Save Our Setters
Family fight for dog breed established by Scots duke
THEY were bred to be gundogs by a Scots aristocrat more than two centuries ago.
Now Gordon setters are the focus of efforts by a descendant of the fourth Duke of Gordon to bring them back from the brink of extinction.
A report by the Kennel Club showed registrations of the dogs – established by the fourth Duke in the late 1700s – had fallen by 60 per cent in the past six years, with fewer than 300 pups registered annually.
The breed’s total numbers are believed to have dwindled to 2,500.
But Angus Gordon Lennox, 54, who has inherited Gordon Castle and its grounds, is planning to save his ancestor’s legacy by organising an event to raise the profile of the distinctive animals.
He is to host the largest-ever gathering of the breed and their owners as part of this year’s Highland Games at his estate near Fochabers, Moray, in May.
Mr Gordon Lennox said: ‘The breed came into being by one of my forebears. He wanted to breed a sporting dog for the grouse moors and the hills.
‘This was done at Gordon Castle at the kennels, which are still there today.
‘There are quite a few Gordon setter owners who, when visiting Scotland, come to Gordon Castle and see where the breed originated.’
These days, labradors are often used as sporting dogs instead of Gordon setters, while many other dog owners are bringing in foreign breeds such as French bulldogs as pets.
Mr Gordon Lennox said: ‘We hope that by arranging a gathering during our popular Highland Games day, we can educate visitors about this fantastic breed and, in turn, inspire them to consider owning one in the future.
‘We must all work together to keep our native breeds thriving for centuries to come.’ According to many owners, the outstanding qualities of a mature Gordon setter are ‘beauty, brains and bird sense’ – making them ideal pets as well as gundogs.
The gathering will be a key feature at the Gordon Castle Highland Games and adjoining country fair, and will showcase the Gordon setter to the 10,000 visitors expected to attend.
Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, welcomed the move to try to help promote the breed.
She said: ‘Some people aren’t looking for anything other than a Labrador, while others are simply looking to celebrities to affect their choice.
‘For the most part, though, I think people have simply forgotten about these vulnerable breeds. People just don’t know that they exist.’