The Gordon Setter, in olden times praised as the “black and fallow setting dog” and sometimes called the Black-and-Tan Setter (or less commonly the black-white-and-tan setter), the Scottish Setter, the Castle Gordon Setter or simply the Gordon, is the heaviest of the setter breeds and has been popular among Scottish hunters for centuries. It is the only setter developed in Scotland, and was bred primarily to hunt woodcock, pheasant and partridge. The breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1884 and fully recognized as a member of the Sporting Group in 1892.
Gordon Setters are allowed considerable range in size under the AKC standard, because hunters from different parts of the country prefer their dogs to be of a size best-suited to local terrain. Adult males should stand 25 to 27 inches at the withers and weigh between 55 and 80 pounds; females should be 23 to 26 inches in height and weigh between 45 and 70 pounds. Their silky coat is black with deep mahogany or rich chestnut markings and well-feathered legs. It may be straight or wavy, but never curly, and only needs an occasional brushing to keep it shiny and soft. Their pendulous ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection and accumulation of foreign matter. These large dogs have a tendency to drool. They also tend to be great talkers, with an amusing “vocabulary” of vocalizations.
The origin of the Gordon Setter dates back to at least the early 1600s. The breed came into prominence in the early 19th century in the kennels of Alexander, the Fourth Duke of Gordon, in Banffshire, Scotland, whose name now adorns the breed. He concentrated on creating a stronger, slightly smaller but more powerful version of the typical setter of his day – one more suited to the rugged terrain in northern Scotland. He sacrificed
The Gordon Setter is a calm and even-tempered dog who usually looks as if he is deep in thought. Despite their serious nature, they are definitely playful and as puppies can be clumsy and rambunctious. Like their setter cousins, the Gordon requires a lot of outdoor activity to remain happy and healthy, and are well suited for people with active lifestyles. Gordons will want to be included in all family activities. Though reserved around strangers
Gordon Setters are tall and slender, with a feathered black and tan coat. They are the most distinct breed of all setters, as they are only setter breed to come in black and tan, and they are also the heaviest of all setters. The head is long, chiseled, and large, with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is square and ends in a large black nose with well developed nostrils. The ears of the Gordon are
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