About the Gordon Setter

Gordon Setters were initially bred as bird dogs, for hunting birds like pheasant and quail. Although the hunting instinct remains strong in the breed, Gordons are equally at home as companion dogs, obedience and agility competitors, and show dogs. Gordon Setters are alert and lively, pleasant, and exceedingly loyal. They tend to be devoted to members of their household but are not overly friendly to strangers. As a general rule, Gordons tend to tolerate attention from people they do not know rather than seeking such attention. Gordons are highly intelligent dogs, as quick to spot an advantage as to spot game.

AKC Group

Sporting

Height

23 – 27 inches

Weight

45 – 80 pounds

Lifespan

12 – 14 years

History of the Gordon Setter

Literature tells us that the Setter was in existence as early as the 1500s or early 1600s. The name “Setter” was coined because the dog would locate a bird and “sit” or lay down, showing the hunter where the bird is and the hunter would throw a net over the dog and bird.

The major differences between the Setter breeds is the terrain in which it hunts. The Gordon, being heavy-boned and square, suggests strength and stamina rather than speed over the craggy terrain of Scotland.

Alexander Gordon, 4th Duke of Gordon, established his kennel of Black and Tan Setters at Gordon Castle, which was situated near Fochabers, not far from the River Spey and a few miles from the coast of Moray. The exact date when this occurred is not known.

These first Setters looked more like the field English Setters. The Duke crossed the Setters with the flat-coated black and tan Collie. These dogs were good for hunting and herding. Other breeders used Bloodhounds, black Pointers, and solid black Setters.

The First documented import of Gordon Setters to the US was in 1842 when George Blunt of New York brought Rake and Rachael. Rachael was given to Daniel Webster.

General Appearance

The Gordon Setter is a good-sized, sturdily built, black and tan dog, well-muscled, with plenty of bone and substance. The Gordon is 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 a 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. On a scale of 100 points, Size and General Appearance are worth 15 points.

Height & Weight

Males stand 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, while females; females measure 23 to 26 inches in height. Weight for males is 55 to 80 pounds, and 45 to 70 pounds for females.

Proportion & Substance

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. 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.

Coat Texture, Color & Markings

Texture: 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. Heavily coated dogs require grooming beyond brushing and bathing. Hair beneath and between the toes should be trimmed. On a scale of 100 points, coat is worth eight points.

Colors

• Black with Tan Markings, either of rich chestnut or mahogany color. Black penciling is allowed on the toes. The borderline between black and tan colors is clearly defined. There are no tan hairs mixed in the black.

Markings

• Rich Chestnut
• Rich Mahogany

A Note About Color: The Gordon Setter is black with Tan Markings, either of rich chestnut or mahogany color. Black penciling is allowed on the toes. The borderline between black and tan colors is clearly defined. There are no tan hairs mixed in the black. The tan markings are located as follows: (1) Two clear spots over the eyes and not over three-quarters of an inch in diameter; (2) On the sides of the muzzle. The tan does not reach to the top of the muzzle from one side to the other; (3) On the throat; (4) Two large clear spots on the chest; (5) on the inside of the hind legs showing down the front of the stifle and broadening out to the outside of the hind legs from hock to the toes. It must not completely eliminate the black on the back of the hind legs; (6) On the forelegs from the carpus, or a little above, downward to the toes; (7) Around the vent; (8) A white spot on the chest is allowed, but the smaller the better. Disqualification: Predominantly tan, red or buff dogs are ineligible for showing and undesirable for breeding. On a scale of 100 points, color and markings are worth five points.

