Gordon Setter
The heaviest of the setters and the only black and tan one, from the Scottish estate that named it. Slower than the others, and it works closer to the gun.
Photo by Bluesik, CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Gordon Setter is the heaviest and slowest of the three setters, bred at Gordon Castle in Scotland to work close to a walking gun rather than to range wide. It is always black and tan.
The closer working style is a genuine practical difference: a Gordon quarters within range of the gun where an English or Irish Setter will cover ground far ahead of it.
Temperament
Loyal, steady and more reserved than the other setters. Gordons attach intensely to their families and are cautious with strangers, and they are notably one person dogs.
They are sensitive and stubborn together, and they mature slowly, taking two to three years. They are less frantic than an Irish Setter and more independent than an English one, and they need a handler who is patient.
Care and grooming
A soft straight feathered coat that needs brushing two or three times a week, with attention to the feathering. Moderate shedding.
Hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy with a DNA test, and hypothyroidism occur. Bloat is a risk in this deep chested breed. Twelve to thirteen years.
Living and exercise
Ninety minutes to two hours a day with room to work. They have real stamina.
They want to be with their people and they do badly kennelled. The breed is uncommon and finding a well bred one usually means going to a working or field kennel.
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