Family: Setter
Breed Group: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting
Origin: Scotland
Date of Origin: Early 17th Century
Originally used for: Hunting and sporting
Used today: Hunting, sporting, and companion
Other Name(s):
History of the Breed: Named after the Duke of Gordon, it was originally called the Gordon Castle Setter. This breed is heavier than
the other Setter breeds. The Gordon has an excellent nose and was developed to work in the harsh environment of Scotland. Daniel Webster brought this
breed to America in the 1840s. Gordons were bred as bird dogs and it is believed that both the Colley and the Bloodhound make up its blood line.
General Appearance: The Gordon Setter is a large sturdily built, black and tan dog that is well muscled, with plenty of bone and substance.
The head is deep rather than broad. The dark brown oval eyes are of fair size. Ears are set low on the head and are large and thin
and carried close to the head. The skull is large rounded and broadest between the ears. The head should have a clearly indicated stop.
The muzzle is fairly long and not pointed and is of the same length as the skull the nose is broad and has open nostrils.
The body is short from shoulder to hips and the chest is deep and reaches to the elbows. The tail is short finishing in a fine point and does
not reach below the hocks and is carried horizontal. The black with tan coat is soft and shining with long hair on the ears, under the stomach
and on the chest, and on the back of the fore and hind legs.
Height & Weight:
Height 23-27 Inches
Weight 45-80 Pounds
Coat: Soft and shining, straight or slightly waved, with long hair on ears, under stomach and on chest, on back of the fore and hind legs, and on the tail.
Color: Black with tan markings, either of rich chestnut or mahogany color.
Grooming needs: Medium
Temperament of Breed: They are lovable, friendly, and intelligent dogs.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, they are a very friendly dog
Suitability as a watchdog: Yes
Exercise Level: High, this breed can become difficult to handle if it is not properly exercised
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, bloat
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 12-13 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 88
First Registered by the AKC: 1878
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Gordon Setter Club of America, Inc.
The British Gordon Setter Club
The Gordon Setter Club of Canada