380 THE BOOK OF THE DOG. 



confess ourselves to have a difficulty in explaining how the white could have been introduced 

 ; nto the Gordon Setter, assuming that they were originally black-and-tans only, otherwise 

 than by the reputed Sheep-dog cross; and this we should have thought improbable, had it 

 not been for the subjoined engraving from " Cynographia Britannica," as it was to our minds 

 more likely that the tan was the colour then introduced into the original strain, the colour 

 of which we were very much inclined to believe was black-and-white. But from this engraving, 

 which was published in 1805, and a copy of which is in our possession, and in the original 

 of which the colours of the dogs are clearly depicted, we are compelled to accept the 

 existence of a black-and-tan Setter as a positive fact in 1805, i.e., before the Gordon Castle 

 kennel is mentioned in history. The topmost dog in the group is coloured a pale tan and 

 black, and if not marked precisely in the same manner as a modern Gordon, is near enough 

 to the breed in appearance to justify our belief that such a dog had much to do with the 

 origin of our modern black-and-tan Setter. 



One great authority, in writing on the alleged Sheep-dog cross, has questioned whether 

 it would be probable that the Duke would stain his strain by a general introduction of Collie 

 blood. This rather coincides with what we suggested with reference to the colours of the Gordon 

 Setters at the famous sale ; but we must venture to remark that what the then Duke 

 thought fit to do, and what subsequent breeders have in their wisdom thought proper to 

 attempt, are widely different things, and it is more than possible that the Collie-stained blood 

 has been largely dipped into of later years. One thing is certain, and that is, that as modem 

 fashion dictates, a Gordon Setter marked with white would not have much, if any, chance of 

 success upon the show bench, as our present judges seem most hostile to it, and the tri- 

 coloured dogs are very rarely seen at exhibitions. 



Another much debatable point in connection with a Gordon Setter's colour is one 

 which concerns his feet and legs. It must here be stated, for the benefit of those 

 unacquainted with the dog, that his principal colour is black-and-tan (the question of 

 white being for the time laid aside). The point at issue is whether there should be black 

 traces, or "pencil marks," up his toes, as in the case of a black-and-tan Terrier. We have 

 ourselves conversed with many of the eminent authorities of the day, and have almost been 

 amused at the decided difference of opinion which exists amongst them on this question. 

 Both parties, as far as we can judge, though not carrying their opinions far enough to desire 

 the disqualification of a dog which does not represent their views in this respect, are most 

 decided in their expressions as to what they think should be the case. Upholders of the 

 "red-stockinged" dog object to pencilled toes as being, in the first instance, chance introduc- 

 tions, which if encouraged may come to be too highly thought of, and consequently lead 

 to the degeneration of the breed, by being sought after to the neglect of other more 

 essential points. On the other hand, those who advocate these fancy markings, with reason 

 we consider, are wont to argue that any additional mark of beauty is a point to be gained by 

 breeders, and they therefore claim that if other points are equal the pencilled-toed Gordon 

 should be placed above his clean-legged rival. 



It may be wondered that so much attention has been directed to the colour of the 

 Gordon Setter; but it should be borne in mind that it is here where his chief difference 

 from his English relative is to be found. The Gordon is far coarser in the head than 

 the English Setter is found to be, his stern is shorter, and he is inclined to be a coarser 

 dog all through. His ears particularly are inclined to show a want of quality ; but, taken 

 all over, point by point, there is little difference between the Gordon and the English 



