Setter Gordon

The Gordon Setter is a large, robust and well-muscled dog. That said, there are differences in size between individuals belonging to show lines and those belonging to hunting lines, the latter being noticeably smaller.

The general appearance of the Gordon Setter gives an impression of nobility and dignity. Its chest is not very broad in front and its back is strong, rather short, with well-sprung ribs. Its body is of medium length, running from the shoulder to the hips. Its tail is quite short, and can be straight or slightly curved.

Its head is higher than it is wide, with a well-developed skull. The top of its skull is slightly rounded, and the stop is well marked. Situated at the end of a long muzzle, its nose is black and wide, with well-open nostrils. It dominates a strong and regular jaw.

The eyes of the Gordon Setter are of good size, neither too deep nor too bulging. Dark brown and shiny, they give him a lively look. As for his ears, they are drooping, medium-sized and thin. They are attached low and carried close to the head.

Like that of other breeds of Setters, his hair is soft and shiny, straight or slightly wavy, but it must not be curly. It is of medium length over most of the body. However, it is short on the top of the head and the front parts of the limbs, long and silky on the upper part of the ears, long and fine on the back of the hind legs. Finally, on the belly, it forms a fringe that can extend over the chest and throat.

Its coat is two-tone, mixing a deep charcoal black and a bright chestnut. The border between black and brown must be clearly defined.

There are also chestnut red tan markings in different places on the body. This is particularly the case above the eyes, with two spots not exceeding 2 cm each. They are also found on the throat and on each side of the muzzle. The latter must not exceed the base of the nose; they look like a band that surrounds the end of the muzzle. The chest also has two large chestnut red spots.

Tan markings are also present on the inside of the hind legs, widening outwards from the legs to the toes. They are also present on the front legs, or a little above, as well as around the anus.

Some individuals also have a white spot on the chest and/or black spots on the toes and under the jaw.

3 534 / 5 000 Originally from Scotland, the Gordon Setter (or Gordon Setter, if we use its English name) was called the Black and Tan Setter for almost a century, in reference to the color of its coat. It was not until 1924 that its name was changed by The Kennel Club, in memory of the Scottish Duke Alexander Gordon (1743-1827).

The latter played an important role in the development of the breed, creating at the end of the 18th century in one of his castles a kennel entirely dedicated to it, which allowed its standardization. Some believe that other breeds (starting with the Bloodhound) were also taken into account, but it is at least proven that the Gordon Setter comes from crosses between English Setters and Collies. The dogs obtained had several coat colors ranging from black and white to red. However, the Duke chose to favor black and tan subjects, excluding the others from breeding; this explains why all representatives of the breed today sport this coat color.

The Gordon Setter thus became popular throughout Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom at the beginning of the 19th century, to the point of being one of the dogs presented at the first dog show in contemporary history, which was held in 1859 in Newcastle. It must be said that its ability to adapt to all terrains, even rough ones, makes it a perfect working companion for hunting feathered game.

It also did not wait to spread outside its native lands. Thus, the first importation of a Gordon Setter into France dates back to 1840. Quite logically, it was hunters who were at the origin. Just two years later, in 1842, Rake and Rachel were the first two representatives of the breed to cross the Atlantic and be imported into the United States. Their purchasers, George Blunt and Daniel Webster, bought directly from the kennel of the 5th Duke of Gordon, son and successor of Alexander Gordon.

The Gordon Setter was one of the first breeds recognized by The Kennel Club, the leading British organization, when it was founded in 1873. It was also one of the first nine breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) when it was founded in 1884. However, the other leading organization in the country, the United Kennel Club (UKC), waited until 1949 to do the same. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) took even longer, since it was not until 1963 that it took the plunge.

However, despite its worldwide recognition, the Gordon Setter remains a relatively rare breed. In the United States, it ranks around 110th (out of just under 200) in the AKC's breed ranking based on the number of births registered each year with the organization, and the trend is rather towards a slight decline. In France, the number of new annual registrations in the Livre des Origines Français (LOF) has been steadily decreasing since the 1990s, after peaking in the late 1980s. It was over a thousand at the time, but is now only around 600 – compared, for example, with over 5,000 for the English Setter.

In the United Kingdom, the Gordon Setter is considered by the Kennel Club to be a vulnerable native breed. The number of births registered each year with the organization is, however, relatively stable, at around 250.

The Gordon Setter is a kind and very affectionate companion towards his master. He is quite exuberant during his youth, but becomes much calmer in adulthood.

