Sporting Dogs

The Gordon Setter. A native Scot, the hansome black-and-tan Gordon Setter is as gifted as he is good looking. He is eager to work hard and long for his master, has a good bird sense and memory. And what a joy he is to watch as he searches the field and his tail wags gaily. His name links him up with the family of the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon, who kept the breed a hundred years ago. The Gordon Setters esteblished themselves as hunters of red grouse in the heathery uplands.

Slightly heavier than two other setters, the Gordon resembles the English Setter in build: wide across the forehead, deep in the chest, sturdy, well musculed, with plenty of bone and stamina. The characteristic mahagony markings on his shiny black coat are above the eyes, on chops, ear linings, chest, belly, legs and feather. Height 26 inches.

The Pointer. Like the Spaniel group, the Pointer originated in Spain, where during the early 17th century, it was famous for its ability to point to the bird with its nose, body and tail in straight line. At that time it was a slow and heavy animal. The Pointer's forebears appeared in England about 1650. Crosses of English Foxhound, Bloodhound and Greyhound created a fast dog that carried its head high to seek scent from the air as well as the ground. Later, setter blood was introduced.

The Pointer has long been bred for show as well as field ability. His short-haired coat shows off his lithe, muscular conformation. Its smart white colour, marked with liver, lemon, or black, is easy for the hunter to follow.

There must be a lot of power in the body, which should carry plenty of muscle. Ribs deep, loins strong. Thighs are long and muscular, and the stifles long and well bent. The head is long and has a well-pronounced stop between eyes. The large eyes express animation and intelligence. The ears, of medium length, should be thin and silky and set high.

Gentle in disposition, he makes an ideal family pet. Shoulder height 24-27 inches.