The Gordon is considered to be the heaviest of the Setters.
Alternate Names
Black and Tan Setter
Scottish Setter
He is originally from Scotland and is named after the duke of Gordon.
Appearance:
Body: Short, strong and straight back, deep chest, well-sprung ribs, deep brisket, and lean arching neck.
Coat: Long, silky and flowing. Straight or somewhat wavy but not curly.
Color: Coal black with tan feathering or black, white and tan.
Ears: Medium length, low set, thin but large and feathered with long hair.
Eyes: Dark brown, oval-shaped, intelligent, not too deep and not protruding.
Feet: Compact and cat-like, with well-arched toes and full pads.
Head: Heavy and deep, slightly rounded skull with clean stop, long muzzle, and large black nose.
Legs: Forelegs are large, straight and heavily-boned with strong upright pasterns. Hindquarters are muscular with well-bent stifles and straight, well let down hocks.
Neck: Long, narrow and arched.
Size:
Weight: 45 – 80 pounds (20.4 – 36.3kg)
Height: 23 – 27 inches (58.4 – 68.6cm)
Tail: Straight, short and curved tapering to the tip and with beautiful feathering.
Behavior
Recommended for novice dog handlers
Not recommended with other pets – may become jealous of your time
Good with children if raised with them from an early age
Michele Welton, author of Your Purebred Puppy says, “The handsome, well-muscled Gordon is the most alert, serious, and sensible of the setters, a graceful yet powerful dog who enjoys hiking, biking, jogging, and field work as regular exercise.”
AKC Standards say, “The Gordon Setter is alert, gay, interested, and confident. He is fearless and willing, intelligent and capable. He is loyal and affectionate, and strong-minded enough to stand the rigors of training.”
The Gordon Setter is a good and loyal family dog. He is mischievous, demanding, protective of his family and craves the attention of his owner almost to a fault. His devotion to his owner is unsurpassed but he won’t quickly warm up to strangers and guests.
The Gordon has a laid back attitude but don’t be fooled, he is well known as an escape artist. Be sure he is securely confined or he will be on the loose.
He requires early obedience training and continued socialization from an early age. This is a sensitive dog who responds best to patient and positive training methods. Harsh treatment will only instill a stubbornness in him that will be difficult to reverse. With his sharp memory he is likely to remember everything he learns including bad treatment and bad habits that will be nearly impossible to break him of.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Sporting Group
Used to hunt, point and retrieve game birds such as partridge, pheasant, and woodcock.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Lots of exercise is required for this robust and energetic dog. Daily runs and good hard play time is a must.
Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly and keep his ear canals clean and dry.
Gordon Setters can go for hours at a time without water while hunting. Once home from the hunt water him moderately and towel dry him including his ear canals. Check him over for injuries and for fleas, ticks or other parasites that he will likely have picked up.
Health
Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 Years
Possible Problems:
Bloat
Low Thyroid
Recommended Certificates:
CERF (eyes)
OFA (hips)
Country of Origin
Scotland – 1800s