The Gordon Setter is white with a black ear. Setters are versatile hunting dogs. Description and characteristics of the breed

The Scottish Setter is the only gun dog in all of Scotland. This is an excellent hunting breed, and, in addition, an excellent companion for humans. The Scottish Setter is also called the Gordon. He received this name in honor of Alexander Gordon, the fourth Duke of Gordon - he was a great lover of the breed of Scottish dogs and created the largest kennel in his own castle.

The origin of Scottish Setters is believed to come from spaniels. During the Renaissance, spaniels were very common throughout Western Europe. There were a huge number various types breeds that specialize in certain types of hunting. There was a division into water spaniels, which hunted in wetlands, and field spaniels, which hunted only in dry areas.

And also, the setting spaniel appeared, which was intended for a unique hunting technique. Unlike most spaniels, which hunted by lifting birds into the air, the Setting Spaniel sneaked up on prey unnoticed and stood up. Demand for this type of breed became more and more and breeders began to select the tallest dogs. Most likely, in the future this type of breed was crossed with other hunting breeds, due to which the size of the dogs began to increase. It is not known exactly what kind of dogs they were, however, according to one version, it was a Spanish pointer. Since the resulting dogs became very different from their ancestors, they were called simply setters..

Over time, setters spread throughout the islands of Britain. Then they were not yet a separate breed, but were considered a type. The colors and sizes of these dogs were very diverse. But over time, breeders began to standardize breeds. One of these breeders and the most influential among them was Duke Alexander Gordon. He had two kennels, one of which raised Scottish Deerhounds, and the second Scottish Setters. He preferred black and tan dogs and therefore focused on breeding this particular type.

Duke Gordon not only standardized this color, but was able to derive from it White color. The breed was bred and popularized by him, therefore it was named after him. The breed was originally called Gordon Castle Setter, but in further word Castle ceased to be mentioned, and the dogs began to be called the Gordon Setter. Since 1820, the breed of Scottish Setters has remained virtually unchanged.

The Scottish Setter is an ideal gun dog for Scottish conditions. These dogs are capable of working in the large and open spaces that prevail in Scotland. They can also work in water, although they are more effective on land. This breed has not become too popular in the world, but enthusiastic hunters invariably prefer Scottish Gordon Setters.

Description and characteristics of the breed

Outwardly, the Gordon Setter is similar to the English and Irish Setter, but has a black and tan color and is larger in size. This dog is large, reaching 66–69 centimeters at the withers and weighing up to 36 kilograms. Females are smaller than males and reach a height of 62 centimeters at the withers and a weight of up to 27 kilograms. Among all types of setters, this is the largest breed, muscular and with strong bones.

Gordons have the following distinctive features:

1. The tail is short and thick at the base, tapering towards the tip.
2. The head is rather small with a graceful long muzzle.
3. Long and thin neck.
4. Smart big eyes.
5. Long hanging ears of a triangular shape.
6. The coat is medium-long, smooth, the same length throughout the body, except for the muzzle and paws, where it is shorter.
7. On the ears, back of the legs and tail, the hair is longer and forms feathers.
8. The color is typical only for Scottish setters - black and tan. The black color is dark, there are no shades of rust in it. The difference between the colors is clear, there are no smooth transitions.

The character of the Scottish dog is the same as that of other cops, but even more stubborn. Gordon setter very attached to the owner and set to work with him in tandem. In this regard, Scottish Setters can be very worried, remaining alone for a long time. Scottish Setters love the company of people, but they are wary of strangers. These dogs are always reserved around strangers until they get used to them.

Scottish Setters get along well with children if they are treated with care. But they will not tolerate dragging their ears or tail from a child. Also, they get along well with other breeds of dogs, but in the family they prefer to be the only pet and receive all the attention of the owner. In general, Scottish Setters have the same attitude towards other dogs as towards strangers - polite, but detached and reserved. The reason for the conflict with other dogs may be that the Gordon Setter, as a rule, is dominant and will try to take the lead in the pack.

Gordons have no aggression towards other animals, despite their hunting instincts. They were originally bred to find and bring prey to the owner, but not to kill. That's why they peacefully share the house with other animals, such as cats.

The Gordon Setter is an intelligent and highly trainable dog. But in training with them it is more difficult than with other sports breeds. This situation arises because the Scots will not follow commands blindly. When training, you need to use a lot of treats, praise, avoid shouting and negative reactions. These dogs only listen to those they respect.

It is impossible to allow a dog to do what the owner would not want from him in the future, since retraining a Gordon is an almost impossible task. But, if you find an approach to the setter, then it will turn out to be an excellent companion for a person.

very energetic, he needs a lot of movement and the opportunity to walk. In general, they are more suitable for their content. a private house with a nice yard than an apartment. Setters mature late, up to three years of life they still remain puppies and behave according to this psychological age, while already possessing an impressive size.

