ll be getting out his favorite treat when your favorite TV show begins.
Speaking of obedience, it’s an area where English Setters don’t necessarily top the charts initially. They are not willful or disobedient, mind you; it’s just that their natural enthusiasm sometimes overrules their obedience impulses. These pooches remain puppy-like in their exuberance longer than most dogs. But, on the flip side, once they mature and with proper training, they follow commands remarkably well.
One thing that is crucial when training these dogs is to keep it fun. Because of their innate playfulness, they respond much better to positive reinforcement methods rather than a strict-cumbersome regime. Their brain is like a sponge that absorbs faster when acts of learning are combined with play.
English Setter’s sensory perception is another area where they shine. They have an uncanny sense of smell, being able to sense a familiar or an unfamiliar scent from afar. Apart from that, their sense of sound and sight is also highly developed which is why you might see your pooch suddenly get distracted by a bird flying afar.
The ability to tune into a wide range of sensory input makes them attuned to humans’ emotional states. So, if you are feeling blue, it’s more than likely your English Setter will seem unusually gentle and affectionate. If you are excited about something, expect your setter to join in your jubilations with leaps and tail-wags!
So, where does all of this leave us? Is an English Setter smart? Well, if you expect a dog that always listens the first time and performs complex tasks with military-like precision, then the English Setter might not be a top pick. But if you prefer an intelligent dog who’s inquisitive, intuitive, instinctive, and empathetic; a dog who quickly learns the ropes of the household, makes connections, solves problems, and also loves to play, then you’ll likely find the English Setter a very smart indeed.
In conclusion, while it’s true that intelligence in dogs, just like in humans, can’t be boxed into narrow definitions, we can certainly agree that English Setters hold their own when it comes to intellect. Perhaps the best testament to their smarts comes not from scores and ratings but from the stories of thousands of English Setter owners who share delighting narratives of their dogs’ clever behaviors, inquisitive expressions, problem-solving abilities, and the intuitive insights they offer into their owners’ lives.
