The Gordon Setter originated in Scotland at least 350 years ago. His
name comes from the Duke of Gordon who bred many fine specimens of the breed
during the early 1800s. The Gordon is an unbeatable one-man shooting dog
but is less popular than other hunting breeds because he is slower in comparison.
He tends to quarter thoroughly and work close to the gun. His untiring energy
and stamina enable him to work for long periods of time without fail. Gordon
Setters were introduced to North America in the mid-1800s and officially
recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1892.
The Gordon Setter has a quiet and serene dignity. He is wary of strangers
but has an almost fanatical devotion to his family. As a hunting dog, he
needs adequate exercise.
The Gordon Setter's head is broad, large and finely chiseled. It is the
heaviest of the setter group. The skull is rounded and broad between the
ears. It is lean both above and below the eyes with narrow cheeks. There
is a definite drop off (stop) between the skull and muzzle. The muzzle is
fairly long and the same length as the skull. The top of the muzzle is parallel
to the line of the skull. The eyes are oval and dark brown in color. The
ears are long, set low, and covered with long, wavy hair. The teeth are
strong with a scissors bite being preferred. The chest is deep and reaches
to the elbow. The back is strong and fairly short. The tail reaches no lower
than the hock and is carried horizontally. It is well feathered with coat.
The coat is soft and shiny, straight or slightly wavy, but never curly.
It is a sleek black color with deep mahogany markings. The division between
black and mahogany is well defined with no blending of color. Featherings
on the legs and tail are long and fine. Average weight is between 45 and
80 pounds. Average height is between 23 and 27 inches.
Name withheld by request of Switzerland writes:
Great companion.
Gordons are one of the best dogs for a house with children. I am a seventeen-year
old girl and my first dog was a girl Gordon Setter. I was eight when we
got her and she is still with us and going out for one-mile walks two times
a day with our other Gordon. They are very energetic but they can adapt
to a apartment with exercise. They are protective but don't snarl and lunge
at people on a walk. At times Gordons can be aggressive to other dogs of
the same sex. Be aware that some lines can have a lot of hair and therefore
need grooming three to four times a week. Our three-year-old male does not
have very much hair and only needs grooming once a week. Caution: this breed
loves mud. In spring ours need to have a bath after every walk because they
literally roll in the mud. I rated this breed four stars because the only
problem they have is being extremely headstrong. Our female knows all the
basic commands and a few of my own but she will pretend not to know them.
Our male is the same but not to that extent.
bob@bertramstudio.com of Manchester, MO writes:
Great breed if you are a devoted owner.
We just acquired our third Gordon and we just love the breed. You are
in for a wonderful experience, but you have to give the breed a lot of exercise
and attention. This is a breed that really makes a great family dog if you
have a big yard. They enjoy people and if you give them plenty of walks
or exercise then they are super in the house. They love our family but bark
at strangers who get near the yard. I am hooked on Gordons!
alwight1@msn.com of Washington writes:
Outstanding companion!
I am a true dog lover. My Gordon Setter was my heart and soul. He was
my constant companion and never once left my side. He was the kindest, most
gentle dog I have ever owned. His loyalty to me was undaunting. He literally
spoke with his eyes. He was a very vocal boy and loved to "talk."
He was my fireside companion too. When I injured my back, he carried firewood
for me piece by piece. There was not a person that could stay away from
him when they saw him. His beauty was unmatched and he knew it. I eventually
lost him to bone cancer but I will never ever forget him. I am anxiously
awaiting my new Gordon Setter puppy. I can honestly say that if you are
considering getting a Gordon, do it! Excellent companion and excellent family
member.
jadom@ibm.net of Chicago, IL writes on 2/8/01:
Handsome, loyal, funny - and all dog.
Our Gordie is all dog. Don't consider the breed if you're not ready to devote
time and energy to it. One great thing about Gordon Setters is that they
haven't been overbred - you won't see yourself coming or going with this
handsome dog at your side. This is not a 'docile' dog. That's not to say
that it isn't loyal, affectionate or trustworth. It needs its exercise and
is most beautiful when running free. Four walks a day - at least - and plenty
of room to run is what this great dog needs. It gets pouty and bored without
it. I've heard so many reports of Gordies ending up in shelters, abandoned,
etc., and I think it's because this dog is not like a piece of furniture
- it has a very distinct personality, it's extremely intelligent and has
a great sense of humor...but, again, it needs to be able to run, wants lots
of love and attention, too. There's nothing more beautiful than watching
a Gordie run! So - if you want a real dog and are ready for a real handful,
this dog may be for you.
ppolomom @www.com writes on 2/15/00:
Gentle with everyone, dedicated, smart, chilldlike.
I have the pleasure of owning three Gordon Setters, all from different litters.
They are so alike in nature, and personality. Their closeness is that of
a child. Their eyes can speak for them. There is no signs of meaness in
them. Their cleverness to work thing out for themselves is remarkable. They
can be shrewd if need be. Stays close to one special person, but gives affection
to whoever wants to receive it.The instinct to hunt comes natural, but I
do not hunt them, they are my babies