A beautiful hunting dog, the Scottish Setter belongs to the animals of the gun. It has a second name - Setter Gordon. Appeared in Scotland at the very beginning of the XVIII century in the castle of the Duke of Gordon and Richmond. Named after the creator, later the breed was improved by the breeder by crossing with collie and bloodhound. This is a breed of pet dogs. Not too common and popular compared to other setters.
From the history of the breed
The stately and beautiful hunting dog, the Scottish setter, was descended from the black and tan English dogs that have been known on the islands since the 17th century. Animals similar to current setters were first described in sources dating back to 1776. The ancestors of the Scots are considered to be Irish and English setters, bloodhounds, collies, possibly Labradors and Spaniels.
The Duke's Castle has become the main "base" for breeding the Scottish Setter breed. Gordon Setter is a dog that has come a long way in breeding development. Active work on the formation and improvement of the breed began at the beginning of the XIX century. Thanks to the efforts of the famous dog breeder - the Duke of Richmond, one of the owners of the castle of Gordon - the very first standard of this breed appeared in 1860. However, more often than not these dogs are called Gordon Setters.
At the first exhibition of hunting dogs, held in England in 1859 in the city of Newcastle, the Gordon Setter D. Jobling won. The first field competition took place in Bedford in 1865. Gordons won three prizes.
In 1892, the Scottish Setter Gordon, a hunting dog breed, was officially recognized by the American Animal Lovers Club. They began to breed in the Scandinavian countries, Russia, France. At the beginning of the last century, the Gordons were again renamed the Scottish Setter.
In 1924, the Scottish Setter Gordon (hunting dog breed) was recognized by the English Club of Dog Breeding. The IFF recognized these wonderful animals called the Gordon Setter. More than sixty years later (1988), the breed standard was seriously revised. It is in this edition, with minor changes, that it exists today.
External data
The beauty of these dogs seems completely natural and at the same time carefully thought out by someone. A noble and elegant dog of large sizes, quite tall, folded surprisingly harmoniously, with well-developed muscles. The backbone is powerful, the legs are strong, sparkling hair and smart, all understanding expressive eyes. In a word - an aristocrat.
Male growth is within 66 cm, bitches are 60 cm. Weight is not more than 29.5 kg. Scottish Gordon Setter - a dog with a head with a wide skull, a fairly long deep muzzle and, of course, with a pronounced transition to the forehead.
Wool
Soft, slightly wavy or straight, but not curly, tight-fitting, silky. On the stomach and lower surface of the body, as well as the tail, ears and on the back of the limbs, the coat is much longer. It forms a suspension of a triangular shape, from the base of the tail it tapers to the head.
Color
The standard allows coal black with a bluish shiny tint and a bright walnut or mahogany tan. The location of the tan and its manifestations are strictly regulated, any deviation is considered a marriage.
Breed description
In Russia, these animals are not too common. The hunting dog Scottish Setter is a great gundog. Specializes in finding game and indicating its location. Despite the original Scottish origin, the breed standard is assigned to England.
A very interesting animal is the Scottish setter. Dog breeds intended for hunting are not always distinguished by such a spectacular exterior. Gordon Setter - the embodiment of beauty and excellent working qualities of a great hunter. Many animals with good performance do not differ in exquisite and noble beauty. The Scot in this sense is an exception to the rule.
Soviet and Russian dog breeders probably remember well the magnificent film "White Bim Black Ear" (1977). The dramatic and touching story of the Scottish setter is not quite a standard color named Bim. Selfless devotion to its master is the main feature of these animals.
Character
Gorgeous and amazing dog - Scottish setter Gordon. The nature and price of these animals not only allow, but also oblige them to grow from a pretty puppy not only a skilled hunter, but also a faithful and devoted companion. These smart animals are characterized by a calm, balanced character. They are cheerful and energetic, but at the same time reasonable and dexterous, surprisingly hardy, possessing an excellent instinct.
The Scottish Setter hunting dog very quickly becomes attached to the owner and all households, they are always friendly, sincerely and openly express their tender feelings for the person, require constant attention, are ready to take an active part in all the owner's affairs. Gordon Setter loves selflessly the man who raised him. He is ready to give him his devotion and love all his life. A dog of this breed does not tolerate loneliness - it is very homesick.
The Scottish Setter communicates well with children. He takes other pets quite friendly, he treats strangers with distrust and is somewhat wary. Gordon Setter has a perfectly developed instinct for a defender, a guard, but strangely enough, the watchman from them turns out to be worthless. Aggression can be shown only to strange dogs.
Proper Dog Care Setter Gordon
The Scottish Gordon Setter is not recommended to be kept in a city apartment, as she is very active and needs to move a lot. She will be most comfortable in the courtyard of a private house, but in no case on a chain.
Setter Gordon needs long walks, active and active games and systematic training. If the owner likes to ride a bicycle or prefers to run in the mornings, then his pet will be happy to keep him company.
It must be said that setter wool requires careful daily care. This will require a good steel comb. In addition, dogs of this breed need regular trimming and bathing.
Use a special mild dog shampoo. In rare cases, you can use shampoo for people (for dry hair). Be sure to use a rinse conditioner. You can dry your hair with a hairdryer.
Health
Scottish setter Gordon live an average of about 12 years. The breed is generally healthy, but due to its very impressive weight, there is a predisposition to joint dysplasia. These dogs can be disturbed by eye diseases such as cataracts and retinal atrophy.
Often, Scottish setters experience bloating, so they should be fed fractionally - in small portions several times a day.
Parenting and training
The Scottish setter has a fairly strong psyche, so it easily tolerates the complexity of training, which should be quite rigid. According to dog handlers, the Gordon Setter belongs to the group of dogs that have a higher than average intelligence.
Pursuing the education and training of the Scots, the owner needs to be patient. The fact is that in order to master a team, your pet may need from 15 to 25 repetitions.
Feeding
Gordon setter needs to be fed twice a day. It is desirable that the percentage of fat in food does not exceed 16%. In summer, your pet needs plenty of water. At other times, the dog should have free access to fresh water. It should be changed at least twice a day. Going on a long walk, do not forget about the supply of water.
Using
The Scottish setter Gordon is a great friendly hunting dog, a good and sensitive companion for active people, a family dog.
Price
On average, setter puppies cost from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles (depending on the availability of the necessary documents).