Among the three types of setters, the Gordon represents the Scottish side of the family and is the largest and heaviest of them. Gordons are muscular, big-boned, and sturdy. They are highly intelligent, quick to train, and have good memories.

The breed has been around since the 1600s or earlier. Like other setters, it developed from the Spanish Pointer and early spaniels. In the 1700s, the fourth Duke of Gordon became the first person to concentrate on breeding a distinct Scottish setter.

Gordons thrive on plenty of vigorous exercise and interaction with their owners, and mature at about four years of age. Today’s Gordons have lustrous, black feathery coats. Their markings are a deep mahogany color: a small spot over each eye, on the sides of the muzzle, on the throat and chest, inside and around the hind legs, and at the bottom of the front legs.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Active, upstanding, and stylish, with a strong, rather short back. Head is fairly heavy and finely formed. His movements are smooth-flowing.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height—males, 24 to 27 inches; females, 23 to 26 inches. Weight—males, 55 to 80 pounds; females, 45 to 70 pounds. The length is about equal to the height.

Fun Facts

This breed is named after the fourth Duke’s Gordon Castle Kennels and the sixth Duke of Gordon, whose setters in the early 1800s became the model for today’s dog. The breed’s motto is “beauty, brains, and bird sense.”

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.