Advantages and features of the breed

1. An adult dog needs at least 60-90 minutes of daily exercise - games, walks, runs.
2. Setters get along well with children and are excellent protectors for them.
3. The Setter can become destructive if it does not find an outlet for its energy and intelligence, this breed should not be allowed to get bored.
4. Gordons are not suitable for life in an aviary or on a chain, they need freedom and attention.
5. These are independent and stubborn dogs, which somewhat hinders obedience.
6. They rarely bark, resorting to barking only to express feelings.
7. The breed has a pronounced molt and care for it takes time.
8. It is important to socialize the dog as early as possible so that it does not show aggression towards other dogs.
9. It is best to keep the Scottish Setter in a private home with a large area, ideally a hunter.
10. Yelling and using rudeness to setters is a bad way to educate a dog, you need to educate a dog without the use of force and swearing.

Care and health

This breed quite a bit of maintenance required but not in exorbitant amounts. The coat needs to be combed daily during shedding, otherwise it will become tangled. Even when the dog does not shed, it must be combed at least twice a week. Bathing a dog is necessary, on the contrary, no more than once every two months or in case of special need. In this case, it is advisable not to use shampoos for extraordinary bathing.

If the walk is going to be on a rainy day, then it is better to use a raincoat for the dog to protect its coat from pollution. In conditions of cold winters, it is worth protecting the dog's ears so that there is no development of otitis media. The claws of dogs are erased by themselves if they have enough active walks.

The Scottish Setter needs quality food. It is necessary to monitor the sufficiency of calories and a balanced diet of the dog. This breed is not prone to obesity and allergies, so the dog can be safely kept on natural feeding. In autumn and spring, to preserve the coat, it is worth giving Gordon more vitamins and seafood.

These dogs are considered to be a fairly healthy breed and are not prone to too many diseases. Life expectancy is 10-12 years.

With proper care and attention from the owner, the Scottish Setter Gordon will become a wonderful and faithful friend and companion.

• Height at withers: Males: 66cm (26 inches); Bitches: not less than 62cm (24.5 inches).
• Weight : Males: 29.5kg (65 lbs); Bitches: 25.5kg (55lbs)
• Lifespan: under 16
• Other names: Gordon Setter, Scottish Setter

Advantages and disadvantages

• Spectacular dog of noble appearance
• Gentle nature, lack of malice
• Hardy and tireless hunter

• Needs long walks
• Not suitable as a guard dog

Description of the breed

The Scottish Setter is considered one of the most beautiful cops. This is not surprising - large, black and red dogs with hair fluttering in the wind always attract attention, both at the exhibition and among passers-by.

The breed belongs to the number of island or English cops. Her main job is hunting for game. To do this, the setter combs the territory with a neat and accurate shuttle, and when it finds a bird, it freezes in a characteristic stance. hallmark Scottish Setter is that even keen on hunting, he is very sensitive to the owner and accurately executes his commands. Works with the upper scent, the direction of the rack indicates the place where the game is hiding. After the dog lifts the prey onto the wing with a short jerk, it lies down so as not to be hit by a bullet. Gordons often bring game, as they have a genetically fixed lack of attempts to feast on prey.

Like most hunting dogs, the Scottish Setter gradually becomes a companion dog. For this, he has all the makings. These dogs are very affectionate and devoted to their owners, adore children, have a stable nervous system, are not aggressive either to people or to their own kind, they can lie on their master's legs for hours, waiting for a walk. Spectacular appearance and elegance make the Scottish Setter a welcome guest of bohemian families, paving the way for him to the most best houses. However, even in a city apartment, this dog feels happy if the owner has the opportunity to spend enough time with her.

There are many rescue dogs among setters. They seem to be specially created for this work with their magnificent flair, affection and love for people. Lack of aggression, indefatigability in the search make this breed one of the best for the search and rescue service.

Gordon setter breed standard

The Scottish Gordon Setter is the largest of all setters. He looks powerful, bony, has relief muscles. Despite somewhat heavy movements, he is hardy, fast and tireless in his work. The build is strong, the stretch index for males is 101-103, for females 103-107. This means that the ideal gordon has a slightly stretched format.

Setters' eyes should be dark brown, large and shiny. An expressive look is appreciated. The ears are large and thin, set at eye level. This set of ears allows the dog not to be distracted by extraneous sounds while working on the nose. In general, the head looks massive, but not coarse. The cranium is voluminous, has a longitudinal furrow and pronounced brow ridges and occipital protuberance. Stop expressed. The forehead is somewhat rounded, the muzzle is dry, not tapering towards the nose, wide. Dangling wings are a disadvantage.

The hair on the head and front of the paws is adjacent, short. On the rest of the body - long, with pronounced texture, straight or slightly wavy. The main tone is jet black, the tan marks are bright red, with a clearly described location. A small amount of black hair on a red background of paws is allowed, as well as a small white medallion on the chest.

The forelimbs are straight, the elbows are pressed to the body. The pastern is short, slightly sloping. The shoulder blade is oblique, inclined, flat, should not be loaded. The angle of the humeroscapular joint should not exceed 100°. Hind limbs with pronounced angles. The thighs and lower legs are long. Metatarsus should not be long and in a natural stance should be almost vertical to the floor.

