Would an Abyssinian learn clicker tricks faster than a laid-back British Shorthair?

Yes, almost certainly. Abyssinians are one of the most intelligent, high-energy, and curious breeds. They thrive on mental stimulation and will pick up clicker training quickly because they’re naturally eager to figure out puzzles and earn rewards. A British Shorthair, on the other hand, is more independent and less driven to please. They can learn tricks, but it takes more patience and higher-value treats because they’d rather nap than work for a clicker. If speed is your goal, go with the Aby.

Compare the prey drive. Abyssinians were bred to hunt, so clicker training taps directly into that instinct-they’ll chase the sound like a reward cue. British Shorthairs evolved as mousers that conserve energy, so they’re less reactive to rapid-fire signals. In practice, an Abyssinian might learn “sit” in three sessions; a British Shorthair could take ten, not from stupidity, but because they don’t see the point in rushing.

Abyssinian wins on raw speed. Their brain craves puzzles like a dog craves fetch-immediate, intense focus. British Shorthair learns at its own pace, if it bothers at all. One example: an Abby might master "high five" in one session, while a British Shorthair might give you a slow blink and walk away.