Gordondoodle Dog Breed Complete Guide
While the Poodle is a big player in the designer dog world, the Gordon Setter is a rare breed that is not commonly mixed with other dogs. The Gordondoodle is known to be high energy and playful but needs a lot of direction and can develop nuisance behaviours if not disciplined adequately. They do from strong attachments with their masters and can be very loving.
A tall dog with a lean body and long limbs, the Gordondoodle is quite the athlete. Their fur is long and usually quite crimped and curly. With a handsome face and intelligent, brown eyes, it is hard to not fall in love with the Gordondoodle at first sight.
What is a Gordondoodle?
Not to be confused with the more popular Goldendoodle (which is a cross of the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle), the Gordondoodle is a new hybrid created by mixing together the Gordon Setter with the Standard Poodle. The Gordondoodle is a very rare cross-breed that most have not heard of yet and has only recently been established as a hybrid.
The Poodle
The Poodle is a very-well known dog that may be seen in either the toy (small), miniature (small-medium) or standard (large) size. Of all the pedigrees, the Poodle is the one most often used in the creation of designer dogs, with breeders appreciating their versatility and the many desirable attributes that they possess.
The Poodle has been associated with France for many years with most assuming that that is where the originated. However, experts agree that the Poodle actual comes from Germany and was created there from mixing a number of hunting and sheep dogs. The Poodle has always loved water and would happily hunt waterfowl for hours, retrieving ducks and other aquatic birds.
Over the years, the Poodle was used less for hunting and was kept instead as a pet. A versatile breed, as well as making a superb companion, the Poodle excels in a number of disciplines, including agility and obedience.
The Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is the largest of all the Setter dogs and has a noble appearance and confident personality that many appreciate. The breed originated in Scotland sometime in the 1600s but was only eventually named by the Duke of Gordon in the 1800’s. It was at this time that the characteristic black and brown fur became part of the breed standard.
Traditionally used to hunt, the Gordon Setter was renowned for its stamina, though was never the quickest of dogs. As with other Setter breeds, these dogs will follow scents away from their master and then adopt a ‘crouching’ stance once they have detected their prey, allowing the huntsman to locate and then shoot the target.
The Gordon Setter was mainly used to hunt poultry, such as quail and partridges. Many will hunt alone, and for some, this is the main attraction of owning this breed. While they are not incredibly well-known, there is an established population of both working dogs and pets in several countries.
Appearance
As the Poodle and Gordon Setter differ so dramatically in their appearance, it is little wonder that the Gordondoodle is yet to have a uniform look. While some individuals will be tall and bulky like their Gordon Setter parent, others will be shorter and of a slighter, more elegant build like the Poodle. As is the case with other hybrid dogs, it will take many generations of Gordondoodles before their appearance is standardised.
Most will have muscular bodies with long limbs and are a relatively big dog. Their face and muzzle are long and square and their lips may or may not exhibit a degree of looseness. Their eyes will be almond-shaped and a dark brown, lending them a pensive and calm expression. They have long ears that are often covered in wavy fur and will hang past their chin. Their chest is deep and they should have a noticeable abdominal tuck up. Their tail is long and quite straight, sometimes held up into the air when exercising or excited.
The coat of the Gordondoodle may be medium or long and is usually somewhere in the middle of wavy and curly. Feathering on the hind limbs and tail is possible. While the Gordon Setter is only ever black and brown, the Poodle can be a number of colours (including apricot, white, grey, red, black and cream) and the Gordondoodle has the potential to take after either parent. White patches are not uncommon.
How easy are Gordondoodle to train?
In order to create a balanced and well-adjusted family pet, the owner will have to put plenty of time into working with their Gordondoodle and establishing rules and boundaries. Some individuals are stubborn and like to test boundaries, meaning trainers need to display confidence and not allow them to get away with any undesired behaviour.
The intelligence of the Gordondoodle is undeniable and they have the ability to compete to a high level in practically any discipline. They do exceedingly well in any activity where they can use their nose, such as scenting trials.
How would you describe the temperament of Gordondoodle?
Gordondoodles have an attractive personality though do require an experienced owner to bring out the best in them. They bond closely with their family and can become over-dependent, particularly if not receiving enough physical and mental stimulation in their day to day lives. Self-assured and affectionate, when with its family, the Gordondoodle is a well-rounded and calm companion.
Thorough socialisation is required if the Gordondoodle is to accept other animals in the home and it is not always possible for them to co-exist with other dogs. Ideally, the Gordondoodle will be introduced to any other pets when they are puppies as this will increase the likelihood of them getting along.
The Gordondoodle makes a very good guard dog and will gladly bark to warn off any intruder. To prevent them acting wary and standoffish around friends of the family, these dogs should be exposed to all manner of people from a young age.
Playful and sometimes cheeky, the Gordondoodle relishes the opportunity to be included in any games or sports and loves to spend time outdoors and in nature. If kept in the home for too long they can begin to feel ‘cooped’ up and may start to act out and develop nuisance behaviours.
How healthy are Gordondoodle?
As the Gordondoodle population size is so small, it is fundamental that we monitor them closely for any significant health issues and use any screening schemes available when breeding.
Hypothyroidism
The symptoms of an underactive thyroid can be tricky to spot and often go unnoticed at first. They tend to come on slowly and can include sluggishness, weight gain and chronic skin infections and fur loss. Blood tests can confirm the disease and affected animals will be put on to lifelong medicine.
Hip Dysplasia
It is recommended that all Gordondoodles to be used for breeding should be hip scored first and only those with good hip scores should be bred from. Hip Dysplasia is an uncomfortable and life-limiting disease that results in pain and mobility issues so should be prevented at all costs.
Bloat
Bloat is a relatively uncommon condition that can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary treatment once developed. This condition is so dramatic that a dog can be normal in the morning and at death’s door by the afternoon. Owners should make themselves aware of the associated symptoms, which will include a bloated abdomen and a distressed dog who cannot get comfortable.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This is an ocular condition that causes progressive vision loss and that has been detected in both parent breeds, so should be screened for in the Gordondoodle.
How active are Gordondoodle?
It would be unwise to underestimate the exercise needs of this boisterous breed and owners will need to provide them with at least an hour and a half of activity each day. Gordondoodles love to swim and hike. They appreciate being brought on different trails and can get bored of the same scenery every day. They do need quite a lot of space and would ideally have a back garden that they can run around in off-lead.
Grooming
Though the Poodle is classed as hypoallergenic, when they are crossed this trait is not always inherited and some Gordondoodles will shed a reasonable amount. Their fur is dense and will need a good brush through several times a week, focusing on any feathering to prevent tangles.
The furry, pendulous ears of the Gordondoodle create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to develop so need to be kept clean and dry at all times. A veterinary ear cleaner should be used two to three times a month in ears that are prone to wax.
