Gordon Setter: Characteristics, Exercise, Health

Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

AKC Ranking: 88

Also Known As: Black and Tan Setter

About Gordon Setter

Origin The Gordon Setter was originally developed in Scotland in the 1600's and was later made popular by Duke Alexander the 4th of Gordon in the late 1700's. Description The Gordon Setter has a robust, tall, slender structure, a massive head, and fully developed lips. It is the only black & tan setter. It is a tall, slender dog with a lovely feathered coat. The head is long, chiseled and massive, with a very pronounced stop and a large-nostrilled black nose.

The long, slightly pointed ears hang flat beside the head. The oval eyes are dark brown. The well-feathered tail is thick at the root, tapering to a fine point. The front legs should be large-boned and straight.

The soft, glossy coat may be straight or slightly wavy, with profuse feathering on the legs, feet, underside, ears and tail. The tail feathering should create a triangular silhouette. The color should always be black with clearly differentiated tan markings.

Height

Dogs 24-27 inches (61-69 cm.);
Bitches 23-26 inches (58-66 cm.)

Weight

Dogs 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg.);
Bitches 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg.)

Personality

The Gordon Setter is devoted, loyal, courageous, cheerful, affectionate, obedient, intelligent, willing, polite, gentle and sensible. They are pleasant companions that are excellent with children as well as gifted hunters. Tends to be reserved with strangers. It may become jealous of other pets, but is generally good with them. Puppies may seem somewhat uncoordinated.

The Gordon Setter is not recommended for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and does best with at least a large, safely fenced yard where it can run free and roam around.

Training & Exercise

All setters need a daily long, brisk walk or they will become restless and difficult to manage. In addition, they will also enjoy running free in the safety of a fenced yard. These dogs often have minds of their own, so train early before bad habits set in.

Training these dogs is certainly not difficult, provided you take into account that it can be stubborn on occasion. They call for a handler who is both consistent and loving in approach. This dog should be introduced to all situations (people, animals and things) as a young pup to produce a well-balanced dog.

Grooming

Regular combing and brushing of the soft, flat, medium-length coat and bathing / dry shampooing when necessary are all that is required to keep it in excellent condition. It is important to check for burrs and tangles. The hair on the bottom of the feet should be trimmed the nails clipped. This average shedder needs extra care when shedding.

Health Issues

Some are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, gastric torsion (bloat) and eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.

Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years.

Breed Club:  www.gsca.org

Rescue Link:   www.gsca.org/Rescue/rescue.html