GORDON SETTER

COUNTRY: Great Britain

WEIGHT: 45-80 pounds

HEIGHT: 23-27 inches

COAT: Moderately long, flat and straight, long fine feathering

COLOR: Black/tan

GROUP: Gun Dog

"Black and fallow" setting dogs have been known in Scotland for at least 350 years. They sprang from setting spaniels. These were crossed with local dogs to create a type for Scottish hunting conditions. In the 18th century, the present name was adapted because of the famed dogs kept by the Duke of Gordon.

An unknown writer in the late 1700s might well have been talking about a modern dog: "The Gordon Castle Setters are as a rule easy to break and naturally back well. They are not fast dogs but they have good staying powers and can keep on steadily from morning until night. Their noses are first class and they seldom make a false point or what is called at field trials a sen-sational stand .... [but] When they stand you may be sure there are birds."

Early kennels had black/whites, tricolors, and reds as well as the black/tan, but this last color soon became the most desired—and thus the mark of purity. Red whelps still may crop up occasionally in a litter, as the standard warns.

Because of their handsome looks as well as their field abilities, they were imported and welcomed into America in the mid-1800s. Their lack of breakneck speed and breathtaking style to compete with the English Setter and Pointer at the big Circuit Trials may have been their rescue from the breed split seen in other gun dogs. They remained a favorite with hunters who wanted a full game bag. The Gordon is a handsome competitor in the show ring. They make a good showing in the AKC field trials, and there are a few duals.

Gordons are the heaviest headed of the setters, showing some flew, and long, low-set ears. His typical setter nature allows the weekend hunter to have a house pet as well. He does tend to be a bit more suspicious of strangers than the other setters and serves well as a home guardian.