Head

• Skull: The head is deep, rather than broad, with plenty of brain room. The skull is nicely rounded, good-sized, broadest between the ears. Below and above the eyes is lean and the cheeks are as narrow as the leanness of the head allows. The head should have a clearly indicated stop.
• Eyes: Of fair size, neither too deep-set nor too bulging, dark brown, bright and wise. The shape is oval rather than round. The lids are tight.
• Ears: Set low on the head, approximately on line with the eyes, fairly large and thin, well folded and carried close to the head.
• Muzzle: Fairly long and not pointed, either as seen from above or from the side. The flews are not pendulous. The muzzle is the same length as the skull from occiput to stop, and the top of the muzzle is parallel to the line of the skull extended.
• Nose: Broad, with open nostrils, and black in color. The lip line from the nose to the flews shows a sharp, well-defined, square contour.
• Bite & Teeth: Strong and white, meeting in front in a scissors bite, with the upper incisors slightly forward of the lower incisors. A level bite is not a fault. Pitted teeth from distemper or allied infections are not penalized.

Tail

The tail is short and not reaching below the hocks, carried horizontal or nearly so, not docked, thick at the root and finishing in a fine point. The placement of the tail is important for correct carriage. When the angle of the tail bends too sharply at the first coccygeal bone, the tail will be carried too gaily or will droop. The tail placement is judged in relationship to the structure of the croup.

The Gordon Setter – What to Consider?

Gordon Setters are wonderful family dogs and personal companions. Many Gordons are great talkers. They can develop quite a vocabulary with various tones to express themselves. Constant wagging of the tail seems to be part of their style as well. Gordon Setters thrive when they share both hearth and field with their owners. They do not enjoy being part of a kennel string. Gordon Setters do shed, so if you are looking for a breed that does not, this is not a breed for you.

Gordon Setter Health

Gordon Setters are basically healthy dogs. Still, as with many other breeds, Gordons are subject to a few health concerns. Screening is available for many of these conditions. The Gordon Setter Club of America participates in the OFA CHIC program and believes in health testing and research.

Lifespan: Gordon Setters can live into their late teens, but most live 12-14 years.

Potential Health Risks

The Gordon Setter Club recommends that all Gordons be screened for the following:

• Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: Abnormal joint development.
• Eye Disorders: A non-painful condition that causes blindness later in life. Annual eye exams are recommended.
• Bloat: Gordons are also prone to “bloat” (gastric dilatation volvulus) and to several other hereditary disorders.
• Cerebellar Degeneration: A very small number of Gordons can inherit this condition which causes an uneven gait and the dog to fall. There is a test for this disease to eliminate it in breeding programs.

Gordon Setter Personality

Alert, gay, interested, and confident, the Gordon Setter is fearless and willing, intelligent, and capable. He is loyal and affectionate, and strong-minded enough to stand the rigors of training. He is noble and dignified, showing no signs of shyness or viciousness. On a scale of 100 points, temperament is worth 10 points.

Gordon Setter Feeding & Nutrition

Gordon Setters should be fed a high-quality diet with balanced nutritional levels. Gordons do best with twice a day feedings. Dogs should not be allowed to be over or underweight.

Gordon Setter Training

There is no denying a Gordon would prefer to stay a “puppy” forever, but with proper techniques, a young Gordon can be trained without breaking his spirit. Gordons are highly intelligent dogs, as quick to spot an advantage as to spot game, and basic obedience training will make your Gordon a better companion and a better canine citizen. Although Gordons are bright, they are not blindly obedient and may seem stubborn. Firmness and consistency are the keys to handling Gordons; harsh treatment is NEVER necessary. Obedience classes, ranging from puppy kindergarten to advanced competition, are available in most areas through local kennel clubs and/or professional training organizations.

Gordon Setter Exercise

Gordons are capable of adapting to a variety of living situations, as long as they are assured of the love of their owners. They do, however, need plenty of daily exercise to maintain peak physical and mental condition. Gordons need a safe, fenced area in which to run and play, and/or should be taken for frequent on-leash walks or exercised in a safe space, under control, never unsupervised.

Gordon Setter Grooming

Daily brushing is recommended as is monthly (or more frequent) bathing. Heavily coated dogs require grooming beyond brushing and bathing. Frequent nail trims, routine ear cleaning, and routine tooth brushing/cleaning are also necessary. The hair beneath and between the toes should be trimmed. Many owners who do not show their dogs seek out the assistance of a professional groomer to keep their dogs looking nice and keep shedding to a minimum.