The withers are well developed. The back is of moderate length, strong. The loin is short and muscular. The croup is somewhat sloping, convex, well dressed with muscles. Chest of good breadth and moderate depth. The keel bone should not protrude too much. False ribs are well developed.

The tail is either straight or saber-shaped, slightly curved. Should not rise above the line of the back and be too long.

The most serious vices include:

cowardice or uncontrollable aggressiveness

other types of constitution, except for a strong

growth of 2 or more centimeters more or less than the standard

brownish, puffy, curly coat

hard coat, lack of dressing hair

extensive white spots, light or blackened tan

bite other than scissors

too big white spots bright eyes,

• unilateral or complete cryptorchidism in males.

The nature and characteristics of the Gordon Setter

The Scottish Setter is a large, well-balanced dog, designed for long distance travel over rough terrain. Until recently, it was believed that for these dogs the owner is obligatory - a hunter. However, as practice shows, they feel great in families with an active lifestyle, if they get enough exercise and can play sports.

The large size of the Scot scares away uninvited guests, in addition, he is able to signal violators with a loud bark, although he is not capable of actively fighting a person. The coat of dogs of this breed allows them to feel good in winter. The growing dense undercoat perfectly stores heat and allows dogs to successfully hunt in winter time of the year. Therefore, Gordons feel great in their own homes if they have warm winter enclosures.

The wool of all setters dries very quickly, because it is poorly wetted with water. With the right texture, burrs are easily removed from it, in addition, it protects the dog from skin damage when moving through bushes and tall grass.

The paucity of the breed and the fact that it has never been fashionable has contributed to the fact that most Scottish Setters are healthy dogs with an enviable lifespan. Breeders carefully monitor the temperament of their dogs, which allows us to recommend Gordon as one of the ideal large dogs for a large family, where there is always someone at home.

At the same time, Gordon is categorically not suitable for those who spend all their time at work, taking the dog outside for 5 minutes in the morning and evening. Left to himself, the dog yearns and methodically destroys the apartment, starting with sofas and doors.

There are different points of view about the possibility of keeping setters in a city apartment. One can argue with those who believe that the dogs of this breed are cramped in the apartment and lack the ability to move. The development of modern sports with dogs allows the gordon to be loaded regularly necessary quantity works for the mind and body, which makes it a very comfortable and inconspicuous dog in a city apartment.

In general, like any other large dog, the Scottish Setter is much more comfortable in freedom, in the yard of his own house. Especially if there are children in the family, with whom the dog can have fun all day long, chasing a ball or Frisbee, swimming in the pool and somersaulting on the green lawn. Gordons are distinguished by excellent upper senses, are tireless and love people, so they can be used as rescue dogs.

In order to limit the dog's movement for some time, you will need an insulated aviary. However, the setter should not be constantly in it - without communication with a person, the dog languishes, its character deteriorates. An aviary is needed to protect the dog from unnecessary attention of workers or guests, and also if work is carried out on the territory, as a result of which the dog may be injured. An aviary is also useful for raising puppies.

When kept in an apartment, sports or hunting for a Gordon are as necessary as air. This dog is categorically not suitable for those who disappear for days at work, leaving the dog to be bored alone. Setters, for whom movement is life, in this case cause a lot of inconvenience to the owners - they smash the apartment, howl, open cabinets and refrigerators, tear sofas.

Setters quickly get used to other pets and get along well with them. They are not inclined to pursue potential prey even on the street, since their work in the field is of a different plan. Some males may try to sort things out with individuals of their own sex, but most often Gordon fights are provoked by a rival. By themselves, these dogs are not pugnacious.

Feeding the Gordon Setter

The Scottish Setter is a dog that can independently determine the amount of food it needs. This means that if your adult dog left food in the bowl, then the bowl should be removed and the next time the portion should be reduced. By observing the dog, you can determine how much food it needs in a given period of life. The bowl should be eaten and licked out quickly, and the dog should not rattle it because the portion was too small, ask for food from the owner after feeding.

This situation is less true for puppies. Of course, there are Scots who are in no hurry to overeat from the young claws, but many puppies, being among littermates, eat more than they need. Flock greed kicks in. It is curious that this passes as soon as they are with the owners. One to three days and they notice that the dog has become less eating. This is fine. She has established her own need for food, independent of the greed of other puppies and competition within the litter.

Disputes between supporters of natural and dry food do not stop. The former are more organic for dogs, but troublesome for owners. The second ones are very convenient, but they do not correspond to how dogs ate for thousands of years before the advent of drying. It is important that the owner understands that every dog ​​is different. And so should her diet. Standard set natural products– meat, cereals, vegetables, fruits, lactic acid products and fats, you must definitely adapt to your dog. To do this, it is important to monitor not only her appetite, but also the chair, making timely adjustments to the diet. Cooking food for a dog is not difficult for any housewife. It is important to understand that in the absence of contraindications, it is better to give meat raw, avoid whole non-sour milk, and do not abuse calcium preparations during a period of rapid growth. As it turned out, carrots, pumpkins, apples, beets are very useful for dogs, and their presence in the diet not only enriches the food with vitamins, but also allows you to maintain a healthy intestinal microflora. Addendum vegetable oils to vegetables improves the condition of blood vessels, and a small amount of salmon oil has a great effect not only on the quality of wool, but also improves the functioning of the nervous system.

