Gordon Setter - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
Gordon Setters were first known as Black and Tan Setters and they have existed in Scotland since the early 1600s. They became better known in 1800s when when they could be found in the kennels of Alexander, the fourth Duke of Gordon. This Scottish breed was always bred to hunt birds. We are not sure about the certain breeds ancestry, but it is very likely that they were developed from Setting land spaniels.

2) Name
The word Setter in the breeds name is derived from an old word set, which means to lay down quietly. The dog would lie down, when they located birds, so the hunter could cast a net in the area to flush and harvest the birds that were ensnared there. And they are named Gordon Setters after the fourth Duke of Gordon who bred these dogs in the early 19th century and he played an important role in developing the modern breed.

3) Long puppyhood
Gordon Setters are generally rambunctious when they are young but usually become gentle and calm as they get older. The thing is, that they are young and puppy like for a long time. This is one of the slowest to mature breed, not hitting the adulthood three years of age or more, but even them, they will be very active and playful for many more years.

4) Companions
The Gordon Setter makes excellent companions for active people who like outdoors. As companions, these dogs are intensely loyal, affectionate, social and they definitel thrive for our attention and companionship. They also make good partners for older children, who know how to properly act around dogs. On the other hand, Gordon Setters are strong minded, very often alert, fearless and protective, which is why early proper socialization and patient training is needed.

5) Largest Setter
The Gordon Setter is the largest and heaviest Setter. The other Setter breeds include the English, Irish and Irish Red and White Setter. The average height of Gordon Setter is between 23-27 inch which is 58-69 cm and weight is typically between 45-80 pounds, which is 20-36 kg. The females tend to be slightly smaller than males.

6) Appearance
I would say that all the Setters are one of the best looking breeds of all and the Gordon Setter is no exception. They are stylish and symmetrical dogs with galloping lines. According to the official AKC breed standard, their bearing is intelligent, noble, and dignified. They have big and deep head, long muzzle, floppy and long ears and oval shaped dark brown eyes.

7) Coat
These dogs were initially named as Black and Tan Setters, so it should not be surprising that they can be only found in this color variation with the possibility of mahogany markings and some white markings on the chest. The coat can be either straight or slightly wavy. The coat is longer on the ears, tail, legs and chest.

8) Exercise
The Gordon Setter was bred to hunt and run for hours, which is why, even today, they need a lot of daily physical exercise. Longer daily walks in the nature are must. They need one or two hours of daily vigorous and interactive exercise and playtime and even that might not be enough when they are young. Gordons love to sniff and explore their surroundings, but you should only let them off leash in well known or fenced areas.

9) In America
The Gordon Setters were among the first 9 breeds officially recognized in the America in 1878 and they were also the first dogs registered by the AKC when it was founded in 1884. They first got into America in 1842 when George Blunt of New York brought a male and female named Rake and Rachael.

10) Health
This is pretty healthy dog breed with average lifespan around 12 years. Just like all dogs, they can suffer from some health issues, the major health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion or progressive retinal atrophy.