Standard and Description of The Gordon Setter |
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Discussions taken with permission from The Complete Gordon Setter by Anita Lustenberger & Jean Sanger Look, Howell Publishing, 1984-1989 |
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| The most understandable discussion of the Gordon Setter standard has
to be based on full appreciation of the basic structural differences among
the three setters as well as the unique hunting style of each. All too often we find articles on How to Trim the Setter - as though all three could be handled the same. Statues are made, one shape of the dog, three colors. Anatomical drawings are presented, lectures delivered far and wide on the basis that one Setter is just like the other in build. Not so! No less an authority than Mrs. Bede Maxwell puts it in a nutshell. In her splendid book, The Truth About Sporting Dogs, she says, "The English is basically a Spaniel, the Irish is basically a scent hound. The Gordon partakes of both groupings." The General Impression paragraph in the Gordon standard emphasizes many of the more obvious differences between him and his cousins. By referring to him as "... good sized, sturdily built ... well muscled, with plenty of bone and substance..." the picture is drawn which sets him apart. Further comments such as, "He has a strong, rather short back, with well-sprung ribs, and a short tail. The head is fairly heavy..." add to the visual differences. Finally, by stressing that "He suggests strength and stamina rather than extreme speed" it becomes obvious that we are aiming at a Setter that is quite different from the smaller English and more racy Irish. This is confirmed by the weight and height requirements. |
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| General Impression: The Gordon Setter is a good sized, sturdily built, black and tan dog, well muscled, with plenty of bone and substance, but active, upstanding and stylish, appearing capable of doing a full day's work in the field. He has a strong, rather short back, with well-sprung ribs and a short tail. The head is fairly heavy and finely chiseled. His bearing is intelligent, noble, and dignified, showing no signs of shyness or viciousness. Clear colors and straight or slightly waved coat are correct. He suggests strength and stamina rather than extreme speed. Symmetry and quality are most essential. A dog well-balanced in all points is preferable to one with outstanding good qualities and defects. A smooth, free movement, with high head carriage, is typical. |
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