Dog
Group:
Sporting 
Gordon Setter Champions
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Breed Description:
The Gordon Setter was bred in Scotland to serve as a personal bird dog. Today, they are equally at home as companion dogs, obedience competitors and show dogs, and their motto is "Beauty, brains, and bird sense." The Gordon Setter breed of dog is sturdy and muscular, built for stamina rather than speed. He has a distinctive black and tan moderately long coat. His whole bearing is intelligent, noble, and dignified, with smooth movement and elegant carriage. The head of the Gordon Setter breed of dog is deep, with eyes that are dark brown, bright and wise. His ears are fairly large and thin, carried close to the head. His muzzle is fairly long, but not pointed. His nose is broad and black, with open nostrils. His teeth are strong and white, meeting in a scissors bite, although a level bite is also accepted. The neck of the Gordon Setter breed of dog is relatively long, lean, and arched to the head. His chest is deep and not too broad, with a pronounced forechest. His loins are short and broad, with a nearly flat croup and a short tail. The tail is not docked and is thick at the root and tapers to a fine point. The Gordon Setter's shoulders lay well back, and the tops of the shoulder blades are close together. His forelegs are big-boned, straight and not bowed. Dewclaws may be removed. His feet are catlike in shape, with close-knit, well arched toes with plenty of hair between, full toe pads and deep heel cushions. The hindquarters of the Gordon Setter breed of dog are likewise muscular. His coat is soft and glossy. It may be straight or slightly waved, but not curly, with long hair on ears, under his stomach, on his chest, on the back of the fore and hind legs, and on his tail. The Gordon Setter's coat is black with tan markings, either rich chestnut or mahogany. The borderline between black and tan colors is clearly defined. The tan markings are located as follows: (1) Two clear spots over the eyes and not over three-quarters of an inch in diameter; (2) On the sides of the muzzle. The tan does not reach to the top of the muzzle, but resembles a stripe around the end of the muzzle from one side to the other; (3) On the throat; (4) Two large clear spots on the chest; (5) On the inside of the hind legs showing down the front of the stifle and broadening out to the outside of the hind legs from the hock to the toes. It must not completely eliminate the black on the back of the hind legs; (6) On the forelegs from the carpus, or a little above, downward to the toes; (7) Around the vent; (8) A white spot on the chest is allowed, but the smaller the better. The gait of the Gordon Setter breed of dog should be bold, strong, and free-swinging. His head should be carried high, and his tail should "flag" constantly while he is in motion. The overall appearance is pleasing to the eye: effortless, economical and harmonious.
Temperament:
The Gordon Setter breed of dog is loyal, sensible, well-mannered and affectionate. His attachment to his people can turn into possessiveness and jealousy if faced with the possibility of other animals getting attention, but the Gordon Setter is protective of and excellent with children. He is a hard-worker in the field and readily trained if the master is firm but gentle. He will not respond well to harsh training techniques.
Height:
23 to 27 inches
Weight:
45 to 80 pounds
Health Problems:
The Gordon Setter is associated with bloat, dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and hypothyroidism. Also, his ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to ward off infections.
Living Conditions:
The Gordon Setter breed of dog is moderately energetic and at his best when able to explore the great outdoors on a regular basis. He is devoted to his family and does not like excessive time apart, particularly alone in the back yard. He is adaptable to a variety of living situations, but needs plenty of daily exercise.
Exercise:
The Gordon Setter breed of dog needs several vigorous outings each day to prevent him from becoming bored, restless and possibly destructive.
Life Expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Grooming:
The Gordon Setter breed of dog has moderate grooming requirements. He needs regular brushing and combing, particularly of his feathering, to keep him dirt- and tangle-free. The long hair around his ears and between his toes should be trimmed, and his ears need to be checked for infections on a regular basis.
Origin:
The Gordon Setter breed of dog hails from Scotland, where he was developed beginning in the 1600s. He is known for his stamina and his reliable nose. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
