Black and Tan Setters have been a recognizable breed since the sixteenth
century. Alexander the fourth Duke of Gordon (1743 - 1827) is credited with
producing an outstanding strain of Black and Tan Setters at Gordon castle in
Scotland. The breed has been variously known as Scottish Setters, Gordon
Castle Setters, as well as Black and Tan Setters and, as we know them today,
Gordon Setters. The Gordon Castle Strain were mostly black, white and tan,
a relic of the white can sometimes be seen today in the small white spot on
the chest.

In 1842 dogs from Gordon Castle arrived in North America and when official
registrations began in the U.S.A. Gordon Setters were established. By 1891
the Gordon Setter Club of America had been formed and a breed standard
written. The Gordon Setter Club of Canada was first established in the
early 1990's.

As a weight carrying horse is to a thoroughbred racehorse, so is the Gordon
to the other setter breeds. He is a dog with plenty of bone and substance,
noble and dignified in his bearing. His coat and colouring make him an
attractive and eye-catching dog. Regular brushing and trimming are all that
are required to maintain his handsome appearance.

Not a typical kennel dog, he must have affection for proper development and
that affection is returned in full measure. He is a one-family dog and
works best in the field for his owners alone. He has a strong protective
sense towards family and home, though he readily adopts his owner's attitude
to strangers. Although unfriendly towards unwelcome intruders, he is to his
friends "a most pettable dog". He is an excellent house pet in spite of his
size, and is is ready to adjust to almost any living conditions as long as he
is ensured the love of his owners. A keen hunter in the field, he is not
restless in the house and will lie quietly asking only for the pleasure of
his owner's company and a necessary walk. This same well mannered gentleman is however, always enthusiastic about a day in the field or a ramble in the woods. He loves children and will suit his pace to theirs while protecting them from any threat.

As a personal gun-dog the Gordon is without peer, although in the present
form of field trial his habit of working thoroughly and not ranging too
widely sometimes places him at a disadvantage. As a show dog, it need only
be said that his is the inheritor of the legacy left by "Dandie" the Black
and tans Setter who won the first official dog show ever held in England in
1859.

Text written by Sylvia Adamson
Used with permission - All rights reserved