Gordon Setter Breed description: Character & Co

What is the origin of the Gordon Setter?

Already in the Middle Ages did Setters in Great Britain provide valuable services. At times when rifles were not yet available, they ensured the food supply of their owners as their hunting companions. Partridges, pheasants and quails were caught with nets called tyras back then. The Setter, with its excellent nose, tracked down prey and indicated their find by sitting down (set). The hunters then threw large nets over the birds and caught several at a time using this method. All four Setter species with long fur, including the Irish Setter, the English Setter and the Irish red and white Setter, are descended from these old hunting dogs. The assumption is obvious that they were created by the crossbreeding of Spaniel and Pointer. A comprehensive study carried out by geneticist Heidi Parker in 2017 proves that pointer blood does indeed run through the veins of this breed. Around the year 1810, the 4th Duke of Gordon named Alexander started the targeted breeding of the Gordon Setter in his castle near Fochabers in Banddshire, Scotland. The final differentiation from other long-haired Setters was made in 1873, when the British Kennel Club separated the breeds according to colour. At first they were registered under the name "Black-and-Tan Setter", they only received their present name in 1924.

What are the breed characteristics of the Gordon Setter?

The dynamic and harmonious physique of the Gordon Setter already gives you an idea of what a good runner this dog is. The official breed standard even compares them to a "powerful hunting animal". The topline of the back is horizontal, the tail is either carried straight or sabre shaped in line with the backline or slightly lower.