The frequency of feeding puppies and the size of their portions are also individual. You need to make sure that the puppy does not overeat, otherwise his stomach will swell, and the food cannot be digested well enough. Puppies usually eat 4 times a day in a month. After 4 months they are transferred to three meals a day, and after 8-9 they are fed twice a day, like adult dogs. A signal to reduce the frequency of feeding is the lack of appetite. It is also important that the total amount of food per day remains sufficient.

Feeding of the bitch becomes more frequent in the second month of pregnancy. This is due to the fact that growing puppies squeeze internal organs and the bitch's stomach cannot hold the usual amount of food.

Dogs older than 6 years of age are put on a special diet with a high content of vitamins and calcium to avoid age-related osteoporosis. Food in older dogs should be easy to digest, and not be too nutritious, so as not to provoke weight gain.

Gordon setter puppies

Scottish Setter puppies are active, curious and mischievous creatures, very loving and need a lot of space for growth and development. That is why it is better for urban residents to raise young children in the country, where there is enough space, sun and fresh air.

If the baby grows in a city apartment, then after vaccinations and quarantine, you need to start walking with him. The harm that the lack of a sufficient number of irritants causes to the baby is incomparable with the risk of developing infectious diseases in a vaccinated dog. Socialization is a gradual process and should be carried out in a timely manner. A puppy that has sat in four walls for up to -5 months often remains shy, unaccustomed to city noise, and does not interact well with dogs.

When starting a walk, it is better to avoid contact of your puppy with other dogs at first. As he masters the territory, adapts to your pace and manner of communication, you can begin to get acquainted with peers and non-aggressive adult dogs. It is important to try to choose different routes for walking. This strengthens the contact and creates in the puppy the feeling that his owner is a real leader who always knows where to go. The wide geography of walks has another positive aspect. A dog familiar with the area, even if lost, will find its way home.

Active and agile, a Scottish Setter puppy will require a steady hand and perseverance in training. This does not mean that he will have to be constantly punished. It's about letting the dog know that his leader is consistent and attentive to his needs. The interaction of a dog and a person should not resemble a non-soldier drill. The number of repetitions of a skill for a puppy should not be more than five, and the duration of the lesson should be from 5 to 15 minutes. Of course, if you decide to work with a cynologist, then the lesson will last at least an hour, but this time includes both training the dog and yours, in addition, changing the exercises will allow you to switch the baby, again getting him interested in a treat or a toy.

It is better to start serious obedience classes or sports training with a puppy from 6 months. At this age, it is important to ensure that the load is adequate, and the puppy does not jump too high barriers. Joints and ligaments of large dogs are formed slowly, they should not be overloaded. The same applies to bikejoring - the first training with a bicycle is carried out no earlier than the dog is one and a half years old.

The training of young dogs usually starts from 6 months, and dogs from the age of one and a half years can participate in field trials.

Gordon setter training

If you are not a hunter, but you like the look of the Scottish Setter, before acquiring a dog, you need to make sure that your lifestyle is suitable for keeping a setter. Not a problem if the owner of the Scot works. An hour-long morning walk with jogging, swimming, frisbee or puller and a slightly longer evening walk, but also with an active load, and weekends spent together are quite suitable for the Scottish Setter. Without a doubt, you can get such a dog to someone who lives in own house and can organize a closed area for his dog in such a way that he could not leave it without permission.

Active games and sports are the key to a good mood and well-being of your setter. These dogs easily learn the basics of training, much of their behavior is fixed by many years of selection - for example, the manner of combing the territory evenly and methodically in search of the right smell, as well as stopping in the picture rack when it is detected.

The first exercises begin immediately after the puppy appears in the house. By manipulating the treat, teach the puppy to sit down and fit. First, a skill is formed, without a command, and only after the baby begins to sit down, reacting to the gesture, the command is entered. Puppies and young dogs are not quick to learn new things, but punishment should not be used in their training. This pushes the dog away from the owner, creating a sense of threat and unpredictability.

The same goes for puppy cleanliness. Setters are very neat dogs, they quickly learn to endure, but it is important to understand that a puppy simply physiologically cannot endure for a long time. And to punish him for puddles means to undermine trust from the very beginning. The behavior that a dog exhibits before going to the toilet can always be noticed. The puppy whines, spins, sniffs the floor. At this time, and also after each meal, he must be taken out into the street and wait until he does his business there. Gradually, he will learn to endure longer and longer. However, even for an adult dog it is harmful to endure more than 4-5 hours. Therefore, when getting a setter, it is important to decide who will walk him during the day.

The Gordons love pulling and frisbee. They are willing to learn tricks and can work with a freestyle owner. Not to mention the fact that the setter learns the standard obedience program easily and without coercion. The main thing is to avoid trainers who work according to the old system of training with its constant punishment and coercion.

