The Scottish Setter-Gordon is a strong, hardy, strong dog, characterized by a balanced temperament, exceptional flair, ease of training and an excellent work style. For more than 150 years of existence, the breed of the Scottish Setter has gone through both popularity and forgetfulness. The number of setters could never be called significant, however, during the periods of competent breeding of this breed, the working qualities of the dogs were excellent and satisfied the needs of hunters.
Breed description
In recent years, the description of the Scottish Setter breed has been significantly distorted. Clubs are overcrowded with animals that do not meet the requirements of the standard. For purebred Scottish Gordons produce individuals without a tan, with a reddish or yellowish-brown color. This color of the Scottish setter is a disqualifying feature. In fact, the Scottish Setter breed is a large, active, elegant dog of black and tan color. It is allowed to have black strips on the paws. The setter on the chest may have a white spot, but the smaller it is, the better. They have strong muscles, strong bones. Setters are able to work from morning till night in the fields. They have a strong and short back, a short tail, bulging ribs. The head is large, the eyes are oval, dark brown, the coat slightly wavy, thick. For the Gordons, a loose, smooth canter is typical with a raised head. Height at withers reaches 68.5 centimeters, weight - up to 36 kilograms. Of all kinds of setters, the gargoyles are the largest.
Character
A distinctive feature of the character of the Scottish setter is vigor, vitality. These dogs are funny and absolutely not aggressive. The devotion of the setter to the master has no boundaries, just like his love. But the dog will pay enough attention to other members of the family. Setters work very well with young children. You'll never see a gordon pulling the leash of a child who walks it. These dogs are fearless, always ready to be useful, understand everything at a glance. The Scottish setters have an unequal system that is strong enough, so they perfectly tolerate all the weight of training. Intelligence, the level of which is above average, allows you to assimilate any team in just 15-25 repetitions. More than 70% of the teams of Gordons perform the first time. To the dog was well-bred and obedient, the puppies of the Scottish setter must be trained from the age of six months.
Maintenance and care
Daily care of the Scottish Setter takes a lot of time. Luxurious and thick wool requires daily combing with a steel comb. It is better if the procedure is carried out twice a day. Periodically, Scottish setters need trimming.
Setters, like all dogs of hunting breeds, need regular physical activity and exercise. This allows you to maintain the animal in excellent shape and has a beneficial effect on normal development. Active games, long walks, outdoor training are essential components of daily care of the setter.
For living in an ordinary apartment this breed is not very well adapted. Great, if you live in a private house with a rather big yard. Do not tie the setter living in the booth. The dog should run freely and frolic. If you have an apartment, prepare to spend most of the day with a dog on the street.