Have you ever heard of a canine aristocrat? No, we’re not talking about dogs living in palaces or wearing crowns and fancy collars. This term of ‘canine aristocrat’ is affectionately used for the gorgeous Gordon Setter, a dog that gracefully combines beauty, strength, and a friendly temperament into one perfect furry package.
So let’s dive straight into the question at the top of your mind: Is the Gordon Setter a friendly dog? To answer this, we’ll unravel the personality traits, behaviors, and inherent characteristics of this elegant breed. Pack up your doubts and tag along as we learn more about this delightful dog breed.
Let’s start with a bit of history, every aristocrat has one, right? The Gordon Setter’s roots trace back to Scotland, where they were bred by Alexander, the 4th Duke of Gordon, during the 17th century. They were initially bred for hunting; their keen sense of smell and stamina made them excellent companions for bird hunters. Despite their hunting instincts, over time, they’ve displayed a remarkable affection for human companionship, making them an ideal family dog.
This breed is known for sporting a beautiful black and tan coat, with feathering on the ears, chest, belly, back of the legs, and tail. But their beauty isn’t skin deep; they are also famous for their gentle, friendly, and outgoing nature. They exude an aura of intelligence, confidence, and courage, making them very approachable and endearing to both adults and children.
Gordon Setters are known to be fantastic family dogs. Their temperament is ideally suited for family life as they are loyal, affectionate, and love to be part of the household activities. They tend to be excellent with children, sharing a playful bond with little cruisers around the house. However, one thing to remember is that these gentle giants can sometimes be unaware of their size and could accidentally knock over a small child or even an unsteady adult! So, it might be wise to monitor their playtime with small children or adults who may have trouble keeping their balance.
Another fascinating trait of Gordon Setters is their love for other animals. They can comfortably share their living space with other pets. So, if you have a cat or a smaller dog already in your family, a Gordon Setter could be a delightful addition. They are characterized as ‘soft-mouthed’ hunters, meaning, despite their hunting instincts, they can carry an egg in their mouth without breaking it! So, rest assured, they won’t pose any harmful threat to your other domestic pets.
Gordon Setters are dynamic and energetic dogs, craving activities and outdoor time. They’ll be jollier if they’re given tasks to complete or puzzles to solve. Being intelligent and eager to please, Gordons can be easy to train; however, a gentle, patient hand works best due to their sensitive nature.
Gordons make excellent watchdogs, thanks to their protective traits. They are not typically aggressive but are cautious of strangers, often using their deep bark to alert their owners of unfamiliar presences. So, if you’re looking for a furry friend who can double up as a watchdog for your home, a Gordon Setter is a worthy candidate.
However, it’s important to note that Gordons might not be your best bet if you are searching for a independent low-maintenance breed. They are known to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. So, they thrive in environments where they are not frequently left alone and can feel like a central part of the family’s activities.
In conclusion, yes, the Gordon Setter is indeed friendly. They are affectionate to their family members, friendly with kids, compatible with other pets, protective yet not aggressive, intelligent and easy to train. But remember, owning a Gordon Setter, or any dog breed, requires commitment and responsibilities.
Proper grooming, regular health checks, balanced diet, regular exercise, and lots of love are all part and parcel of becoming the proud parent of these canine aristocrats. With the right approach, the Gordon Setter can indeed be more than just a pet; it is a friendly companion for life.
Having said all these, it’s essential to remember that the temperament of a dog can be influenced by a variety of factors, including his upbringing, training, socialization, and individual personality. So while it’s true that Gordon Setters are generally known to be friendly dogs, remember each dog is a unique individual with its own quirks and characteristics.
Hope this answers your question and brings you a step closer to deciding whether or not a Gordon Setter could be the perfect addition to your family!
