Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter breed of dogs date back many years. These gorgeous, hunting and working dogs are known to be the largest of all the setter breeds. They are an active breed that love nothing better than being active and busy. Not only are they very intelligent dogs, they are also very loyal to their human families. They make fantastic pets especially as they keep some of their puppy characteristics through to adulthood. Over recent years, the popularity of the Gordon Setter has dwindled. Because of this, they are now classed as a vulnerable, native breed.
Key facts about the Gordon Setter
Origins and history
Black and Tan setters were discovered in Scotland, way back during the 15th century. This is where they first took their breed name from, the Gordon Castle Setter. His previous ancestors may have been bloodhounds, or colleys, which could account for his unique colouring. Although he isn’t as fast as the English Setter when hunting, nonetheless his skills do include tracking, pointing and retrieving game birds.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 2 : British and Irish Pointers and Setters
Physical characteristics of the Gordon Setter
Adult size
Female : Between 24 and 25 in
Male : Between 25 and 27 in
Weight
Female : Between 55 and 57 lb
Male : Between 64 and 66 lb
Coat colour
The coat colour is always Black and Tan but the colours don’t mix together on the hair, they are always separate coloured markings. A small white chest spot is not uncommon.
Type of coat
The Gordon Setter has a moderate to longer length, luxurious coat.
The Gordon Setter has a luxurious, glossy coat. The hair on the dog’s body is of moderate length, lying close and flat to his body. The hair on the ears, front of their legs and on the dog’s head is shorter and finer. With feathering on the dog’s belly, upper ears and backs of the legs, which is silky and long.
Eye colour
This dog breed has brown eyes.
Description
The males of this dog breed are larger than the females, yet both have gloriously glossy hair. The dog’s skull is dome-shaped with a broad muzzle and a large, black nose. Quite a sturdy dog, built more for stamina and strength, rather than speed. Its rugged looks give the impression of a rugged dog that will cope with an active, full-day’s work on the hunting field.
The Gordon Setter has well-muscled and broad hindquarters, strong rear legs and nicely padded, hair-covered feet. The dog’s tail is thick at the base but finer near the tip. His eyes are deep brown and oval shaped. His ears lie flat but are long and floppy, with a pointed shape.
Good to know
There are actually two types of Gordon Setter. The first is the field-type Gordon and the other the show Gordon Setter. In modern days, the hunting dog is a more popular choice than just a family pet.