Gordon Setter

AKC Group: Sporting

Club: Gordon Setter Club of America, Inc.

Corresponding Secretary : Mary Leonard
Address: 698 Cheeseman Rd, Saint Louis, MI , 48880-9497
Website: www.gsca.org
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The Gordon Setter is a good-sized, sturdily built, black and tan dog, well muscled, with plenty of bone and substance, but active, upstanding and stylish, appearing capable of doing a full day's work in the field. He has a strong, rather short back, with well sprung ribs and a short tail. The head is fairly heavy and finely chiseled. His bearing is intelligent, noble, and dignified, showing no signs of shyness or viciousness. Clear colors and straight or slightly waved coat are correct. He suggests strength and stamina rather than extreme speed. Symmetry and quality are most essential. A dog well balanced in all points is preferable to one with outstanding good qualities and defects. A smooth, free movement, with high head carriage, is typical.

Size:

Size --Shoulder height for males, 24 to 27 inches; females, 23 to 26 inches. Weight for males, 55 to 80 pounds; females, 45 to 70 pounds. Animals that appear to be over or under the prescribed weight limits are to be judged on the basis of conformation and condition. Extremely thin or fat dogs are discouraged on the basis that under or overweight hampers the true working ability of the Gordon Setter. The weight-to-height ratio makes him heavier than other Setters. Proportion The distance from the forechest to the back of the thigh is approximately equal the height from the ground to the withers. The Gordon Setter has plenty of bone and substance.

Coat:

Soft and shining, straight or slightly waved, but not curly, with long hair on ears, under stomach and on chest, on back of the fore and hind legs, and on the tail. The feather which starts near the root of the tail is slightly waved or straight, having a triangular appearance, growing shorter uniformly toward the end.

Temperament:

The Gordon Setter is alert, gay, interested, and confident. He is fearless and willing, intelligent and capable. He is loyal and affectionate, and strong-minded enough to stand the rigors of training.

History:

The Gordon hails from Scotland, and his ancient lineage traces back to the early 17th century. Popular among hunters of Scotland, the black-and-tan Setter came into prominence in the kennels of the fourth Duke of Gordon in the early 19th century. Early Gordons were described as "easy to break and naturally back well...not fast dogs, but...good staying powers" and endurance, seldom "making a false point or a sensational stand." Notable for their beauty as well as their bird sense, Gordons were imported to America by George Blunt in 1842, where his popularity soared to the heights enjoyed by the breed overseas.

As field-trials became more popular, the Gordon's popularity waned in favor of Pointers and other flashy, fast breeds, but the breed remained unparalleled as a one-man shooting dog. Due to his retentive memory and keen intelligence, the Gordon needed no retraining with each season, making him valuable as a hunting dog since he improves with age. Gordon breeders, backed by a strong national club in the US, make no distinction between field or show types. The Gordon is heavier than the other setters, and distinctive in color (black-and-tan, easily viewed in light fields and early snow).

Fun Facts:

• The Gordon Setter's ancient lineage dates back to 1620.
  
  
• The Gordon Setter Club of America was formed in 1891.
  
  
• Gordon Setters first started to hunt game birds almost 200 years ago.
  
  
• The Gordon is known for his devotion and loyalty.
  
  
• Gordons are the heaviest of the setters, although the standard permits a considerable size range due to differing preferences between field and bench enthusiasts.
  
  
• Contrary to popular belief, the three setters - English, Gordon, and Irish - are not merely representatives of different colors or varieties within one "setter" heading but are in fact three separate breeds.