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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.
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: Setters are often said to be stupid. In
reality, however, they are very intelligent in being able to
figure out how to get out of enclosures and the like. The
perception of stupidity probably relates to their fairly
contemptuous attitude towards conventional dog obedience.
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 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.
Gordons in particular are sensitive but kindly, and need
gentle but firm handling. Any nervous tendencies can be cured
by early socialization, which is very important. The Gordon Setter is not recommended for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors (if a Gordon Setter gets enough outdoor activity it will be calm when it is indoors) and does best with at least a large, safely fenced yard where it can run free. They like to roam, so a good fence around your property is essential.
Health: They are prone to bloat, hip dysplasia and
eye deseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, and
cataracts. This breed generally lives about 10 to 12 years. Usually in excellent health, but some are prone to hip dysplasia and eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. These dogs are prone to bloat and should be fed two or three small meals a day rather than one big one.
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