Gordon Setter

Gordon Setters have existed in Scotland since 1620 and were first known as the Black-and-Tan Setter. They became better known some 200 years later when they could be found in the kennels of Alexander, the fourth Duke of Gordon. They were known as the Castle Gordon Setters and were very successful as hunting dogs. They were excellent bird hunters, and could easily smell and retrieve the fallen bird. Their impressive stamina also allowed them to hunt well on land or in water and through any weather conditions. The first of the breed could be white, black, red, tan or tricolor, but the black and tan combination was the favorite of the Duke. Therefore, it is this coloring that has prevailed throughout the years and is most commonly seen today. Alexander IV, the Duke of Gordon eventually passed away in the year of 1827. After his death, it was his heir that took on the responsibility of running the kennels. It was only in 1924 that these dogs took the name of the Gordon Setter. This dog breed was eventually found in the United States in the year 1842 when two of the dogs, named Rake and Rachel were imported by a man named Mr. George Blunt. These dogs also came from the kennels of Gordon Castle. In 1924, the Gordon Setter Club of America was founded. Today they are known as faithful companions and stunning show dogs, but are still great one-man hunting dogs. They were eventually used in the development of the Irish Setter.