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Gordon Setter dog breed
 | Gordon Setters are a medium sized breed of dog, a
member of the setter family that also includes the more common Irish Setters
and English Setters and the less-common Irish Red and White Setter. While the
purposes of the three breeds are similar, there are many distinctions that
make each of the four setters physically and behaviourally unique. |
Photo of
Gordon Setter dog breed
A Gordon Setter |
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Information about
Gordon Setter dog breed
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Appearance
Gordon setters are coal-black with tan features, in comparison to Irish Setters,
which are red, and English Setters, which are white with speckles. Gordons have
tan on their feet and lower legs, vents, and muzzles, two spots above the eyes
and two distinctive tan spots on their chests. Some white is allowed on the
chest but the smaller the better. Red Gordons, while uncommon, occasionally show
up in litters due to the expression of a recessive red gene. Their coat is long
and silky on chest, ears, stomach, and leg feathering, and slightly wavy. They
are the heaviest of the setter breeds, with males reaching 27 in at the withers.
Rather than being built for speed, they move with determination and stamina.
Historically, Gordon Setters did not have the long, flowing coat as seen today.
In the early 1800s, a Gordon Setter was not necessarily black and tan. Dogs from
the Duke of Gordon kennel were found in black and tan, black and white, and
black, white, and tan.
Temperament
Gordon Setters are intensely loyal to their owners but can take a few minutes to
warm to strangers. They are good family dogs, laid-back and loving, though not
recommended with small children as they can be boisterous.
They are known as one of the slowest maturing dogs. They will continue to show
puppy-like characteristics well into the older years.
Gordons are usually quite passive and seem happy lying around sleeping all day.
However, when out on a walk they are frisky and in the countryside seem to be
able to run for hours. They require 60 to 80 minutes of exercise a day, though
care must be taken not to over-exercise young dogs (under 18 months) to avoid
joint problems in later life.
This breed, in particular is sensitive but kindly, and need gentle but firm
handling. Any nervous tendencies can be cured by early socialization, which is
very important.
Health
They are prone to hip dysplasia and eye diseases such as progressive retinal
atrophy, and cataracts, as most dogs are. This breed generally lives about 10 to
12 years.
References
Cunliffe, Juliette (2004). The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. Parragon Publishing.
ISBN 0-7525-8276-3.
Fogle, Bruce, DVM (2000). The New Encyclopedia of the Dog. Doring Kindersley (DK).
ISBN 0-7894-6130-7.
~From
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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