The Gordon Setter breed originated in England and Scotland. Black and Tan Spaniels are mentioned in history as early as 1570, at that time Setters and Spaniels were not separated by breed, but by size. The smaller dogs were taught to flush the game, the larger dogs to “set” (crouch low to the ground so the hunter could throw nets over the game.)

In the 1800s dog breeding was a popular in England and many of the lords and common wealthy citizens were dedicated to developing many of the breeds we see today. Alexander, the 4^th Duke of Gordon, was not the only breeder developing the black and tan setter, but his dogs were widely known. He developed a medium size, active dog, extremely dependable on game. He out crossed to other breeds. Most of his dogs were black and white, solid black and solid red as well as other colors were common.

Gordons were first imported into the United States in 1842, by Daniel Webster and his friend, George Blunt. They were imported directly from the Duke of Gordon’s kennels. During that time, Irish and English Setters were being imported too. American breeders were considering the three setters as three varieties of the same breed. A great deal of interbreeding was done, probably due in part to the difficulty and distances involved in traveling.

The history of the Gordon as a trial dog began with the first field trial ever held, in England in 1865. Gordons won first, second and third prizes, a clean sweep. The first field trial held in the United States was in Memphis, Tenn., on October 8, 1874. At the Tennessee Sportsman’s Association Trial the Gordons won again, with black, white and tan Gordons winning first, fourth and seventh.

During the time in America when it was legal for professional hunters to sell large quantities of game to the markets, the Gordon Setter was the preferred dog. With the end of that era the Gordon went into decline.

American Kennel Club changed the standards of the Gordon in 1935 making them a larger dog, more competitive in the show ring.

A few “field” breeders still remain today.