He is particularly an ideal dog with children, towards whom he is tolerant and protective, and with whom he enjoys playing. Given his size, however, it is better if they are already a certain age, because he is quick to unintentionally jostle them. In any case, whatever his breed, a dog should never be left alone with a young child, that is to say outside the supervision of an adult. Indeed, an accident can happen at any time if he misinterprets the child's behavior and thinks he is being attacked. The risk of unfortunate - or even very serious - consequences is all the greater with an animal of such size, which could unintentionally jostle a young child.

The close bond he has with his family can become problematic and turn against him if the latter has to be absent often and/or for a long time. He is indeed very likely to develop separation anxiety, which can result in destructive behavior, attempts to escape or excessive whining.

He is also very likely to be disturbed if he is not able to exercise at least one hour a day. In fact, if he is not at all suitable for an elderly and/or very sedentary person, he is on the other hand an ideal companion for a sporty owner who dreams, for example, of jogging with his dog, going for a bike ride with his dog or even taking him with him on long hikes. However, it is essential that recall is mastered in order to be able to let him move around without a leash, given that his hunting instinct is likely to take over at any time. Furthermore, play sessions are also not to displease him, and he also loves swimming and playing in the water.

If he is walked several times a day and his significant need for exercise is satisfied, the Gordon Setter is calm and composed within the home, capable of living in both the city and the countryside, and of adapting easily to life in an apartment. If he lives in a house with a garden, it is necessary to ensure that the latter is well fenced, because he is naturally a runaway. The use of a fence with buried wire would not be an effective solution, because his determination is much stronger than the discomfort felt by electrical impulses, especially when he has scented prey. In any case, there is no question of making him live outside. Indeed, to be happy and balanced, he needs to be surrounded and to interact with his masters, to feel that he is a full member of the family pack.

Although the Gordon Setter likes to be surrounded, he much prefers it to be by humans he knows - or, at a pinch, other animals he is used to seeing. On the other hand, he is quite wary, reserved and impassive towards strangers, not hesitating to bark if he senses the slightest danger. He can therefore make a good guard dog. He is also sometimes aggressive towards other dogs he meets for the first time. Indeed, he is often a dog with a dominant temperament, who therefore wants to gain the upper hand over his peers. Thorough socialization started from a young age is essential so that he learns to respect them.

However, cohabitation with other animals in the home is not impossible, and having a playmate is a good way to prevent him from getting bored in the absence of his owners. In fact, if they have grown up together, everything generally goes very well. On the other hand, the arrival of a new animal at home is only conceivable if it has been accustomed to living with other animals since childhood. Otherwise, its hunting instinct is likely to push it to consider the newcomer as prey. The same goes for the animals it sees outside, and in particular those that risk venturing into its garden.

Its dominant, independent and determined character can also be a source of problems in the relationship with its owner, if the latter does not know how to assert himself and gain the respect of his dog. Firm training is essential to prevent it from becoming difficult to manage, doing only what it wants.

2 422 / 5 000 The Gordon Setter must be socialized from a young age, a period during which learning is easiest, because it is more malleable and adaptable. It is therefore necessary to accustom it as often as possible to meeting new people and to dealing with all types of situations and external stimuli (noises, smells, vehicles, etc.). Conversely, it is just as essential to teach it to tolerate solitude, in order to avoid its owners' absences causing problems later on. These two aspects are essential prerequisites for obtaining a balanced and serene companion.

Given its size and its significant need for maintenance, it is useful to accustom it to letting itself be handled without flinching from a young age, otherwise it will face problems in adulthood. Given its strong hunting instinct, teaching your dog to come back is at least as important as basic commands ("sit", "heel", "stay", etc.). This allows him to be unleashed without having to worry too much, which allows him to exercise more easily and therefore to be comfortable in his paws. This is obviously particularly essential if he is used as a hunting dog. As long as he does not obey this order, he must be kept on a leash during walks.

Furthermore, the Gordon Setter is an intelligent breed of dog, and he learns quickly. But as is often the case with intelligent dogs, he is not the type to be taken in: with a strong character, he can quickly become very stubborn. Suffice to say that to make him obedient, he must be given firm training to prevent his intelligence from turning against his master and from taking over the latter, and this from the moment he arrives home. However, there is no question of punishing him at all costs as soon as he does something wrong: the Gordon Setter is not really receptive to reprimands, it is better to opt for the method of positive reinforcement, with the help of treats in particular.

Finally, in the case where he is intended to be used for hunting, the report and the notion of renunciation are added to the recall as essential lessons. Indeed, he must be able at any time to come back when his master calls him, to catch prey without biting it and to give it up if his owner asks him to.

