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Characteristics

Text reproduced here by kind permission of the Gordon Setter Association.

To attempt to define the complicated character of the Gordon Setter is perhaps the most difficult task any Gordoner can be asked to undertake.

While it can be said that if there was a room full of Gordoners from all over the world, the stories they would tell about the exploits of their dogs would be much the same, this is equally true of any breed.

These are perhaps characteristics, but not a reflection of the breed's true character.

The Gordon Setter is an extremely intelligent dog of bold character and whilst they can be very outgoing, in some company they can also be equally reserved. The deduction that can perhaps be made is that whilst you might be judging them, they have already made up their minds up about you. However, when they have made up their mind that they like you, then the roles are quickly reversed and they will soon become your owner.

Whilst in most cases the character - or perhaps a better word to use would be temperament - of the Gordon Setter is with people excellent, with other dogs they can have their moments, but after all do we always like everyone we meet?

They are leaders, and will nearly always want to be, in the company of other dogs, the Alpha figure.

Despite the outward bold impression they give - that they look the world in the eye without fear of anything - they have in most cases a very soft centre and subject to physical correction can soon become subdued and lose that lovely outgoing personality associated with the breed. They can, however, if not from the outset subject to an understanding but firm and fair regime, become wilful, destructive and dominant.

To get the best out of your relationship with a Gordon Setter you must challenge and channel their intelligence; if you do this, you will have a handsome, loyal and loving companion.

If you can not get them to do your bidding by the strength of your personality and their respect for you - a Gordon Setter is not for you.

In a family situation, a Gordon Setter is always ready for as much exercise as their owner is able to give them. With children they can be a loyal and protective friend - but be warned, no dog should be left on their own with a small child, in the best interest of both the dog and the child.

Gordon Setters can be determined to find out, and make up their own minds about situations. Once told not to do something, they can appear to observe their owners wishes. However, the chances are that sometime in the future (be it a day, week or a year later) it is more than probable that you will catch them trying again to find out for themselves. It's not that they are disobedient, just very curious by nature.

To encapsulate the Gordon Setter's character: they will never be sorry for their actions although at the time they will make a good show of being so. Sorry is not a word they understand, or pretend not to. They will only be sorry if you have managed to catch them before they were able to complete their actions.

What is for sure is that if you like the great outdoors and the company of an interesting and interested companion, you will never be sorry for becoming a member of that select band who are proud to say they are owned by a Gordon Setter.

The working abilities of the Gordon Setter are very often under-estimated, particularly by those who mistakenly believe the Gordon Setter's heavier build disadvantages them in the company of their more racy relatives.

The discerning, however, have long recognised the Gordon Setter's outstanding attributes: they are tireless and thoughtful workers. It has been estimated that a Gordon Setter can cover upwards of 50 miles in a day's work on a Grouse Moor.

To see Gordon Setters doing what they were bred for is to see them at their very best and, to see for the first time a Gordon Setter come on point when it scents birds, is a moment never to be forgotten.

Characteristics

Health

On the whole the Gordon Setter is one of the healthier breeds of dog.

However sometimes this isn't the case. If you would like to add any health condition(s) to the Gordon Setter Breed Council health database then please fill in this 'Attached Form'.

Please feel free to contact Carolyn Pearce of the Gordon Setter Club of Scotland or any of the Gordon Setter Club of Scotland's committee in the first instance, who will be more than happy to share information or point you in the right direction regarding any health issues.

Many live active lives for around 10-12 years of age. However, there are a few health conditions that can affect Gordons including:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited conditions that affect the retina. There is no cure for PRA and the condition may lead to total blindness at some point in the dog's life. Many breeds are known to suffer from PRA; however it is only recently that the condition has been recognised and documented in Gordon Setters.

PRA in Gordons is late onset, meaning that Gordons can suffer from total blindness in their later years. It always affects both eyes, and night vision is the first thing to go; but not all Gordons will suffer from late onset PRA.

PRA is carried on a recessive gene meaning that both parents must be carriers of the gene for the condition to be inherited. The different genetic mutations of PRA are clear, carrier or affected. Carriers are clinically normal & will not go blind. If both parents are carriers there is a 1 in 4 chance with each pup that it will inherit the disease.

The mating outcomes from each scenario are:

Clear x Clear - two clear dogs are mated, both parents being clear of the disease, all the puppies will be genetically clear.
Clear x Carrier - one parent is clear and the other is a carrier, approximately half of all the puppies will be clear and half will be carrier, meaning 50% of the litter will be carriers.
Clear x Affected - one parent is clear and the other is affected then all of the puppies will be carriers.
Carrier x Carrier - both parents are carriers, on average a quarter of their puppies will be clear, a quarter will be genetically affected and half will be carriers. That's 75% of the litter carrying the recessive genes.
Carrier x Affected - one parent is carrier and the other parent is affected, half the puppies will be carriers and half will be affected.
Affected x Affected - both parents are affected and all the offspring will be affected.