The work test for setters is field or marsh game. They allow you to evaluate the fidelity and range of instinct, the manner of taming and searching, the speed of searching, stance, eyeliner, the characteristic style of movement (walk, stance, pull and eyeliner), as well as special training, which includes obedience and staging.

History of the breed

Gordon setter, black and tan or Scottish setter as a breed, was conceived and created with the direct participation of the Duke of Gordon, after whom they were named. At the time when work with the breed began, there were already black and tan setters in Scotland that successfully hunted the bird. In the north of Scotland there is a small town Fochabers. Near the coast of the North Sea, kilometers from it - Loch Ness, and very close - the family nest of the Dukes of Gordon, Gordon Castle. It was here that at the beginning of the century, the Marquis Alexander of Huntrley, the fourth Duke of Gordon, began his work on creating a new breed - Scottish Setters.

The harsh climate and rugged terrain of Scotland demanded strength, endurance and paw strength from this dog. strong winds, bad weather, mountains and hills overgrown with dense shrubs - all this should have been nothing to the tireless Scottish hunter. The basis for breeding was the black and tan setters of Thomas Coke and Henry Paget. The creation and polishing of the new breed took so long that it continued long after the death of Alexander Huntrley. Long-haired Spanish Hounds, heavy but very scented Bloodhounds, as well as Scottish Shepherds, Collies were used in the work. The latter were used to improve the coat quality and character of the Gordon Setters, and to get rid of the dampness and excessive heaviness brought by the Bloodhounds.

In order for the type of Scottish setters to finally form, breeders spent more than a year. The name Gordon Setter was adopted in 1924. The breeding group was fully formed by 1960, and the new breed standard was recognized in 1988. The breed quickly gained popularity in Norway and the United States. At the same time, the Swedes and Danes still preferred to work in the field with a pointer. A distinctive feature of Norwegian breeding is that it still emphasizes the working qualities of dogs, and their conformation is improved in the second turn.

Powerful and showy Scottish Setters regularly appear in the family portraits of Kings Charles I and Charles II. They are painted by Van Dyck and Albrecht Dürer. Since paintings and tapestries on hunting themes were always valued among the nobility, black and tan setters were often depicted on them.

In the film “The Young Lady-Peasant Woman”, shot by Alexei Sakharov based on the story by A.S. Pushkin, Gordon Baron starred as a beautiful cop dog.

There is a well-known story about the Scottish setter Lassie, who, together with her owner A. Krivorutsky, saved five people who fell under the rubble during the earthquake in Neftegorsk. After that, the first cynological search and rescue squad was created and LESSIE is considered its founder and talisman.

The most famous movie about the Scottish Setter is White Bim Black Ear. True, in the film itself, an English setter plays a non-standard Bim, since it is very difficult to find such an extremely rare breeding marriage in the breed.

Gordon setter puppies prices

Given the fact that Scottish Setters are a rare breed, distributed mainly among hunters, the problem often lies not in the cost of a puppy, but in its availability. It is better not to consider market options, as thoroughbred setters very rarely fall into the hands of resellers due to their unpopularity. The minimum cost for a puppy is $300. Of course, various life circumstances can push the owners of a bitch to sell pedigree puppies and at lower prices, but this is more an exception than a rule.

So, the average puppy with papers costs $300. For this money, babies from dogs with work books belonging to hunters are often sold. The same breeders who keep show dogs can charge $500-700 or more for their puppies. These dogs are usually richly dressed, larger, with powerful bones, very spectacular in appearance. Since there is no selection for character and working quality among show dogs, you can buy a baby in such a nursery who is afraid of shots, timid or overly phlegmatic, but with an outstanding exterior.

When choosing a Scottish Setter puppy for yourself, it is important to be prepared, read the standard and see these dogs at least a few times at the show. Babies with disqualifying signs that do not interfere with normal life can be quite inexpensive, but will become reliable friends to the owners.

- gun cop. She is very hardy, energetic and mobile, with a stable psyche. Used for bird hunting.

	Training
	Mind
	Moult
	Guard qualities
	Security qualities
	Popularity
	Size
	Agility
	Attitude towards children

History of the Scottish Setter breed

Gordon is one of the breeds that have become the results of selective breeding. Their pedigree originates from black pointing dogs, common in the north of Scotland and England. Two hundred years ago, Gordons began to instill the blood of the Irish Setter, Bloodhound, Pointer, lying Spaniel, which fixed the black color with tan marks.

A little later, the breed was unsuccessfully crossed with a collie, and then, to correct it, they again began to mix the blood of the Bloodhounds. The breed was fully developed by 1860.

In Russia, they became very popular in the 80s of the 20th century as excellent hunters.

Appearance

The Scottish Setter has a harmoniously developed body with good musculature. This is the most densely built strong animal of all setters. Its height at the withers reaches 69 cm, and its weight is about 30 kg.

