Setter (Gordon)

The Gordon Setter originated from Scotland in the 1820’s and the original purpose of the breed was to hunt game birds. They usually hunt on grouse, pheasant, ptarmigan, black game, snipe or woodcock. They made their first appearance during 1842 in America and around 1865 in Australia. Although bird dogs at first with excellent hunting skills, Gordons are equally at home as companion dogs and show dogs. A famous poet by the name William Somerville even wrote a poem about the Gordon Setters once.

Gordon Setters are also called "black and tans” because of their coat. They have a coal-black coat with selective markings of a mahogany colour on their paws and lower legs. The mahogany colour also occupies one spot above each eye and two spots on their chest. Their coat is slightly waved, yet long and silky. Their coat will require regular brushing to ensure that it remains free of tangles and some trimming will be necessary on the throat and around the ears and on the feet to keep them tidy. It is necessary to ensure that their feet are kept trimmed, especially because the toes tend to pick up mud and grass seeds. They are the heaviest of the setter breeds weighing up to 80 pounds in weight. Gordons were bred and built to run, an approximate 60 to 80 minutes of vigorous exercise is required daily. To avoid joint problems, young dogs should not be over-exercised. Since Gordons have sharp sense of scent and hunting instincts, they should not be left alone or unsupervised, as there is a possibility that they might wander off on their own following a scent of smell.

The Gordons are very affectionate and loyal to their masters. They are pretty strong-minded to stand the rigors of training too. Gordons thrive in an attentive and fun loving environment; and make for good family pets. Even though they are patient by nature, they may not be suitable for houses with very young children. If a child teases it, the dog will remove itself from the child's reach rather than defend itself by a bark or a growl. Many Gordons are great in communicating; they can develop a vocabulary with various tones to express themselves better. These might include different tones and sounds for looking at the food dish being prepared, wanting a drink, greeting the family members, or warning of any strangers. The constant wagging of their tail is common on most Gordon Setters. Gordons are pretty sensitive but eager to learn. They need a firm yet gentle way of training and handling. Early socialization with other dogs and obedience training is most important. The breed is known to be one of the slowest to mature and will show puppy-like behaviour well into their older years.

Gordons are not prone to hip dysplasia like the other larger breeds. But there are very rare cases of them suffering from the condition. Other health issues include gastric torsion and eye diseases such as cataracts.