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GORDON SETTER |
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"Black and
fallow" setting dogs have been known in Scotland for at least 350
years. They sprang from setting spaniels. These were crossed with local
dogs to create a type for Scottish hunting conditions. In the 18th century,
the present name was adapted because of the famed dogs kept by the Duke
of Gordon.
An unknown writer
in the late 1700s might well have been talking about a modern dog: "The
Gordon Castle Setters are as a rule easy to break and naturally back well.
They are not fast dogs but they have good staying powers and can keep
on steadily from morning until night. Their noses are first class and
they seldom make a false point or what is called at field trials a sen-sational
stand .... [but] When they stand you may be sure there are birds."
Early kennels
had black/whites, tricolors, and reds as well as the black/tan, but
this last color soon became the most desired—and thus the mark of purity.
Red whelps still may crop up occasionally in a litter, as the standard
warns.
Because of
their handsome looks as well as their field abilities, they were imported
and welcomed into America in the mid-1800s. Their lack of breakneck
speed and breathtaking style to compete with the English Setter and
Pointer at the big Circuit Trials may have been their rescue from the
breed split seen in other gun dogs. They remained a favorite with hunters
who wanted a full game bag. The Gordon is a handsome competitor in the
show ring. They make a good showing in the AKC field trials, and there
are a few duals.
Gordons are
the heaviest headed of the setters, showing some flew, and long, low-set
ears. His typical setter nature allows the weekend hunter to have a
house pet as well. He does tend to be a bit more suspicious of strangers
than the other setters and serves well as a home guardian.
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