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Gordon Setters: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Gordon Setter personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Gordon Setter, including these excerpts: "The handsome, well-muscled Gordon Setter is the most alert, serious, and sensible of the setters, a graceful yet powerful dog who enjoys hiking, biking, jogging, and field work as regular exercise. Though usually calm and dignified, with a wise and noble expression, he does have a silly side, and also a demanding side. Gordon Setters thrive on one-on-one attention. They may be jealous of other pets and aggressive with strange dogs. Their strong-mindedness calls for early training by someone who knows how to establish and stick to rules, but you must be patient and persuasive, never harsh. Gordon Setters also have long memories: Once they learn something (whether right or wrong), they'll remember it for a long time. On the negative side, this means bad habits can be difficult to break." History Developed in Scotland and named after the Duke of Gordon, this methodical bird hunter was brought to the U.S by Daniel Webster. Size 23-27 inches and 45-85 lbs

Gordon Setters What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em If you want a dog who... Is large and sturdy, yet also elegant and graceful Has a lovely feathered coat -- jet black with rust red markings Is the most alert of the setters, the most discriminating with strangers, and makes the best watchdog Is usually sensible and dependable with everyone A Gordon Setter may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... Providing enough exercise to keep him satisfied Exuberant jumping, especially when young "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much Stubbornness Slowness to housebreak Frequent brushing and combing Shedding A Gordon Setter may not be right for you. If I were considering a Gordon Setter... My major concerns would be: Providing enough exercise. Gordon Setters MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by destructive chewing, especially when young. If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in hunting or tracking or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Gordon Setters need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you. Animal aggression. Some Gordon Setters, particularly males, may not be tolerant of other male dogs. Some Gordon Setters do not get along with cats. Stubbornness. Gordon Setters are not Golden Retrievers. They can be extremely stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Gordon Setter to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Gordon Setter Training Page discusses the program you need. Housebreaking. Gordon Setters tend to resist being told what to do, and housebreaking is no exception. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training. Grooming. To keep their silky coat free of mats, Gordon Setters require regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming every few months. Shedding. Gordon Setters shed quite a bit. Their hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting, and hide under the furniture. Be prepared for vacuuming. Not all Gordon Setters are alike! There are energetic Gordon Setters, and placid ones. Hard-headed Gordon Setters, and sweet-natured Gordon Setters. Serious Gordon Setters, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Gordon Setters, and Gordons who love everyone. If you acquire a Gordon Setter puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." If you're considering an adult Gordon Setter... There are plenty of adult Gordon Setters who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. If you would like to link to this review, here is the HTML code: <a href="http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/gordonsetters.html">Gordon Setters: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em</a> Copyright © 2000-2008 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.