The coat of the Gordon is thick, long, shiny, soft, wavy on the paws and ears. Color - raven wing (black with a bluish tint) with mahogany or bright walnut tan. There may be small white markings on the neck and chest.

Gordon character

As a hunter, the Scottish Setter has a very good sense of smell, thanks to which it performs well in any terrain. Quickly adapts to different weather conditions.

It's a very dedicated one who needs constant attention his master. He treats all family members and their friends well, enjoys playing with children.

In relation to strangers and other animals behaves delicately.

This is a completely non-aggressive dog, manageable and obedient, which will rush to help only if the danger threatens the one he loves.
The ability to train this dog is above average and in just 15-25 repetitions it learns a new command.

This is a bold, self-confident dog and tends to lead in the company of dogs. If the owner is not a clear leader, then the dog will try to dominate him.

Caring for Scottish Setters

It is better not to keep such a dog in an apartment, because it needs to move a lot. Best of all, she will feel in the courtyard of a private house, but, of course, not on a chain.

In addition to walking, the Scottish Setter needs active games and special training. If the owner loves cycling or running in the morning, the dog will be happy to accompany him.

Setter's coat needs daily care with a good steel comb. Also, periodically this breed needs to be bathed. For monthly baths, it's best to use a mild dog shampoo or a human shampoo meant for dry hair. After washing, it is advisable to use a conditioner. You can dry it with a hairdryer.

As you know, all breeds of dogs have a unique character and temperament. For those looking for a restless and active companion, there is the Scottish Setter, an energetic and intelligent pointing dog. The beauty of the setter is very natural and, at the same time, it seems carefully thought out and verified. There is nothing superfluous in it. An elegant profile, embodying nobility and dignity, a harmoniously developed body with good muscles and strong legs, luxurious shiny coat of exquisite shades, and most importantly, an expressive look of intelligent eyes.

History of occurrence

The second name of the breed is Gordon. The dog got this name thanks to the fourth Duke Alexander Gordon, who not only respected this breed, but also bred it on the territory of his own castle.

It is generally accepted that setters are descended from the most ancient hunting breed - spaniels. The peak of their popularity fell on the Renaissance in Western Europe. During breeding spaniels were divided into several subspecies.

The so-called water hunted well in the swamps, the subspecies "field" coped with prey on the flat terrain. There were also setting spaniels, whose hunting patterns proved to be unique. The dog found the prey, carefully sneaked up in the rack and lifted it into the air, after which the hunter beat the bird in flight.

As the popularity of spaniels grew, breeders began to work on improving the breed. It is believed that the strongest and tallest individuals were crossed with other hunting breeds, including the Spanish Pointer. . The result was a Scottish Setter - excellent hunter and wonderful companion.

The greatest contribution to the standardization of the breed was made by Duke Alexander. It is believed that it was he who brought out the most popular black and tan color. With this suit, Gordon preferred to go falconry.

It was a breed that excelled at hunting in open areas. The Setter hunts well both in water and on land.

Being the most agile gun dog, the Scot throughout history competed with his progenitor in the struggle for the love of shooters. At one time, the setter even gave way to a more nimble and agile pointer. Over time, the popularity of setters subsided. Those hunters remained with them, who did not seek to compete, but sincerely enjoyed the process.

It has been customary to count the modern history of the breed since the opening of the first official kennel of the Gordon Setter Club of America (GSCA). Among the three varieties of setters, the Scottish is the most working, however, it is inferior in popularity to the Irish and English counterparts. The modern standard exactly repeats the description of the dog, which was bred in 1820 and was called the Scottish Setter.

Gallery: Scottish Setter (25 photos)

Description of the breed

Outwardly, the Scottish dog resembles the same Irish and English setters. A distinctive feature is its height, as well as black and tan color. External features:

• Large strong dog breed. An adult male grows up to 65-70 cm at the withers, and the weight often exceeds 30 kg. Females grow up to 62 cm and weigh 26 to 27 kg;
• The muscles are well developed, pronounced, the backbone is strong;
• Strong tail, thick at the base, gradually tapering towards the end;
• The limbs are strong, long, dexterous;
• Head small size, located on a graceful thin neck;
• Gordon's muzzle is neat, long. A large number of olfactory receptors allows the dog to hunt even under difficult weather conditions;
• The ears are set high, hanging, triangular in shape. The hair on the ears is thick, which makes them appear larger and more massive;
• Big smart eyes.

Scottish Setter wool significantly different from other subspecies. The length of the coat is medium and does not cause stiffness in the dog's movements. The structure of the hair is smooth. May be wavy, but not curly. This is a smooth-haired breed.

The coat is uniform throughout the body. But the muzzle and back of the limbs are somewhat shorter. Longer hair on ears, limbs and tail where it folds into neat feathers. The tail has the most hair at the base, and its amount decreases towards the tip.

The only acceptable color for the Scottish Setter is black. There should be no rusty sheen, and the transition from color to color should be clear.

Dog temperament

Scottish Setter Personality, gordon, resembles pointing dogs, however, is more stubborn. The breed was created for close cooperation with the hunter, so the dog becomes attached to the owner once and for all. He loves the company of people very much, but treats strangers with caution.

