Gordon SetterCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon (1743–1827), established his kennel of black and tan setters at Gordon Castle, near Fochabers, close to the River Spey. Black and tan setters also existed in other kennels, and many of the duke's dogs were in fact tricolour.

In 1842, George Blunt and Daniel Webster took the breed to the United States, buying two dogs, Rake and Rachel, from the duke's kennel. The AKC recognised the breed in 1892. In Scotland, the setter was used to hunt partridge, grouse, pheasant, snipe and woodcock.

How the breed developed

• End of the 18th century – The Duke of Gordon establishes his setter kennel at Gordon Castle.
• 1842 – The breed reaches the United States, with the dogs Rake and Rachel.
• 1892 – The AKC recognises the breed.
• 28 May 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 8 September 2026 – the current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC says Gordons are the largest and sturdiest of the setters: a big male can measure 69 cm at the withers and weigh 36 kg. The head is deep rather than broad.

General appearance

The tan spots above the bright brown eyes emphasise a wise and kindly expression. The coat is short and fine on the head and the fronts of the legs, moderately long and flat on the body, with long, silky feathering on the ears, legs, belly and tail.

The standard calls for a deep, shining coal black, with no rusty tinge, and bright chestnut red markings: a spot over each eye, on the muzzle, on the throat, two spots on the chest, on the legs and under the tail. Wikipedia says red Gordons are occasionally born, and they cannot be shown.

The standard describes it as intelligent, able and dignified, bold, outgoing and with a kindly, even temperament.

The AKC says Gordons are stubborn, but very gentle and loving, and live to please their owner. They are very clever and learn quickly. The commands “come”, their name and “no” are essential for their safety.

Tips for effective training

• Teach the recall first. The AKC says “come” is a command that saves lives.
• Be gentle. They are very sensitive.
• Be patient. They can be stubborn.
• Let it run. The need to run is in its genes.

The AKC says Gordons were bred as personal hunting dogs and even as “nannies” for children. They like to stay by your side, but also to run in the fields. They can live in a flat if they get daily exercise: walks, jogging or bike rides.

Tips for a balanced life

• Check the coat for burrs after walks.
• It suits an active family.
• Keep a cloth handy: it drools quite a lot.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says brushing at least weekly is essential to stop mats forming; brushed regularly, it sheds little. Every month, the hair on the feet, in the ears and around the tail should be tidied, the nails trimmed and the teeth checked. A monthly bath is recommended.

Common health problems

The AKC says Gordons are generally healthy, but it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails monthly.
• Check the teeth for tartar.

The AKC says a diet with too much protein (over 26%) is not recommended, because it forces growth that is too fast. Fibre of at least 4% helps digestion.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The largest setter. The AKC says it is the largest and sturdiest of the setters.
• “Black and tan”. Gordons are also called “black and tans”.
• Rake and Rachel. The first Gordons in the United States came from the duke's kennel.
• A nanny for children. The AKC says they have also served as “nannies”.
• Red Gordons. Red Gordons are occasionally born to two black and tan parents.

Where does the name Gordon Setter come from?

From Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon, who kept a setter kennel at Gordon Castle.

How big does it get?

Males measure about 66 cm and weigh 29.5 kg, females 62 cm and 25.5 kg.

What colour is it?

Glossy black with chestnut red markings.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–13 years.