The Gordon Setter is generally in good health.

However, it can be exposed to various more or less serious pathologies, including:

• gastric dilatation-torsion syndrome, common to most large dog breeds and which can lead to the rapid death of the animal if not treated quickly;
• hip and elbow dysplasia, also common in large dogs. It results in pain and lameness caused by inflammation of the joints that inevitably develops into osteoarthritis
• progressive retinal atrophy, a hereditary disease causing degeneration of the retina that can lead to total loss of vision;
• hypothyroidism, a hormonal disease responsible for many symptoms that vary from one individual to another;
• otitis, due to the drooping shape of its ears;
• Cerebellar cortical abiotrophy, a serious and hereditary neurological disease, due to premature degeneration of the cells of the cerebellum. In case of adoption from a Gordon Setter breeder, it is necessary to ask for the results of the DNA test to establish that the puppy does not have the gene responsible for this disease. A breeder worthy of the name will not breed an individual who is affected by a genetic disease. In case of adoption through another channel, it is possible to have the DNA test carried out before taking the step, in order to eliminate this risk.

Furthermore, as with all large breeds, it is strongly recommended to avoid making a Gordon Setter puppy do too much physical effort. Indeed, it is very fragile during its growth, particularly in terms of its bones and joints. The greatest measure is necessary during this period.

The Gordon Setter's coat requires special care and maintenance. Brushing two to three times a week with a brush or glove is essential to allow a good distribution of sebum throughout its coat, remove dead hairs and prevent them from getting tangled. Although hair loss remains moderate, brushing should be done daily, during seasonal moults, in spring and autumn. It is also necessary to wash your dog once every one or two months to avoid bad odours and clean its coat: due to the length of the hair, it tends to accumulate dirt easily. When doing so, however, you must be careful not to wet the inside of its ears, as it is easily prone to ear infections.

In addition, the hair between the pads and around the ears should be trimmed once a month to reduce the risk of infection caused by any small plants or spikelets that could get stuck there.

In addition, special attention should be paid to his ears. Indeed, as with any dog ​​with hanging ears, they present an increased risk of infections (otitis, etc.). They should therefore be inspected and cleaned at least once a week, and ideally every time the dog is in contact with water, for example during a hunting trip or after a bath. This is also an opportunity to check his eyes and clean them if necessary.

As for its teeth, cleaning at least once a week is necessary, as for all other dogs. Regular use of a dog toothbrush or a finger cot helps to limit tartar and bad breath.

Finally, given his activity level, natural wear and tear is generally enough to trim the Gordon Setter's claws. However, when your dog gets older or doesn't walk enough, they can become too long and end up bothering or even hurting him. If this is the case, they should be cut using a special file or nail clippers. An owner who doesn't feel too comfortable with this maintenance task can perfectly ask his veterinarian to take care of it, or at least show him how to do it so that he can then do it himself.

It is recommended to feed your Gordon Setter with high-quality kibble or pâtés rich in fiber. As with any dog, its diet must be adapted to its age, physical activity and health. An individual exercising intense physical efforts, for example if it is used in the context of hunting, must see its rations increased during the periods in question, in order to compensate for the additional energy expended.

In order to prevent the risk of gastric dilation-torsion, it is advisable to divide its daily ration into at least two meals. It is also necessary to favor a quiet place, so that it can eat quietly. The choice of an anti-gluttonous bowl can be a good alternative. Meals should also be at least one hour away from walks or any other physical activities.

In addition, as with any dog, fresh water must be made available to it throughout the day. This is obviously even more true when he is particularly active (for example during hunting sessions) and/or when it is very hot.

A born hunter, the Gordon Setter has long been used as a flusher as well as a pointing and retrieving dog. Although it is not very fast compared to other breeds of Setters, its endurance and keen sense of smell made it an excellent hunter of woodcock, partridge and ptarmigan.

Today, although it is still mainly used as a game bird hunting dog, it is also increasingly found as a companion and show dog. Indeed, its calm, gentle and affectionate character makes it a very endearing pet, provided that its owners are able to satisfy its need for exercise.

Its loyalty to them and the distrust it feels towards strangers also make it an excellent guard dog. Thus, it also makes a good partner for canicross, cani-VTT or any other sporting activity, thanks in particular to its endurance and robust nature.

Finally, its elegance and noble attitude also make it a competitor of choice in canine beauty contests.

The price of a Gordon Setter puppy is between 700 and 1200 euros in Western Europe.

Regardless of the location, the price differences from one individual to another are explained by their greater or lesser conformity to the standard, as well as by their sex.