Through combined work of the Gordon Setter Clubs in the UK, the Breed Council and the Animal Health Trust (AHT) the gene causing PRA in Gordons has been identified, and a genetic DNA test has been developed to test for PRA (rcd4) . With the DNA test it is possible to know which dogs are affected, carriers or clear without requiring any clinical signs of the disease. DNA test kits are available to order online from the Animal Health Trust. The test is a simple swab from the dogs mouth.

The results where dogs have been tested are published by the Kennel Club and results can be found via the Health Test Results Finder.

Over time with careful breeding we should be able to eliminate the disease. Carriers and affected dogs can still be used for breeding where mated with a DNA tested clear dog.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket. It can cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a genetic (polygenic) trait that is affected by environmental factors. It is common in many dog breeds.

All dogs used in the breeding programme should be hip scored as part of the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme. X-rays are taken of the dogs joints and a score is assigned to each hip. The minimum hip score is 0 and the maximum is 106 (53 for each hip). The lower the score the lesser there is a degree of hip dysplasia.

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA)

The Gordon Setter Breed Council has recently been made aware of a new DNA test available to Gordon Setters. It is for the neurological condition Cerebellar Abiotrophy [also referred to as cerebellar ataxia, cerebellar cortical degeneration).

The condition is usually seen in young Gordon Setters ranging in age from 6 months to 4 years, but may be seen in puppies as young as 3 weeks. It develops when the neurons known as Purkinje cells located in the cerebellum of the brain begin to die off. These cells affect balance and coordination so symptoms may include low head carriage, staggering/ataxic gait, stiffened posture, loss of muscle-tone and the inability to stand. Affected puppies may die or be euthanased and young adults may be euthansed as the condition progresses.

The mutant gene is an autosomal recessive, like PRA so to produce affected offspring; both parents must carry the gene.

Cases have been documented in show and working lines and have been seen in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. CA is not thought to have a high frequency within the breed.

The Breed Council wishes to make breeders aware of the condition and the test, but is not making any recommendations that breeders must use the test prior to breeding. Testing for CA will be voluntary and the Breed Council will monitor the situation, advising breeders accordingly in the future.

The DNA test is offered by the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at North Carolina State University. For more information on the test see 'Cerebellar Degeneration' Or for more information on CA 'Canine Hereditary CA'

Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV/'Bloat')

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is a rapidly progressive life-threatening condition of dogs. The condition is commonly associated with large meals and causes the stomach to dilate, because of food and gas, and may get to a point where neither may be expelled. As the stomach begins to dilate and expand, the pressure in the stomach begins to increase.

The increased pressure and size of the stomach may have several severe consequences, including:

prevention of adequate blood return to the heart from the abdomen
loss of blood flow to the lining of the stomach
rupture of the stomach wall
pressure on the diaphragm preventing the lungs from adequately expanding leading to decreased ability to maintain normal breathing

To read more about Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus vist the 'ACVS Veterinary Surgeons'

Life With a Gordon Setter

Life with a Gordon Setter

Quotes from people and members who have had Setters for years. They share some of their experiences and shed light to the pet side of the breed.

Owner: Nina

"What is the Gordon Setter?

An easy one to answer, a black and tan dog with handsome good looks, superb nature, sensitive to your needs, comforting you if you are upset and celebrating with you when you are happy, they will show this with great exuberance , reading your mind when it is “walkie time” no word being spoken. Very vocal when excited especially first thing in the morning, they have the traditional woo woo war cry.

The Gordon can be a little reserved with people they has not met before but totally devoted to their family and extended family, their loyalty have no limits. They are an intelligent dog, but can be stubborn but is usually easy to train because they want to please. They do make the ideal family pet."

Owner: Diane

"Firstly Gordon Setters are family dogs they are amazing loyal affectionate dogs.
I no longer show them but I have had them for over 37 years. If you would like to meet other Gordon’s then come along to our 2 open shows which are exclusive to the breed. There are also events aimed solely at ‘pets’ like The 'Fochabers Highlands Game fair' in May which is located at Gordon Castle Estate or the 'doggy day' out at 'Glamis Castle' all aimed at meeting and greeting many pet owners for a fun dog day out."

Puppies

Looking to make a Gordon Setter part of the family? Please refer to our Breeder Charter below for a few bullet points in what to look for when searching for a new Gordon-shaped addition to your family.

These Gordons come from health checked dogs and bitches....