Nickname        : Gun Dog of Scotland

Breed Origins : Scotland ( 1600’s )

Breed usage     : Hunting Small Game

Dog Weight      : 55 - 70 Pounds

Dog Height       : 24 to 26 inches to the shoulder

History
Gordon Setter comes from Scotland and was bred originally to hunt small game. It’s origins can be dated back to the 1600’s. This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group. The Gordon Setter was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1878.
The dog acquired its name from the fourth Duke of Gordon. There is a story that the Duke returned unhappily from a days hunt empty handed and a shepherd lent him a Collie which the Farmer claimed was an excellent Bird dog. The Collie was found to be a better bird dog than the Duke’s own setters. The story goes that the Duke then bought this dog and crossed it with his own setters. Unfortunately this story, although interesting, is untrue and the actual origins probably go back to the spaniel, like most Setters. It is the largest and strongest of the four setters and Scotland’s only gun dog.

Dogs in the Sporting group, which include the Gordon Setter, can be divided into three main categories - Retrievers, Pointers and Setters. These dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt game birds. Some of these dogs work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs in the Sporting dog category are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. Sporting dogs, including the Gordon Setter, are particularly suited to wood and field activities. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs and their main functionalities are as follows:

• The Retriever dog - Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl.
• The Pointer dog - Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location.
• The Setter dog - Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Coat and Colours information
  The Gordon Setter ’s coat is normally a shade of a shiny black - tan (chestnut red) markings. The coat is normally moderately long, flat and free from curl.

• Health information - potential problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Gordon Setter , can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Gordon Setter can include:
  • Hip & Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints)
  • Epilepsy
  • Gastric torsion
  • Eye Problems
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years.

• Grooming and Care
  Gordon Setter requires weekly care and grooming. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible.