Did you know?
According to Veterinary Pet Insurances, the top 3 most popular names for a male dog are Max, Buddy, and Jake.
The 3 most popular female names are Molly, Maggie, and Daisy.
Gordon Setter
The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to his level of sagacity, but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his. – James Thurber
Black and tan setters have been known in Scotland for hundreds of years. “Setting dogges” is an ancient term used for setters who can be seen in early 15th century art depicting dogs that are discernible as being of a “setter type”. The Setter’s ancestors include the land and water spaniels of Spain, the Spanish Pointer and the English Springer Spaniel. The setter’s function is to hunt for quail, pheasant and grouse by ‘setting’ game birds for the hunters’ nets.
Alexander, the fourth Duke of Gordon is credited with developing the breed into a working setter during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Once known as the Gordon Castle Setter, the Gordon Setter was bred to be a sportsman’s dog. He is a bird dog and was bred to find and point game birds for the hunter. The early Gordon Setters may also have done some sheep herding.
The Gordon Setter is the heaviest of the setters, developed to work in dense undergrowth and over uneven ground. A sturdy, well-muscled dog, he has the stamina to search for his quarry over rugged highland terrain. The adult Gordon Setter stands up to 27 inches (69 cm) tall and weighs up to 75 pounds (34 kg). His coat is shiny coal black and has rich chestnut-red markings. He has long hair or feathers on his chest, body, legs, and tail, and requires regular brushing.
Photos displayed courtesy of Brigitte Grisé, Gordonstar Kennels, Quebec
Like the other setters, the Gordon Setter is known for his expressive face and exuberant, enthusiastic personality. And like the other setters, he takes two to three years to mature and is a fun-loving and playful pet.
He is a spirited animal with boundless energy who thrives on human companionship and attention. Gordons are intensely loyal to their owners and need an attentive, loving home environment. They are good family dogs and as such, should not be left alone for long periods.
A loyal, devoted, and loving dog, he makes a better watchdog than the other setters as he is naturally a little wary of strangers. The Gordon Setter gets along very well with children when raised with them and is naturally protective of them. During his long puppyhood, he may be a little too large and rambunctious or boisterous for very young children.
This dog requires an outlet for his tireless energy. Plenty of good romping room and long runs will ensure that he remains healthy, well-balanced, and manageable.
The Gordon Setter is intelligent, but he also has a mind of his own and can be stubborn. Blind obedience has never been the setter style. He does best with a consistent and loving approach to training which should begin early.
Young dogs who are still growing should not be subject to intensive exercise or begin agility training until they are at least 18 months old.
A fenced backyard is best as Gordons are apt to wander especially if they are following an interesting scent.
In addition to being treasured companions, Gordon Setters today excel in field work, agility, and tracking.