Official Standard Gordon Setter
As issued by the Kennel Club and reproduced with their kind permission.
General Appearence
Stylish dog, with galloping lines. Consistent with its build which can be compared to a weight-carrying hunter. Symmetrical in conformation throughout.
Characteristics
Intelligent, able and dignified.
Temperament
Bold, outgoing, of a kindly even disposition.
Head and Skull
Head deep rather than broad, but broader than muzzle, showing brain room. Skull slightly rounded, broadest between ears. Clearly defined stop, length from occiput to stop slightly longer than from stop to nose. Below and above eyes lean, cheeks as narrow as leanness of head allows. Muzzle fairly long with almost parallel lines, neither pointed, nor snipy. Flews not pendulous, clearly defined lips. Nose large, broad, nostrils open and black. Muzzle not quite as deep as its length.
Eyes
Dark brown, bright. Neither deep nor prominent, set sufficiently under brows, showing keen, intelligent expression.
Ears
Medium size, thin. Set low, lying close to head.
Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely over-lapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Long, lean, arched, without throatiness.
Forequarters
Shoulder blades long, sloping well back, wide flat bone, close at withers, not loaded. Elbows well let down, and close to body. Forelegs flat-boned, straight, strong; upright pasterns.
Body
Moderate length, deep brisket, ribs well sprung. Back ribs deep. Loins wide, slightly arched. Chest not too broad.
Hindquarters
From hip to hock long, broad and muscular, hock to heel short, strong, stifles well bent, straight from hock joint to ground. Pelvis tending to horizontal.
Feet
Oval, close-knit, well arched toes, plenty of hair between. Well padded toes, deep heel cushions.
Tail
Straight or slightly scimitar, not reaching below hocks. Carried horizontally or below line of back. Thick at root, tapering to fine point. Feather or flag starting near root, long, straight, growing shorter to point.
Gait & Movement
Steady, free-moving and true, with plenty of drive behind.
Coat
On head, front of legs, tips of ears short and fine, moderate length; flat and free from curl or wave on all other parts of body. Feather on upper portion of ears long and silky; on backs of legs long, fine, flat and straight; fringes on belly may extend to chest and throat. As free as possible from curl or wave.
Colour
Deep shinning coal black, without rustiness, with markings of chestnut red, i.e. lustrous tan. Black pencilling on toes and black streak under jaw permissible. 'Tan markings' : two clear spots over eyes not over
Size
Height: Dogs:
Weight: Dogs:
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
NOTE: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Character of Gordon Setter
HIFF of Lady Woodcock (photo Gauthier Mullenaerts)
Following
the depletion of wildfowl and the fact that very few of our Gordon
accompany their master hunting, the production of good hunting
dogs, especially dogs that British stopper is not without its worries the bredeer.
Most
puppies from our first litter live a very happy life in the new
families (which is why we love before we talk at length with potential
buyers and we suggest a visit when the pups are about 4 weeks) and do
not hunt . However, they enjoy life and go very long walks regularly. They live in properties with a (large) garden.
The Gordon Setter is a very endearing dog who devotes an immense love for his master and his family. It requires an education all smooth and it does no good to rush it. Very clever but a little (sometimes too) stubborn, he will not rest until reaching its goals. This is a great quality for the "master hunter". It is also lovely with children. And
if the field he loves to spend time back at home he does not despise
your couches and sofas and beg for your kisses he receives with
pleasure.
However,
we must not forget that hunting dogs whose natural qualities are no
longer tested will gradually lose the traits typical of the breed. Therefore,
for the owners' non-hunter, it is recommended (important) to present his goodfellow during "Fields" so they retain all their qualities. See
work under you, your precious companion will give you immense
satisfaction and allow your Gordon can indulge in everything that makes
him a fabulous "Flushing" game.
Hunting with a Gordon Setter
Hunting, the PLUME's favorite sport because it is more exiting than the Dog Shows !!! (photo Philippe MATERNE)
The gordon setter has intrinsic qualities of the English Setter, that is to say: power and finesse of his mose and a firm decision. He is born manipulator. Very smart it can adapt to situations and birds. Compared to the English Setter, it has a structure and a more marked enthusiasm, which gives opportunities endurance very important and substantive enough phenomemal.
It's a dog very enduring and foremost a hunting dog. It can accompany several days without balme fatigue. He is very attached to his master to whom he dedicated his infinite love, even when driven by another person. There will always be in a corner of his memory that he has trained.
He knows how to distinguish themselves in difficult playground and the game he takes will be well deserved.
the Gordon is a dominator of woodcocks is quite impressive to see in action fighter with great ground cover and ecellent density and a quest for mental forged steel above average. A true "bécassier" in the soul somehow !!!
This pointer on very firm and magnifies the hunting of woodcock and gives him his true nobility.
One of the reason why many "bécassiers" (woodcock's hunter) use British's pointers who are faster and more spectacular than the Continental's dogs.