History of the Gordon Setter Breed
The black and tan setter was found in Scotland in the 1600s. It wasn’t until the late 1700s that this breed was established as the Gordon Castle setter due to the fact that Duke Alexander the 4 th of Gordon kept several of these dogs at his castle. The tradition to breed the finest setters continued with the Duke of Richmond after Duke Alexander’s passing. Around 1900, the Gordon setter’s name was changed back to the black and tan setter, but was restored to the name Gordon setter when the breed was registered with the English Kennel Club. There is little division between the working breed and the show breed of this dog. One of the first breeds to be officially recognized by the AKC (in 1892), the Gordon setter was brought to America in 1842 by George Blunt and Daniel Webster. Although a favorite of hunters for its keen sense of smell, the Gordon setter is not as fast as other setter breeds. Its methodical manner of hunting has set it apart as a one-man shooting dog. As a pet, it has lacked the popularity found in other setters, but the Gordon setter does have a steady following.
Size and Appearance of the Gordon Setter Breed
With a sturdy build and well-developed muscles, the Gordon Setter is square-proportioned and full of strength and stamina. It is a slender and tall dog that features a beautiful, feathered coat. The straight front legs feature large bones, while the hindquarters are strong and muscular. Catlike-shaped feet are formed with well-arched, close-knit toes featuring longer hair in between. The dark brown eyes are oval and offer an intelligent, bright expression. The well-folded ears are quite large and thin and are set low on the head. The muzzle is quite long and broad, and it features a broad black nose with open nostrils. The strong teeth meet in a scissors bite. The neck of the Gordon setter is long and lean, arching to the head. The tail is short and tapers from the thick base to a fine point. This breed has a free-swinging gait that is bold and strong. The coat is shiny and soft, and the hair can be straight or slightly waved. Longer hair is found on the ears, on the chest, under the stomach, on the back of all four legs and on the tail. The base color of the coat is black with tan markings that are considered to be either a chestnut or mahogany color.
Gordon Setter Temperament
Loyal and obedient, the Gordon setter makes a wonderful companion and an intelligent, disciplined hunter. This breed is generally good with older children, but can be somewhat overly enthusiastic with little ones. It might have a tendency to be jealous of other pets, but overall there shouldn’t be a problem, especially if it is introduced to other pets when it is a puppy. Early training and socialization of this breed is important, and handling should be done with a loving, consistent approach. The Gordon setter can be very protective of its family. It tends to be reserved with strangers and aggressive with other dogs at times. This breed enjoys the company of its family and is a lively, energetic companion.
Gordon Setter Recommended Maintenance
The coat of the Gordon setter is relatively easy to maintain. Brush or comb the coat on a regular basis (at least two to three times per week) and be sure to check for and remove tangles and burrs. Extra grooming is needed when the dog is shedding. Use dry shampoo and bathe only when necessary. Keep the hair between the toes trimmed and clip the nails on a regular basis. To avoid infection, check the ear passages frequently and trim the excess hair under the ears. This breed is considered to be an average shedder. The Gordon setter may be prone to bloat, so it is best to feed two or three small meals a day as opposed to one large one. This breed does best in a home with a large fenced-in area and is not recommended for apartment dwelling. While relatively inactive indoors, the Gordon setter needs plenty of daily exercise, consisting of long, brisk walks and energetic play sessions. If the dog does not get sufficient exercise, it may become restless and difficult to handle. This dog likes to divide its time between indoors and outside. It does well in temperate climates, but enjoys spending time with its family.
Gordon Setter Health
Life span: 10 – 12 years
Major concerns: CHD, gastric torsion
Minor concerns: PRA, elbow dysplasia
Occasionally seen: cerebellar abiotrophy
Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye
