Gordon Setter

Characteristics of Gordon Setter

Brief information

• Devoted to the owner and family;
• Hardy and energetic, perfect for active people;
• Smart and easy to train dog.

Character

The Scottish Setter, or Gordon Setter, as it is also called, is characterized by a black and tan coat color. The breed got its name in honor of the Scottish Duke Alexander Gordon. For a long time he worked on the hunting qualities of the breed, and he managed to make it the most sensitive and enduring of all setters.

The character of the Scottish Setter is very similar to the characters of his English and Irish counterparts, but there is a difference: he is somewhat more stubborn. This does not prevent Gordon from being an excellent companion, faithful and devoted. However, these qualities also have a negative side: the dog will suffer greatly from a long separation from the owner. For this reason, if you know that you will not be able to spend much time with a pet, you should look into more independent breeds.

With strangers (both people and dogs), the Scottish Setter is cautious and reserved. Despite his hunting nature, he gets along well with other pets in the house; but these dogs are very fond of attention, so it is better for them to be the only ones in the family. Rivals for the caress of the owner, they can “put in place”, but this will never develop into a fight. A Scot will be happy to play with a child if he knows how to handle dogs.

Behaviour

The Gordon Setter is very intelligent and easy to train , but he will not blindly follow commands . This dog must see the leader in the owner and respect him. When training, it is important to be persistent and not yell at the dog: the Scottish Setter is very sensitive.

If the dog has formed some kind of habit that the owner may not like, it will be almost impossible to wean the pet from it. Also, the future owner of the Scottish Setter should be prepared for the fact that dogs of this breed mature only by two or three years, therefore, the behavior of the pet during this period will be like that of a child.

Gordon Setter Care

The Scottish Setter has a very good health and little prone to disease. However, there are some genetic diseases that dogs of this breed suffer from. The most common of these is progressive retinal atrophy which can lead to blindness . Also, dogs of this breed can suffer from hip dysplasia. For these reasons, it is important to have your dog examined by a specialist at least once a year.

The coat of these dogs does not require special care: in order to avoid the formation of tangles, it must be combed 1-2 times a week or after heavy pollution. Bathe your dog as needed, as its coat repels dirt. A show pet needs professional care. The Gordon Setter does not shed much, but its long coat is quite noticeable.

It is also important to monitor the condition of the ears, as dogs with floppy ears are more prone to otitis media (due to more rapid accumulation of wax) and are more likely to become infected with ear mites . And don’t forget about trimming your nails .

Conditions of detention

The Gordon Setter is a hunting breed, hence it requires a lot of active walks – at least an hour a day. If you live in a country house, you need to make sure that the yard is completely safe and isolated from the rest of the world: the fence should be high enough, and there should be no gaps in it or under it. The Scottish Setter is primarily a hunter, so you can’t walk him without a leash, and while walking in the backyard, it’s best to keep an eye on him.

Gordon Setter – Video