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Gordon Setter

If the Irish Setter is the racehorse of the Setters, the Gordon Setter is the hunter.  The Breed Standard describes his appearance as "Stylish dog with galloping lines.  Consistent with its build which can be compared to a weight-carrying hunter."  Although the Gordon Setter will forever be associated with the Dukes of Gordon, there are records of kennels of Black and Tan Setters in the Midlands early in the 18thC.  The first of the breed that was to become the Gordon Setter were obtained by the Duke of Gordon from the future Earl of Leicester; when the Gordon Setter was first recognised by the Kennel Club in 1873 he was classified as the Black and Tan Setter.  It was not until 1924 that an announcement was made in the Kennel Gazette:- "In the list of breeds .... dated 1st January 1924  the Setter (Black and Tan) .... is now officially designated.... "The Gordon Setter" .  No clarification was given, but it was probably because by then most Gordons could be traced back to the Gordon Castle strain.  It was shortly after this in 1927 that the Gordon Setter Club was formed.

He was bred for the grouse moors where he is a powerful and untiring worker, some estimates being that during the course of a day's shooting he could comfortably cover 50 miles.  A strong and intelligent dog he needs equally firm handling.  Of all the Setters the Gordon is the one that will challenge you most for dominance; he responds well to firm and fair handling, but without a strong personality to control him he is an unhappy and confused dog.

Dogs should be 66cm at the withers and up to 65lbs, with bitches slightly smaller. His coat, smooth and flat on the body with extensive feathering in the adult, is his gloriously distinctive feature.  The black is intensely so, rich and gleaming with deep chestnut markings.  The coat does tend to become quite heavy with age and needs a reasonable amount of attention.  To produce the sort of finish that is seen on show dogs requires considerable skill and a book on the breed should be bought if you want to achieve that effect.  Whatever you do, don't hand him over to professional groomer who will take the clippers to him.

The Gordon Setter is a very glamorous dog, but not for the novice; he needs lots of exercise and an owner who is able to dominate him and give him the guidance he needs.

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Gordon Setter click here. 

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Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and your Gordon Setter are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done.  Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

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Gordon Setter Breed Clubs

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Gordon Setter Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own Gordon, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.