Doesn't like to be alone for a long time. Alone with himself falls into a real depression. Therefore, those who want to get a setter need to understand that he will have to pay a lot of attention. Needs regular walks and exercise.

obedient breed. Trained easily and with pleasure. It takes about 15-20 repetitions to learn a new command. Intelligence is above average.

I agree with the owner on everything: it works in all weather conditions, as well as on any terrain. Hardy and undemanding, ready to hunt for days. Very brave. Without hesitation, he rushes to help if the situation requires it. This is a strong and wise dog, an excellent gun dog and a faithful companion.

Excellent leadership qualities. In a team of brothers, he always tries to dominate. It behaves similarly with the owner: if the owner is not a pronounced “leader”, then the dog will try to take this position himself. Not prone to aggression. They are detached from other dogs, so they prefer to be the only pet in the house so that they do not have to share the attention of the owner.

Setters tend to be somewhat stubborn. If the dog has developed a certain habit, then it will be very difficult to eliminate it.

The setter needs daily exercise. Jogging should take at least one hour a day. Without a spacious yard, it will be difficult to provide the breed with a sufficient level of stress. He loves to roam and sniff, so the breed is prone to a wandering lifestyle.

When choosing this breed, it is important to understand that the Scot matures late. In the first three years, you will get a large puppy that behaves accordingly. Energy and movement are in the blood of the setter.

Socialization and training

Quickly get used to a change of scenery and new people. At first, they are wary and do not rush into hugs. Later, having got used to it, they treat the “newcomer” calmly and even friendly. Children are treated well and with understanding. Will not offend kids.

In the company of dogs, he occupies a leadership position, but does not strive to “join the team”. Being a dominant individual, it can come into conflict with other leading dogs. In males, outbursts of aggression in relation to the opponent are possible.

Education plays a vital role. Training must be done from the very beginning. early age. In raising a setter, it is necessary to show strictness and steadfastness. The dog immediately needs to be shown who is the leader in the “pack”. The training of the Scot requires a little more effort than the upbringing of sporting breeds. “Blind” fulfillment of the requirements does not suit him. The Setter loves praise and rewards.

It is noteworthy that the Scot obeys only the one whom he considers the leader. If a person occupies a lower position in the hierarchy, then the dog will not obey him.

If you describe the Scottish breed in several theses, then they will sound like this:

Based on the facts described above, the Setter breed appears in a not too favorable light. However, owners who have been able to understand the psychology of their pet claim that the Scots are the best companion among hunting dogs.

Care rules

Scot is a concentration of energy and activity. You need to keep such a breed in the open. Best suited for this purpose Vacation home where there is a place for safe walking. It is absolutely impossible to keep such a dog on a chain.

The dog needs daily walks and training, so the owner will need some free time. The dog is undemanding to the types of loads and will gladly accompany the owner on a run, as well as bring a thrown ball.

The coat of the setter needs to be brushed every day.. To do this, use combs with steel teeth. The breed needs regular grooming.

You need to bathe the setter once a month, and also if necessary, for example, after going hunting. For bathing, use dog cosmetics or a regular shampoo designed for dry hair. After washing, you can use a conditioner, and you need to dry the dog with a hairdryer.

Features of the diet

Setter feeding you need to organize so that he receives food several times a day in small portions. The breed is prone to bloating, so the menu must be selected carefully. Overeating will also be unacceptable, although the breed is not prone to excessive appetite.

Puppies should eat 6 times a day, and an adult eats three times a day. Be sure to feed a balanced diet. At any age, it should contain a large amount of proteins and carbohydrates. In the first four months of a baby's life, it is better to feed homemade food. Later, the puppy can be transferred to specialized food.

All meat products must be boiled and crushed. Raw meat should not be given to hunter breeds! Bones are also banned. To strengthen the skeleton, you can treat the dog with cartilage. The main porridge should be buckwheat, rice and oatmeal. Puppies up to a year old should be given fermented milk products. Both babies and adult dogs should eat at least 300 g of boiled vegetables per day.

Foods that should not be fed to a setter:

• Legumes and everything that provokes increased gas formation.
• Smoked and salted foods.
• Yeast baking.
• Potato.

Setters drink a lot, so a bowl of water should be not only at home, but also on a walk.

Health and longevity

In terms of health One of the most robust hunting dogs is the Gordon Setter. The description of the breed proves that these are mobile pets that love to walk in the fresh air. Scots rarely get sick.

A balanced diet, exercise and genetics will be the key to excellent health.

The life expectancy of the breed is 11-12 years. A large weight often provokes disturbances in the work of the hip skeleton. The eyes are also at risk. The retina is especially sensitive.

Buying a puppy

buy scottish setter you need in a specialized nursery or from a trusted breeder. As a gun dog, only a puppy from working parents is suitable. For beginners, a girl is suitable, because she is more obedient than a boy.

If you are unsure of your own knowledge, ask the dog handler for help in choosing a puppy. The specialist will determine the strongest and smartest baby.