Living with a Gordon Setter

Gordon Setters are great family dogs. They are devoted to the members of their household, and often have a “favorite.” Gordons are not blindly obedient and can come across as stubborn. Training must be an integral part of Gordon Setter ownership. Gordons are happy, they can be vocal, and they are usually very sweet.

Gordon Setter Puppies

There is nothing cuter than a Gordon Setter puppy. They can wrap you around their paw in no time flat.

Caring for a Gordon Puppy

To build the foundation for a well-trained adult, the Gordon Setter puppy must be trained with gentle consistency from the time it is very young. The Gordon puppy should be vaccinated according to your veterinarian’s protocol. After vaccination, the puppy should be exposed to other dogs, children, and everyday things they may encounter.

Gordon Setters Activities & Sports

Gordon Setters are seen in a variety of organized events, including:

• Conformation
• Hunt Tests & Field Trials
• Obedience: Many Gordons have achieved high-level Obedience and Rally titles
• Agility
• Tracking
• Nose Work
• Dock Diving
• Fast CAT
• CGC
• Trick Dog

With proper training, a Gordon can pretty much do it all!

Group Classification & Standards

The Gordon Setter is recognized by the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:

The ideal Gordon Setter is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Breed Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:

Gordon Setter Clubs

The Gordon Setter Club of America has over 800 members and governs the Standard for the breed. There are many events held under the auspices of the club. The club has non-profit foundations for both Rescue and Health. There are also five Independent Gordon Setter Specialty Clubs. A newsletter is published eight times a year.

Gordon Setter Rescue Groups

The Gordon Setter Club of America has a National Rescue Coordinator who works with Gordon Setter Rescue Regional Coordinators to find and foster homeless Gordons. Dogs are evaluated in foster homes and are placed in vetted homes. The club always attempts to find the breeder of a dog. The process for placing dogs means that the club re-homes very few dogs after rescue placement.

Gordon Setter Facts

(Courtesy of the Gordon Setter Club of America Illustrated Standard)

• Breed Recognition: In 1862, dog show classes were for English, Irish, and Black and Tan Setters. The British Kennel Club made them an official breed in 1872 as the black and tan.
• Name Change: In 1924, The Kennel Club of England changed their name to Gordon Setter. They thought there was a connection to the Castle Gordon Setters. AKC changed to the present name in 1892.
• First Import: The first documented import was in 1842 when George Blunt of New York brought Rake and Rachael to the US. Rake was curly coated, white with a black saddle and tan points. Rachael was black and tan.
• Famous Friend: Rachael was given to Daniel Webster.
• Lifelong Involvement: Charles T. Inglee had a lifelong involvement in Gordons. He revived the Gordon in 1920 by importing from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. He kept very good records of his litters. When he retired in 1935, he had 300 litters and 40 champions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do Gordon Setters need a lot of exercise?

Gordon Setters are bred to run and find birds. Even if your dog will never be used as a hunting companion, it will still need a lot of exercise. Sitting in the backyard does not count as exercise.

How much grooming does a Gordon Setter need?

With the long coats that are common with Gordons, weekly brushing and combing is a must to avoid matting and knotting of their coats. It is also very important to keep their nails, and the hair on the bottom of their feet and between the toes, trimmed, otherwise it may cause their feet to breakdown.

I don’t think I have ever seen a Gordon Setter, are they hard to find?

Gordon Setters are a little difficult to find. AKC Marketplace may have listings for Gordon Setter puppies. The Gordon Setter Club of America Breeder Referral Coordinator keeps a list of members expecting puppies. Periodically, rescue dogs become available around the country. There may be a great opportunity to adopt one of these dogs.

My Gordon drinks a lot of water. Is it diabetic?

Gordon Setters—even puppies—love to drink water. Your vet can examine your dog for diabetes, but that is not common in Gordon Setters.