Gordon Setter Breed Profile

Head: Somewhat long, yet mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkle. The head is long and broadest between the ears, but should never appear overly broad. The length should give a sleek and lean appearance but never appearing “narrow.” The head is rectilinear and slightly rectangular. The back skull is slightly arched when viewed in profile of from the front, more so than other setters. The occiput is moderately prominent and defined.

Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well fitted and well pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

Ears: Moderate to large in size and length, set fairly well-back and low on the skull, at eye level or below. They are pendant, hanging flat or in neat folds close to the head.

Muzzle: The muzzle is rectangular, full, deep, and broad throughout. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. There should be no evident taper of the muzzle when viewed in profile, with the nose aligning with the chin, never protruding forward. Upper and lower jaws are well-developed, equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak.

Nose: The nose is well pigmented and black, or liver in non-standard dogs. The nostrils are well opened.

Neck: Moderately long to allow for proud and high head carriage. Somewhat lean and elegant, yet well-muscled with a good arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.

Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. From the front and in profile, the brisket depth is pronounced, and the forechest is somewhat dramatic.

Body: Athletic and enduring, with focus of capabilities on stamina and endurance rather than speed. The body is deep, strongly built, and of good substance throughout. It should never appear cloddy and heavy, nor racy and overly refined. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, often level with the topline, perhaps slightly above or below. When in repose, it is held downward in a neutral position, but never tucked. It is never carried up over the back. Tails are left natural, never docked short. The tail is of a fairly long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down, never falling below. The tail is straight, never curved or sickle shaped.

Movement: Bold, effortless, strong, efficient, energetic, and powerful, the characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Gordon Setter is an active, lively, intelligent, and steady breed. They are a very people-oriented breed, thriving on attention and affection from those they know and love; however, they can be reserved with strangers. Although these qualities make them wonderfully suited for a companion dog role, they can also be very instinctual. This is especially true for the field type, and these dogs must have a job and a daily means of releasing pent up energy, as well as sensory and mental stimulation. Without proper training and exercise, they are known to develop their own ideas about what is acceptable, often getting themselves into trouble. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.