Gordon Setter

Care

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The Gordon Setter is a fine gundog, a bird-finding dog, used to silent trekking. It does not fit the role of guard, although it will not accept strangers as readily as the Irish Setter, which could well lick the face of a burglar while presenting him with some Item 'retrieved' from its mistress's wardrobe. The Gordon makes an excellent family pet and is trustworthy with children. It does enJoy an active working life,however, and is not really suitable forapartments.

Origin and history

The Gordon IS a true Scot, bred at Gordon Castle , Banffshire, the seat of the Duke of Richmond and Gmdo". II The Scott gundog and was originally known as the Gordon Castle Setter Credit must go to the 4th Duke of . Richmond and Gordon for establishing the breed in the late 1770s, using probably the collie- and the Bloodhound. Dat;1iel Webster, United States' statesman and orator, imported Gordon Setters in 1842. Webster was attracted to the breed by its beauty and superior hunting ability Additional imports from Scandinavian countries were used to develop an American strain of Gordons.

Good points

Affectionate
Equable temperament
Excellent gundog
Good with children

Take heed

Not suitable for a guard dog

Size

Weight about 651b (29.5kg); bitch, 24'l2in (62cm), about 561b (25Akg). Shoulder height for dog, 26 in (66cm).

Exercise

Ensure that it has plenty of exercise; this is a dog for outdoors.

General appearance
A stylish dog, built on galloping lines, having a thoroughbred appearance consistent with its build, which can be compared to a weight-carrying hunter. Must have symmetrical conformation throughout, showing true balance. Strong, fairly short and level back. Shortish tail. Head fairly long, clearly lined and with an intelligent expression; clear colours and long flat coat.

Colour
Deep shining coal black with no sign of rustiness, lustrous tan markings of a rich chestnut red, i.e. the colour of a ripe horse- chestnut as taken from the shell. Black pencilling allowed on toes, also a black streak under the jaw Tan markings: two clear spots over the eyes, not over '/5in (2cm) in diameter; on the sides of the muzzle, the tan should not reach above the base of the nose.

Head and skull
Head deep rather than broad but definitely broader than the muzzle, showing brain room. Nose big and broad with open nostrils and black in colour.

Tail
Fairly short, straight or slightly scimitar-shaped; should not reach below the hocks. Carried horizontal or below line of back. Thick at the root, tapering to a fine point. The feather or flat, which starts near the root, should be long and straight, and grow shorter uniformly to the point.

Feet
Oval with close-knit, well- arched toes, plenty of hair between. Full toe pads and deep heel cushions.

Grooming

Regular brushing and monthly nail clipping.

Feeding

Recommended would be 20-330z (587-936g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added, or 3-5 cupfuls of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to V2 cup of hot or cold water.

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