Gordon Setter / Black setter

Breed history:

 An important contribution to the creation of the Gordon Setter was brought by the Duke of Gordon, hence the name. Later, through crossbreedings and supervised selections between the black-haired Setter, Bloodhound, Collie and the Irish Setter, the present-day specimens were obtained. 

Description:

 It is a medium- to large-sized dog, brawny, robust, but elegant. It has a strong head, a slightly rounded skull, a prominent stop, a long and rectangular muzzle, with a broad and black nose. The eyes are egg-shaped, medium-sized, dark hazel. The ears are placed low, medium-sized, round- ended and drooping. The tail is rather short, conical, straight or slightly bent, carried horizontally or below the backline. The fur has smooth or slightly wavy hair, of medium length, silky, black with chestnut patches. The fur is richer and forming fringes on the ears, belly, chest, neck and the back side of the legs. 

Personality:

 It is an intelligent, hardworking, enthusiastic, affectionate, sociable, gentle and independent dog. It is obedient and devoted to its master, loving and gentle with children, cautious with strangers. If socialized from an early age with other dogs and with other animals, there will be no special problems when it grows up. 

Grooming:

 This dog's fur must be brushed and combed regularly. Excess hair in the ears should be removed, to keep the auditory duct clean and to avoid infection.

Living conditions:

 It is a dog with a high level of activity which likes to take a lot of exercise and keep busy. It is recommended to active people who can take time to take care of the dog because it likes to roam, to take long walks, to run by a bicycle, after reaching maturity. It can also be kept in a flat, if given the necessary conditions, because it is a large-sized dog that needs physical and psychological daily exercise to keep it calm indoors. Is feels best in a well-fenced yard, where it can move freely. It needs socialization and training.

Training:

 If its independent side is taken into consideration, the training of this dog must be firm, consisteFnt, well-balanced but without being severe and done in a soft, affectionate voice. 

Usefulness:

 It is used for bird hunting, especially woodcocks and as a watchdog for the house. It is a pleasant companion.