Gordon Setter

Description: A good-sized, sturdily built, black and tan dog, Gordon Setters are well muscled, with plenty of bone and substance. The Gordon Setter is a tireless worker and enjoys abundant exercise and attention. They are a better watch dog than the other setters, making them a loyal and protective pet. They are lovable, friendly, intelligent dogs who are sensitive and gentle. Type: Gun Dog

Height: 24.5 – 26 inches Weight: 56 – 65 lbs.

Colors: Deep, shiny coal black, without rustiness, and with lustrous tan (chestnut red) markings; black penciling on toes and black streak under jaw permissible. Coat: Short and fine on head, fronts of legs and tips of ears; moderately long over rest of body, flat and free from curl.

Temperament: Gordon Setters are obedient, loyal With Children: Yes, but may be too enthusiastic for younger children. With Pets: Yes, friendly but likes to take charge Special Skills: Family pet and field sports dog.

Watch-dog: High Guard-dog: Medium – High

Care and Exercise: Moderate coat care is necessary. Check the Gordon Setters ear passages on a regular basis. Trim the excess hair beneath the ears to avoid infection. Plenty of regular exercise is necessary to maintain a well-balanced, manageable dog. Long walks and runs are suggested. Training: Gordon Setters can be stubborn on occasion, but if you are consistent and loving in your approach they are not difficult to train. Learning Rate: High, Obedience- Medium, Problem Solving – Medium

Activity: Indoors – Medium, Outdoors – Very High Living Environment: Gordon Setters can adapt to city living but will do much better in the country. A home with a fenced yard is essential. Owners of a Gordon Setter should desire an active dog who requires a regular exercise and does not like to be left alone.

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy.

Life Span: 10 – 12 years Litter Size: 8

Country of Origin: Scotland History: It is possible there were black and tan setters in Scotland long before Gordon Setters were developed by the Fourth Duke of Gordon in the late 1700’s. They were bred to be a sportsman dog that would have great stamina. The first import to the United States was by George Blunt and Daniel Webster in 1842.

First Registered by the AKC: 1878 AKC Group: Sporting Group Class: Gundog Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 7), KC(GB), UKC