History
With published documentation in the form of a portrait by Sydenham Edwards, it seems evident that the three setters (English, Irish and Black and Tan) had become established as distinct breeds prior to 1805. Between 1800- 1820, Alexander, the 4th Duke of Gordon was seriously raising the setters that were to later carry his name although he was known to have colours other than the Black and Tan required today. Distinct dog show classes for the three breeds were established by the British Kennel club in 1862 and the "Black and Tan Setter" was the official classification given to the breed by the British Kennel club in 1973. This classification was changed to Gordon Setters in 1924.
Old Gordon artwork
The development of the breed in the UK and in the US is fascinating and, if you are interested, there are better places than here to get more information. "A Survey of Early Setters" by Gilbert Leighton-Boyce is an interesting history of the dogs in the pre-dog show days. For information on the UK from the late 1880's, look for "The Story of The Gordon Setter" by Mildred Adams. An overview of the development of the Gordon in the USA is handled well in "The Complete Gordon Setter" by Jean Sanger Look and Anita Lustenberger. The Look/Lustenberger book is out of print but you may still be able to pick up copies of the Adams book through the UK club, the GSA. To date, no history has been published on the Gordon Setter in Canada (although I'm working on it).
Photo circa 1940
Notable events in Canadian Gordon history:
1888 - The Canadian Kennel Club is incorporated.
1889 - The first Gordon Setter was registered by the CKC. Her name was "Bessie" and her registration number was CKC #89.
1940's-50's - James Forbes and his Glentanar Gordons of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan make their mark by being the first to capture two dual championships. (Mr. Forbes remained an honorary member of the GSCC until his death in the mid 1990's.)
1984 - The Gordon Setter Club of Canada, GSCC, was formed to provide a voice for Gordon breeders and owners across the country.
1986 - Banbrae's Northern Keltic Lass, CDX, TDX, owned by Judy Fenwick, became the first Gordon in North America to ever win the TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent) title.
1990 - The GSCC held its first National Specialty in Vancouver, B.C.
1993 - Am.Can.Ch. Feunoir Autumn Sonata (owned by the Babins) became the first dog to ever win both the GSCC and GSCA National Specialties.
2002 - Ch. Bracadale DDG Buck (bred and owned by 'Fred Lloyd-Smith), finished his dual Championship becoming the first Gordon in Canada since 1954 to finish a dual title. 
2004 - Ch. Rokeena Downunder Delite AGN (handled and owned by Bev Holoboff) became the first Gordon to receive a CKC agility title.
2008 - Ch Butterscotch Ruff & Tumble, CDX, AmCD, FDJ, FMCh, CanAmRN, CGN, CGC (handled and owned by Brenda Brown) became the first Gordon Setter to ever achieve the Flyball Master Champion.
2008 - Ch. SureShot Caisteal Sassenach, AgIJS, AgIJWS, NAC, NCC, NJC (owned, handled, bred by Bev Holoboff) became the first Gordon Setter to complete both CKC Intermediate Agility titles.
2009 - Ch. Sassenach Garnet Star RE, owned and handled by Jennifer Evans became the first Gordon to earn a Rally Excellent title.
Painting of a Gordon

Last Modified 1/3/10

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