Originally bred as bird-hunting dogs, the Gordon Setter has a long history of spending time in the outdoors. Often restless indoors, the Gordon Setter is still very much a dog that needs plenty of time outdoors as well as plenty of room to roam about. Despite its history spent hunting down birds, the Gordon Setter is actually a calm and very affectionate dog. Now that you know how to best care for your Setter, here are some interesting facts that you probably didn't know about the Gordon Setter.

Did you know that the Gordon Setter is the subject of a poem by English poet William Somerville? The poem goes on to describe the Setter's work in the field. Each line illustrates the usefulness of the Gordon Setter in the hunting society in the 1600s and 1700s. "My Setter ranges in the new shorn fields, His nose in air erect; from ridge to ridge" is the first mention of the Setter in the poem and it continues to describe the visual beauty of the Gordon Setter and its prowess as a hunting companion.

Did you know that the Gordon Setter is a puppy at heart? That's true; often times a fully grown Gordon Setter will be mistaken for a puppy because of their playful nature. Since the Gordon Setter has a longer than normal childhood, they get to relish in the playfulness and high-energy affection of their owners for much longer. These are confident dogs that are obedient but also playfully mischievous once they've become totally comfortable with their owners.

Did you know that in Canada, any color Gordon Setter is eligible to register? As long as it can be verified that both parents are Gordons, there is nothing in the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) rules to prevent a purple dog from registering. Although it is unlikely that two Gordon Setters would produce a purple puppy, it's great to know that in Canada, all Gordon Setters have a fair shot.

Did you know that the Gordon Setter has been in the United States since 1842? The Gordon Setter was brought to America by George Blunt to his friend and 14th Secretary of State Daniel Webster. The setters were secured in a purchase directly from the 4th Duke of Gordon. Rake and Rachel are the veritable mother and father of all Gordon Setters in the United States.

Did you know that the Gordon Setter has an incredible long-term memory? The memory of a Gordon Setter is so powerful that once trained to do something, they are guaranteed to remember it for a long time. This characteristic is likely what has made the Gordon Setter such a skilled bird hunter. On the downside, teaching your Gordon Setter bad habits means that they will be incredibly difficult to break.