ABOUT GORDON SETTERS
The Gordon Setter was known in England and Scotland as early as the 1600s. In the mid-1800s, the breed was further developed by Alexander, the fourth Duke of Gordon. He wanted a close hunting companion who could be at home in the field among the rough conditions of Scotland's thorny terrain, who could tolerate all kinds of weather conditions, but who could also be at home by the fireside playing with the children and enjoying the company of people.
In 1842 Daniel Webster brought the breed to the Americas through his purchase of a breeding pair, Rake and Rachel, acquired from the Duke of Gordon's kennels. In 1892, the Gordon Setter became one of the founding breeds of the American Kennel Club.
A Gordon Setter is the heaviest of the setter breeds, with plenty of bone and substance. Generally, females average 23-26" at the shoulder. Males can be up to an inch taller. Weights run from 45-80 pounds, depending on gender and height. The Scottish terrain and climate require a broad-chested, strong dog who can push through thick brush to find and point birds, as well as one with a thick, somewhat coarse coat which can protect the dog's skin from harsh weather and field conditions. The long 'feathers' on the legs, underbelly and ears are designed to protect the dog's skin by trapping burrs, seeds etc. rather than allowing them to become embedded in the skin. This is truly an elegant, beautiful dog.
Personality is a key feature of the Gordon Setter. They are an alert, lively, pleasant and loyal companion to the family, the hunter and the household. While they can be somewhat protective, barking to alert the household of the approach of a stranger, they are not aggressive. It is a slower-maturing breed requiring some patience in training and expectations, so that the exuberance and playfulness of the puppy can be gently re-directed into the willing, obedient and confident adult. The key component for these dogs is human interaction. They are never happier than with their people, often trying to impose their large bodies into your lap, as though they were the size of a toy dog.
The theme of the breed from the Gordon Setter Club of America is: " Beauty, Brains and Birdsense". Here at Heatherbrae Gordon Setters we strive to produce a well-rounded companion animal who is sound of body, well-socialized in the world and who eagerly embraces its' natural instincts for the field and family. Learn more at: http://www.gsca.org
In 1842 Daniel Webster brought the breed to the Americas through his purchase of a breeding pair, Rake and Rachel, acquired from the Duke of Gordon's kennels. In 1892, the Gordon Setter became one of the founding breeds of the American Kennel Club.
A Gordon Setter is the heaviest of the setter breeds, with plenty of bone and substance. Generally, females average 23-26" at the shoulder. Males can be up to an inch taller. Weights run from 45-80 pounds, depending on gender and height. The Scottish terrain and climate require a broad-chested, strong dog who can push through thick brush to find and point birds, as well as one with a thick, somewhat coarse coat which can protect the dog's skin from harsh weather and field conditions. The long 'feathers' on the legs, underbelly and ears are designed to protect the dog's skin by trapping burrs, seeds etc. rather than allowing them to become embedded in the skin. This is truly an elegant, beautiful dog.
Personality is a key feature of the Gordon Setter. They are an alert, lively, pleasant and loyal companion to the family, the hunter and the household. While they can be somewhat protective, barking to alert the household of the approach of a stranger, they are not aggressive. It is a slower-maturing breed requiring some patience in training and expectations, so that the exuberance and playfulness of the puppy can be gently re-directed into the willing, obedient and confident adult. The key component for these dogs is human interaction. They are never happier than with their people, often trying to impose their large bodies into your lap, as though they were the size of a toy dog.
The theme of the breed from the Gordon Setter Club of America is: " Beauty, Brains and Birdsense". Here at Heatherbrae Gordon Setters we strive to produce a well-rounded companion animal who is sound of body, well-socialized in the world and who eagerly embraces its' natural instincts for the field and family. Learn more at: http://www.gsca.org