Description: Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is a large, elegant, and athletic breed known for its striking black and tan coat and dignified appearance. Originally bred in Scotland for bird hunting, the Gordon Setter is praised for its keen sense of smell, endurance, and loyalty. These dogs are intelligent and affectionate with their families, making them wonderful companions for those who can provide adequate exercise and stimulation. Gordons thrive in active households and enjoy participating in sports or long walks. While they may be somewhat reserved with strangers, they are generally gentle and good with children. The breed can be independent and requires consistent, patient training. Their long, silky coat needs regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Overall, the Gordon Setter is a versatile and devoted dog well-suited to owners who appreciate an energetic, intelligent, and loving companion.
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Properties
The Gordon Setter is a distinguished member of the Setter family, known for its striking appearance, intelligence, and steadfast temperament. Originating in Scotland during the early 17th century, the breed was developed by the Duke of Gordon who sought to create a proficient bird dog that could handle the challenging Scottish terrain. Recognized for its distinctive black-and-tan coloration, the Gordon Setter stands out among other setters due to its heavier build and elegant feathering along the coat, ears, legs, and tail.
The Gordon Setter is a medium to large-sized dog, typically weighing between 45 and 80 pounds and standing about 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder. The breed’s sturdy, muscular frame and deep chest reflect its working heritage, designed to provide endurance and strength during long days in the field. The coat is soft, slightly wavy or straight, and sheds moderately throughout the year. Its rich colors and glossy finish require regular brushing to maintain health and beauty.
Intelligent and eager to please, the Gordon Setter excels in obedience and is quick to learn, although some individuals can be independent-minded. Early and consistent training with positive reinforcement is key to harnessing their natural abilities. Traditionally bred as a hunting companion, the breed is a skilled pointer and retriever with a keen sense of smell. Their stamina and steady pace make them exceptional working dogs—traits still valued by hunters today.
Temperamentally, Gordon Setters are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. They are known to be gentle, patient, and protective, especially with children. However, their energetic disposition means they require significant physical activity and mental stimulation. Without sufficient exercise, they may become bored and develop undesirable behaviors. The breed does best with families who are active and can provide daily walks, playtime, or participation in dog sports.
Health-wise, Gordons are generally robust but, like many purebred dogs, are susceptible to certain genetic conditions including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and some thyroid issues. Their lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 12 years. Routine veterinary care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise help ensure a long, healthy life.
Overall, the Gordon Setter is an intelligent, devoted, and strikingly beautiful breed, well-suited to active households that can provide the companionship and exercise they crave.
Appearance
The Gordon Setter is a striking and elegant breed, renowned for its distinctive appearance and dignified presence. This medium to large sized dog is the heaviest and most substantial of the setter breeds. A mature male typically stands between 24 and 27 inches (61–69 cm) at the shoulder and weighs between 55 and 80 pounds (25–36 kg), while females are slightly smaller and lighter.
The most recognizable feature of the Gordon Setter is its beautiful, silky coat, which is predominantly black with clearly defined, rich mahogany or chestnut markings. These tan markings usually appear on the muzzle, throat, chest, paws, inside the legs, eyebrows, and beneath the tail. The contrast between the glossy black and the warm tan gives the breed a regal, eye-catching look. The coat itself is straight or slightly wavy, with feathering on the ears, chest, stomach, the back of the legs, and the tail, which should not be curly but exhibit a long, flat, and fine appearance.
The breed has a fairly deep, well-defined head with a pronounced stop (the area where the forehead transitions to the muzzle), and broad, long muzzle. The nose is always black with wide nostrils, suitable for their work as scent dogs. Gordon Setters possess large, expressive, dark brown eyes that convey intelligence, alertness, and a gentle temperament. Their long, low-set ears hang close to the head, covered in soft, feathery hair.
The body of a Gordon Setter is athletic and well-muscled, built for endurance and stamina in the field. The breed is slightly longer than tall, offering a rectangular profile. They have a deep chest, strong back, and muscular hindquarters, allowing for powerful movement. The tail, set level with the back, is carried horizontally or slightly upward, medium in length, and adorned with long feathering that tapers towards the tip.
Overall, the Gordon Setter’s appearance reflects grace, strength, and an alert, noble bearing. Their striking coloration, flowing coat, and elegant yet robust build make them unmistakable among sporting breeds.
History
The Gordon Setter is a distinguished breed of gundog originating from Scotland, with a history that dates back to the early 17th century.
The breed is named after Alexander Gordon, the 4th Duke of Gordon, who was instrumental in developing and refining the breed at his estate, Gordon Castle, during the early 19th century. However, setters resembling modern Gordons were present in Scotland prior to his involvement. The Duke’s kennels became renowned for producing dogs that excelled in both stamina and scenting ability, traits highly prized for hunting gamebirds in the rugged moorlands of Scotland.
Early records indicate that Scottish gamekeepers bred black and tan setters by crossing native setters (possibly black and white English Setters) with various spaniel and collie types, seeking exceptional hunting instincts and a rich black-and-tan coloring. By the late 1700s and early 1800s, these dogs were widely recognized for their ability to work in challenging terrain and inclement weather, offering reliable performance over long days afield.
The original breed standard was guided by practical utility over strict aesthetics, though the breed’s glossy black coat with distinctive tan markings became a hallmark. Gordon Setters were markedly heavier and more substantial than their English and Irish Setter cousins, a feature that allowed them to cover rough ground methodically and with purpose. This slower, steady style of working endeared them to Scottish sportsmen who valued endurance over speed.
By 1842, these setters were referred to as Gordon Castle Setters, and they began gaining international recognition as skilled working dogs. The first Gordons arrived in the United States in the 1840s, with the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognizing the breed in 1884. Over time, selective breeding both maintained and enhanced their hunting qualities, while also increasing their presence in conformation show rings.
Today, the Gordon Setter remains a rare and treasured breed, known for its intelligence, affectionate temperament, and versatility as both a hunting companion and a beloved family pet. The breed’s powerful build, loyal nature, and storied heritage continue to be celebrated by enthusiasts around the world.