www.invernessgordonsetters.com/history

The Gordon Setter is known for the many outstanding qualities of the breed, beauty, brains,
and bird sense. The Gordon Setter dog breed originates in Scotland although its history extends
back many hundreds of years throughout the British Isles. Containing both the genetic
ancestors of the Irish and English Setter, the Gordon Setter is a distinct and unique dog breed.
Originally called a Black and Tan Setter and extending back to the 16th century, the Gordon
derives its name and primary characteristics from Alexander Gordon, the 4th Duke of Gordon
in Scotland during the 1820s. History states that George Blunt and Daniel Webster imported
two dogs, Rake and Rachael, from the Duke Gordon Kennels in 1842. These are the dogs which
founded the basis of what we know today as a Gordon Setter in this country, followed by the
AKC official recognization of the breed in 1892. Near the beginning of the 1800s, it is clear that
the Black and Tan Setter was distinct from both the English and the Irish, and it was Alexander
Gordon that developed the dog in his kennels, raising a group of setters that would become
called the Gordon Setter. This new breed differed from its other Setter cousins as it was larger
but not as fast and agile, but stronger with good endurance and stamina. The breed was long
called the Black and Tan Setter but the name was changed by the British Kennel Club in 1924.

Gordon Setters were bred as hunting dogs, for game birds like pheasant and quail. Gordons were
developed to provide a hearty dog that could withstand the terrain and climate and do a great
job of producing game in those harsh conditions. The hunting instinct remains strong in the
breed, but they are equally at home as companion dogs, obedience, field competitors and show
dogs. As with many breeds today, there are two very distinct lines of Gordons, field bred, and
bench bred. The field bred dogs are bred for performance, shorter tighter coat, and strong desire
to hunt. The field bred Gordons are much smaller in frame and size (usually between 40 to
55lbs) which affords the dog the ability to work in the field all day without exhausting. As
mentioned they also have a shorter coat without all of the feathering that helps keep grooming
maintaince to a minimum. The show bred Gordon is a larger dog (usually between 50 to 70lbs)
with heavy feathering on the body and legs. Both dogs are equally beautiful, while some
consider the heavy coat, feathering, and larger size to be a disadvantage in the field.

The Gordon setter is very alert, energetic and very loyal. They are very devoted to the family to
which they belong. They are also somewhat protective, probably being the most protective of the
three setter breeds. Generally Gordon setters seem to tolerate attention from people they do not
know rather than seeking such attention. History has it that the Duke would not shoot over his
setters until they were 5 years old, as they were very wild when they were young and slow in
maturing. Most breeders and Gordon owners would say the Gordon Setter has remained
unchanged in this respect today. A Gordon would stay a "puppy" forever without training, but
with proper training techniques and schedule young Gordon setters can be trained without
breaking their spirit. All agree that is it best to use a hands-off style approach to train a Gordon
since they are NOT a breed that responds well to heavy handed obedience. Gordon setters are
highly intelligent dogs, quick to spot an advantage as to spot game. It has been said "that if
caught doing something like digging in the trash or snagging food from the counter, the
Gordon would be sorry that it got caught but not sorry for what it had done." With basic
obedience training it will make your Gordon a better companion, hunting partner and a better
canine citizen.

Gordon setters are capable of adapting to a variety of living conditions, as long as they are
given the love of their family. They also need plenty of daily exercise to maintain physical and
mental condition. With the hunting instinct and roaming behavior, Gordons need a safe,
fenced area in which to run and play. Otherwise they may quickly wander off, sometimes to
never be seen again. They should be taken for frequent off leash walks or out hunting to aid in
the "burning off" of any excess energy. They should never be allowed to roam freely in an urban
area because Gordons have a tendency to put their noses to the ground where the hunting
instinct takes over and might lead them to follow a bird or a squirrel across a busy highway or
road. Gordon Setters are a great choice for a family with children, especially when the dog is
introduced to children at a young age. Gordons tend to show strong protective instincts to their
young charges. If a child persists in teasing a Gordon, the dog will tend to remove himself from
the child's reach rather than frighten a child by so much as a growl.

Gordons are generally great talkers. They develop quite a vocabulary with various tones and
barks to express themselves. It can range from excitement of seeing the food dish, seeing the
shotgun case come out, needing a drink, wanting to go outside, greeting the family, or warning
of strangers. Constant wagging of their tail seems to be part of their style as well.

As hunting companions, Gordon Setters are described as "personal hunting dogs", with
emphasis on the word personal. Gordon Setters thrive when they share both hearth and field with
their masters. They do not take well to being just a hunting dog, spending much of his time in a
kennel. As many put it "The person that selects a Gordon Setter owns a rare combination: an
aristocrat of ancient lineage and great beauty, a shooting companion of keen intelligence,
excellent hunting ability and a loyal family guard."