Introduction: The Gordon Setter Breed
The Gordon Setter is a breed of dog that originated in Scotland in the 18th century. The breed is known for its distinctive black and tan coat, and it is considered to be a working dog that was originally bred for hunting game birds. The Gordon Setter has a loyal and affectionate nature, making it a popular choice as a family pet.
The Life of Alexander Gordon
The Gordon Setter breed is named after Alexander Gordon, who was born in Scotland in 1743. Gordon was a soldier, politician, and landowner who was known for his love of hunting and his passion for dogs. Gordon served in the British Army during the American Revolution, and he was later elected to the British Parliament as a Member of Parliament for Aberdeenshire.
Alexander Gordon’s Love for Dogs
Alexander Gordon was a devoted dog lover, and he was particularly fond of hunting dogs. He believed that a good hunting dog should possess certain qualities, such as intelligence, stamina, and obedience. Gordon also believed that a dog’s breeding was an important factor in determining its hunting ability.
The "Black and Tan" Setter
The Gordon Setter is sometimes referred to as the "black and tan" setter, due to its distinctive coat color. The breed was originally a type of setter known as the "black and tan setter", which was popular among Scottish hunters. The breed was later refined and improved by Alexander Gordon and other breeders, leading to the development of the modern Gordon Setter.
Selective Breeding and Improvement
Alexander Gordon was one of the first breeders to use selective breeding techniques to improve the hunting ability of his dogs. He believed that by carefully selecting and breeding dogs that exhibited certain desirable traits, he could create a superior hunting dog. Gordon focused on breeding dogs that were strong, intelligent, and obedient, and that had a strong desire to hunt.
The Gordon Setter Club of Scotland
The Gordon Setter Club of Scotland was founded in 1924, with the aim of promoting and preserving the breed. The club is still active today, and it works to promote responsible breeding and ownership of Gordon Setters. The club also organizes events and competitions for Gordon Setters and their owners.
Recognition by the Kennel Club
The Gordon Setter was recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club in 1924. Since then, the breed has become popular in many parts of the world, and it is now recognized by most major kennel clubs. The Gordon Setter is still primarily used as a hunting dog, but it is also a popular choice as a family pet.
The Spread of the Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter was first exported from Scotland to other parts of the world in the 19th century, and the breed quickly gained popularity in other countries. Today, Gordon Setters can be found in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
The Name "Gordon Setter"
The Gordon Setter is named after Alexander Gordon, who was instrumental in the development of the breed. Gordon’s breeding program and his passion for hunting dogs helped to create the modern Gordon Setter, and the breed was named in his honor.
Myth vs. Reality
There is a popular myth that the Gordon Setter was named after the Duke of Gordon, who was a prominent landowner in Scotland. However, this is not true, and the breed was actually named after Alexander Gordon. The Duke of Gordon did own a similar breed of dog, known as the Gordon Castle Setter, but this breed is now extinct.
Conclusion: A Breed Named After Its Founder
The Gordon Setter is a breed of dog that is named after its founder, Alexander Gordon. Gordon’s passion for dogs and his dedication to selective breeding helped to create a superior hunting dog that is still popular today. The Gordon Setter is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature, and it remains a beloved breed among dog enthusiasts around the world.
References and Further Reading
- The Gordon Setter Club of Scotland: https://www.gordonsetterclubofscotland.com/
- The Kennel Club: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/
- Australian National Kennel Council: https://www.ankc.org.au/
- Canadian Kennel Club: https://www.ckc.ca/
- Fogle, B. (Ed.). (2009). The encyclopedia of the dog. DK Publishing.
- Gordon, A. (1786). The sportsman’s dictionary; or, the gentleman’s companion: for town and country. Printed for T. Cadel, J. Sewell, and J. Debrett.
