Gordon Setter 301

Although their ancient lines can be traced back to 1620, the Gordon Setter originated in Scotland over 200 years ago. The Fourth Duke of Gordon, Alexander Gordon, was a fan of setters and is credited as an important figure in the development of the Gordon Setter.

Not only did he found a kennel of “Black and Tan Setters” at his castle, but he was also responsible for crossing these original black and tan setters with Bloodhounds, black and tan Collies, solid-black setters, and black Pointers to create the Gordon Setter as we know it today.

These dogs were bred and trained to “set” when they found birds. This meant they would lay down quietly so the hunter would know where to cast a net to ensnare and flush out birds. Their heavy bone structure and square frame served them well in the craggy, challenging landscape common to the Scottish Highlands.

George Blunt, a man from New York, brought the first Gordon Setters to the United States in 1842. From there, the breed started taking hold. The British Kennel Club recognized them as a Black and Tan Setter in 1872.

By 1878, the breed was also registered in the United States with AKC recognition coming in 1884 as the Gordon Castle Setter. In 1892, the AKC changed the breed name to Gordon Setter. It wouldn’t be until 1924 that the Kennel Club (previously the British Kennel Club) would also update the name of the breed to Gordon Setter.