When buying, make sure you have all required documents as well as vaccinations. The breeder also needs to find out what kind of food the puppy eats in order to make a gradual transition to the main menu.

Excellent pointing dog breed. Gordon has a sharp intellect and some stubbornness, which increases the interest of an experienced owner.

Attention, only TODAY!

Breed Scottish setter gordon was bred in the second half of the 19th century for hunting. In Scotland, near Loch Ness, there was a castle of the Gordon family. It was Duke Gordon 4, in search of the ideal dog breed, who took the black and tan setter as a basis and brought it to perfection, crossing it with Bloodhounds, Collies and Pointers.

Features of the breed and character

The Scottish Setter gets along well with children. Thanks to his friendliness and incredible ability to learn, he will be a true friend and companion to the child. A cheerful disposition and developed muscles are conducive to active games.

His temperament ideally combines such qualities as fearlessness, confidence and alertness, as well as an enviable ability to adapt in any conditions. Therefore, the Gordon Setter breed is used not only for hunting, they make excellent watchmen.

Extremely hardy and persistent, has an excellent flair. Despite these qualities, this breed extremely balanced, devoted and affectionate to the owner. Of the minuses, it is worth noting impatience, does not get along well with dogs of other breeds.

breed standard

Gordon setter is a dog large breeds. It has a strong constitution, all muscle groups of the body are well developed. The height at the withers in males starts from 64 cm and reaches 69-70 cm. In females, on average 59-65 cm. The presence of deviations of 2 or more centimeters is considered a marriage.

The color is blue-black with red-red, clearly defined tan marks. They are located above the eyebrows, in the area of ​​​​the auricles, on the muzzle and paws. The presence of light spots in the chest, neck and toes is allowed.

A large presence of light spots and a brown-red color of the entire body is a marriage. The fur is soft and shiny. Straight, slight waviness is allowed. On the head, body and front of the paws it is short, on other parts it is elongated.

The head is massive with pronounced brow ridges. The muzzle is elongated, but broad, with a sharp transition from the forehead to the nose. The nose is large, black. The neck is long, muscular and dry.

Marriage will be the presence of spots on the nose, a narrow muzzle, no transition, too short a neck. The ears are long and hanging, close fitting to the head. Correct location should be above eye level. The hair on the ears is elongated.

The eyes are large, rounded, dark brown in color. A different color or shape is unacceptable (marriage). The body is muscular and slightly sloping, the chest is well developed, wide. An arched back and a narrow chest are signs of marriage.

Care and maintenance

Gordon setter breed, contrary to many beliefs, is suitable for keeping in an apartment environment. However, since hounds and cops took part in its creation, cardio loads are needed in the form of active long walks.

Scottish Setters are excellent swimmers, swimming in water will help keep your pet in good physical shape. It will be useful to take them to special training grounds and, if possible, to hunt.

The Gordon Setter's luxurious coat requires close attention and care. During molting, it must be combed every day. The rest of the time, this procedure can be done a couple of times a week.

With frequent washing, the work of the glands that secrete a secret (sebum) will be disrupted, which will negatively affect the condition of the skin and coat. In general, the Gordon Setter breed is unpretentious in care.

Nutrition

Gordon setter puppies It is recommended to feed with natural food. The diet should contain predominantly meat products, as well as milk, cottage cheese and mineral supplements. Cereals and plant foods should not exceed 20% of the total diet.

The number of meals depends on the age of the dog. For example, a 2-month-old puppy is supposed to eat up to 6 times a day. While an adult Gordon Setter will get by with two meals. It is necessary to feed the dog at the same time. It is important to ensure that the pet does not overeat.

Adult gordon setter perfectly cost "factory" feed. It is also convenient for the owner. The dog will receive all the necessary vitamins and mineral supplements that are needed for further development And appearance. It is better to choose premium food. They have an optimally balanced ratio of proteins, fats and fiber.

Cheap feeds contain more vegetable fats and fiber, which can adversely affect the digestive system of a dog of this breed. If desired, an adult dog can be left on natural food, the Gordon Setter breed is not prone to allergies.

IN summer period The dog needs plenty of fluids. For long walks and intense workouts, you need to take water with you and give your pet regular water to avoid dehydration. All consultations for proper nutrition available from breeders.

Possible diseases

The life expectancy of a Gordon Setter is high, averaging 12 years. There are a number of diseases that representatives of this breed are prone to. They are susceptible various types dysplasia (elbow, hip joints).

May have gastrointestinal problems. Older dogs are at risk of intestinal volvulus. Prone to eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Retinal atrophy develops much less frequently.

Special attention should be paid to the ears in order to avoid otitis media. Regularly brush and trim your hair. Gordon setter dogs do not tolerate cold very well. In severe frosts, it is necessary to reduce the duration of walks.

Price

Buy a Gordon Setter It is possible both at private traders, and in a specialized nursery. Prices for puppies vary depending on the pedigree, age and other parameters. Average gordon setter price for a puppy with a pedigree is 25-30 thousand rubles. In its absence, 5-12 thousand rubles.