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The Gordon Setter is a member of the `Setter' family breeds, which comprise of the more popular English Setter and Irish Setter and is categorized as a large dog. In its early history, a Gordon Setter was trained to hunt game birds in the UK, such as grouse, pheasant, partridge and more. Despite the game hunting instincts of their predecessors, Gordon Setters have also proved to be good family dogs. So don't be intimidated by size, big dogs usually have equally big hearts, and the Gordon Setter is no exception.

How did this big dog breed evolve?

The Gordon Setter has a long breed history. Records however confirm, that black and tan Setters had their origins in Scotland, long before Gordon Setters evolved in the 1700s. The development of the breed, that is reflected in the Gordon Setter of today, can be credited to the fourth Duke of Richmond and Gordon of Scotland who created Gordon Setters at his home in Banfishire, Scotland. For the cross-breeding process, the Duke used the Black and Tan Setter with a Bloodhound, or probably a Collie, and finally the Gordon Setter was developed in the 1770s. The breed was eventually brought into the U.S. in 1842 and recognized by the American Kennel Club dog organization in 1892.

Appearance and physical features

A Gordon Setter can be distinguished by its coal-black coat with distinctive chestnut and mahogany colored markings on their lower legs, paws, throat and muzzle, in addition to two spots on its chest and one above each eye. Gordon Setters have straight long and silky coats which are slightly waved but not curly. The breed is also the heaviest of the Setter family weighing approximately 80 lbs. and growing to a height of 27 inches in adulthood. The striking feature of a Gordon Setter is its noble, intelligent and dignified expression.

How do Gordon Setters behave?

As endorsed by the American Kennel Club, the Gordon Setter are described as `alert', `confident',owHow `gay' and `interested'. In addition to these visible qualities, Gordon Setters are capable, fearless and intelligent. As a home pet, the dog is fiercely loyal, strong-willed and very affectionate. Gordon Setter Puppies and adults can however behave in a boisterous manner and may not be suitable to be around very small children, despite their known patient nature. A Gordon Setter is also empathic and sensitive and is ever willing to learn. An endearing feature of their behavior is the long time they take to mature. In some cases, they can display puppy-like characteristics even when three years of age.

Health aspects

Another thing you need to know before buying Gordon Setter for sale or Gordon Setter Puppies for sale is that despite its weight and size, a Gordon Setter is not prone to hip dysplasia dog disease as its other large dog counterparts, but can be afflicted by this condition. They may also have other health problems such as gastric torsion, eye diseases and hypothyroidism. In general, Gordon Setters have a life span of approximately 10 - 12 years and have a litter size of about 8 Gordon Setter Puppies, on an average.

If you have a spacious home and prefer large dogs, you may consider a Gordon Setter. Apart from their friendly disposition and their intimidating size, Gordon Setters are relatively easy to discipline and train. And with their solid, coal black coats and big hearts, you can safely say "Big and Black is beautiful".

Gordon Setter Links: Gordon Setter Puppies for Sale, and Gordon Setters for Sale.