Gordon Setter

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN England.

MOST SUITED AS Field sports dog and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is about 66cm (26in) for dogs and about 62cm (24 1/2in) for bitches.

COAT
The coat, which must never be curly, consists of medium-length hair with feathering. The colour is always black with warm chestnut markings. A small white patch on the chest is permissible.

CARE REQUIRED
Groom this dog regularly and check the ear passages to ensure they are clean. The excess hair beneath the ear should be trimmed to let air reach the inner ear in order to avoid infections. The hair on the outside of the ear should never be clipped - something that is permitted with other Setters. If you wish to show your dog, grooming will require considerably more attention.

CHARACTER
These are lovable, friendly, sociable, and intel­ligent dogs that are gentle-natured and sensi­tive, but they also have a mind of their own.

TRAINING
The training of this dog is certainly not difficult, provided you take account of the fact that it can have a mind of its own. They call for a handler who is both consistent and loving in reproach. It is a good idea to attend a puppy training course.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
It is necessary to introduce the young dog to all manner of situations and experiences with people, animals, and things. Only by doing so will you ensure the well-balanced development of this dog.
In general they get on well with other dogs and with children - because they are a friend to everyone. Good early social training will also ensure they can get along with cats and other household animals. If strangers visit they adopt a wait-and-see attitude.

EXERCISE
This breed needs plenty of exercise. Running beside a cycle is an ideal manner to keep them fit but wait until the dog is fully grown. A Gordon Setter that gets enough outdoor activity will be calm when indoors. They are apt to roam, so a good fence around your property is not an unnecessary luxury.