The Gordon Setter was originally developed in Scotland in the 1600's and was later made popular by Duke Alexander the 4th of Gordon in the late 1700's. The Gordon Setter has an outstanding sense of smell and makes a fine bird dog, pointing when it finds a bird scent and then retrieving the felled bird to hand. The Gordon Setter is not fast compared with other hunting dogs, but he has good stamina and can hunt in adverse weather on both land and water. The Gordon Setter is one of the most conscientious and intelligent of the standing breeds. The Gordon Setter is a methodical, dependable hunter, and a fine one-man shooting dog. The beautiful and loyal Gordon Setter has also achieved success as a show dog and home companion. Among the Gordon Setter's good qualities are excellent health and its adaptability to guarding and to family life.

Appearance
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. The Gordon Setter has a strong, rather short back, with well sprung ribs and a short tail. The head is fairly heavy and finely chiseled. The Gordon Setter’s bearing is intelligent, noble, and dignified, showing no signs of shyness or viciousness. 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 for the Gordon Setter.

Character
The Gordon Setter is fearless and willing, intelligent, and capable. The Gordon Setter is loyal and affectionate, and strong-minded enough to stand the rigors of training." Gordon Setters are intensely loyal to their owners; thrive in an attentive, loving environment; and are good family dogs. Puppies and adult dogs can be quite boisterous, and although the Gordon Setters are patient by nature, may not be suitable for households with very young children. Gordon Setters are sensitive and empathic, eager to learn, and need firm but gentle handling. The Gordon Setter can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it must be able to spend ample time with people and does best dividing its time between inside and outside.
 

Temperament
Obedient and loyal, the Gordon Setter makes a loving companion. The Gordon Setter is distinguished both for its loyalty and obedience. A devoted, polite, gentle and sensible dog, the Gordon Setters are pleasant dogs that are excellent with children as long as the children respect the dog and are respectful with it. Because of its large adult size, the Gordon Setter should be well trained and exercised. Because of their hunting instincts, Gordon Setters should not be allowed to roam freely if unsupervised, as they are apt to wander into a potentially dangerous traffic situation while following a scent.

Exercise/Training
The Gordon Setter needs much strenuous exercise every day in order to stay in shape. It can be a good companion for jogging, hiking ore running along side a bike. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Gordon Setter will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
Gordon Setters, also known as "black and tans," have a coal-black coat with distinctive markings of a rich chestnut or mahogany color on their paws and lower legs, vents, throat, and muzzles; one spot above each eye; and two spots on their chest. A small amount of white is allowed on the chest. The black color of the Gordon Setter must be dark and shine.

Grooming
The coat of the Gordon Setter needs regular brushing and combing every two to three days. In addition, some clipping and trimming is needed for optimal good looks. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat of the Gordon Setter shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Gordon Setter as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Gordon Setter should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.