Appearance

The Gordon setter is a large-sized, sturdy built, black and tan dog, well-muscled, with plenty of bone and substance, but active, upstanding and styli8sh, appearing capable of doing a full day’s work in the field. Although uncommon, the red Gordons are occasionally born to normal-colored parents, the result of expression of a recessive gene. Their coat is straight or slightly wave, but not curly, long and silky, with chest, stomach, ear, leg, and tail feathering.

History

The Gordon Setter is a member of the setter dog family, which are often used to hunt game. Originally called the “black and fallow setting dog,” the Gordon Setter hails from Scotland and owes it ancient lineage back to the early 19th century of the Spanish pointers and English spaniels. The breed came into prominence when the 4th Duke of Gordon set out to establish the breed officially at his castle in Banffshire, Scotland. Native to Scotland, these black-and-tan Setters, now known as the Gordon Setter, were bred specifically to hunt game, especially grouse. Since the Gordons have more stamina than other hunting, breeds they do well on the moors and are reputed to bring home birds than other sporting dog breeds, though they may take longer in the field. Due to their retentive memory and keen intelligence, the Gordon’s popularity soared after being imported in 1842 and did some field-trials. They don’t need retraining with each session, making them a valuable hunting dog and proved to be the best one-man shooting dog.