Fears for future of traditional Scots breed

The largest ever pack of of dogs from a declining breed have gathered at a Speyside event to raise awareness of their plight.

Gordon setters were developed as a hunting dog at Gordon Castle during the 18th century by Alexander Gordon, the 4th Duke of Gordon.

However, figures gathered by the Kennel Club UK have revealed there has been a 60% drop in the amount of breeding registration of the distinctive animals in Scotland.

Yesterday, a parade of more than 120 of the creatures trooped around the arena at the ninth Gordon Castle Highland Games to raise awareness of the drop.

Diane Parry of the Gordon Setter Club of Scotland, said: “The issue is people are going for designer dogs like labradoodles and jackadoodles these days.”

MAN’S BEST FRIEND: John Cobs from Portsmouth visited the parade of the endangered breed with his 14 month-old Gordon setter