Meet Canada’s 16 most popular breeds of hunting dog

#10  GORDON SETTER

The Gordon setter was established in Scotland in the early 1800s, bred for endurance to deal with long days spent hunting game birds on the rugged moors. It was first imported to Canada around 1840. Gordons are the largest, strongest and heaviest of the setter breeds, which includes both Irish and English setters. Males can weigh more than 35 kilograms.

A purposeful hunter, the stylish Gordon is a strong, fearless and intelligent dog boasting a keen sense of smell. Also known as “black-and-tans” because of their long and silky black coats and chestnut markings, Gordons were bred to run, so they require plenty of daily exercise. They are considered the calmest of the setters, complete with a reputation for being devoted family dogs.