Gordon Setter breed: the dignified and tireless hunting dog of the Scottish dukes

Gordon Setters have a loyal and affectionate temperament. They are not only beautiful but also intelligent and eager to please their owners. However, due to their high energy levels, they are not suitable for just anyone.

The Gordon Setter is not only an excellent hunter but also stunningly beautiful and intelligent. They are often depicted in old paintings with a pheasant or other bird in their mouth, standing and observing with dignity. Sensitive creatures, they can also be quite willful. As the largest representative of the Setter breeds, they make great family pets as well as field companions.

History of the Gordon Setter

In Scotland, black and tan dogs were known as early as 1620, but it was their presence in the kennels of the 4th Duke of Gordon 200 years later that made them popular. The Castle Gordon Setters not only possessed first-class hunting abilities but were also beautiful. They were described as “Not fast dogs, but tireless, and they can persist from morning until night. Their noses are first-rate, and they rarely mislead.” The distinctive feature of this Scottish hunting dog is that when it finds its prey, it starts circling around it, thus holding it captive. It is believed that the breed might have developed from the English Bloodhound and the Scottish Collie.

From the former, it might have inherited the habit of hunting with its nose to the ground, unlike other Setters. Early historians noted that one of the Duke’s shepherds had a Scottish Collie who often found game more successfully than the Setters. Over time, this female dog was regularly allowed to participate in hunts and was later introduced into the Duke’s kennel, where she was bred with the most successful Setters. Her name was Colley, suggesting that she was a Scottish Collie.

Early Gordons could be black and white, tricolor, or red, but the Duke allegedly preferred the black and tan dogs, making this color variant dominant over the years. When the Duke died in 1827, his heir, the Duke of Richmond, took over his kennels.

Between 1859 and 1874, England’s Kennel Club registered 126 black and tan setters in its studbook. In June 1859, at the first official dog show, a black and tan setter named Dandie won the first prize among setters. Dandie’s lineage could be traced back to the Duke of Gordon’s kennel. The breed was officially named the Gordon Setter in 1924.

Gordon Setter breed standard

The Gordon Setter is an elegant, large hunting dog, described by its standard as “born to gallop.” It is well-balanced with a proportional build. The back is short, strong, and well-lined. Tail is relatively short, straight or slightly sword-shaped, tapering towards the end. The head is long with an intelligent expression. Eyes are dark brown, not too deep-set, nor protruding. Ears are set low, hanging close to the head, thin, and of medium size. The bite is scissor-like. Neck is long, arched towards the head. The front legs are strong and straight. Loin is slightly arched. The hind legs are long and muscular. Paws are oval with well-arched, tightly closed toes. The pads are thick and full.

Coat is fine and short on the head, the front of the legs, and the ends of the ears, while on the rest of the body and legs, it is moderately long, smooth, and free from curls and waves. The hair on the upper part of the ears is long and silky, as well as on the back of the hind legs. Color of the breed is glossy jet black with tan markings above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, the throat area, and the legs. White markings may appear on the chest. The height at the withers is 62-66 cm, and the weight is approximately 25-29 kg. Expected lifespan is 10-12 years.

Character of the Gordon Setter

Active, well-muscled, and work-loving, the Gordon Setter would remain a puppy for its entire life if it could. Gordons mature late and often stay young at heart. The breed is intelligent, gentle, and loyal, making an excellent family dog. However, due to their high exercise needs, they are not suitable for everyone. Owners must ensure they get adequate physical and mental stimulation. They are kind and non-aggressive but can be aloof with strangers, preferring the attention of their family over others.

Ideal environment

The Gordon Setter requires 1-2 hours of intense exercise daily and thrives in a home with a large, fenced yard where it can expend its energy. An active family is essential, as running around the yard alone is not enough for this breed. It is important to know that they are very affectionate and need a lot of attention, though they are never demanding. They are prone to separation anxiety and can become destructive if left alone for long periods.

The Gordon Setter requires a firm hand during training, but not so much as to hurt its sensitive nature. Consistent, firm, and fair training using positive reinforcement techniques will prevent it from becoming dominant, willful, and stubborn.

This breed is a loving companion and constant protector of children, as well as an excellent playmate. It is generally patient with children, but proper introduction and socialization are important. With proper and thorough socialization, it also gets along well with other pets.

Care of the Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter’s coat should be brushed thoroughly two to three times a week to prevent matting. It’s also important to trim the hair that grows between their paw pads periodically. Keep an eye on their eyes and ears to ensure they are clean. Trim their nails when they get too long. Regular grooming and maintenance of these areas will help keep your Gordon Setter healthy and comfortable.

Common health problems

Gordon Setters commonly face health issues such as elbow and hip dysplasia. They may also suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease. Hypothyroidism and fibrosarcoma can also occur in some individuals. Due to their large size, they are susceptible to gastric torsion (bloat), so owners should always ensure they avoid intense exercise immediately after eating to reduce the risk.

(Literature: János Szinák – István Veress: A világ kutyái I. David Alderton: Kutyák. Joan Palmer: A Practical Guide to Selecting a Small Dog. Dr. Pál Sárkány: Nemzetközi Kutyaenciklopédia. Dr. Klára Király: Versek, legendák és bölcsességek Kutyabarátoknak. Paul McGreevy: Dogs)