Description:
Nikki is a very loyal and loving dog. She was surrendered by the family that had adopted her from Judy in 2003 who then relegated her to the back year where she passed her time alone bouncing off the privacy gate. They said she is afraid and nervous in the company of very young children and doesn't like most men and that her ideal home would be with a single woman or one with older children, a large fenced in yard, and lots of attention. She is very protective of her home and family and desperately wants to be a lap dog, but is just too big at 70 pounds. She loves to cuddle and to run, but is a bit clutsy.
Since Judy has had the dog, she has been very sweet and gentle, playing well with the other dogs but preferring most to spend time with people. She loves to be touching people and will weave around their legs like a cat! I can't help but wonder about the former owner's statement about children and men. At an adoption event I watched Nikki lean hard against her crate so a gentleman could rub her head. She stood with her nose against the door so a young boy could pet her chin. She trotted off merrily with my husband when he walked her around the store.,,, Fifi's Dog Groomers did a fantastic job of cleaning her up as you can see in the before and after pictures. It must feel wonderful to have all that long, dirty matted hair off of her! This dog has been through a terrible time of neglect and deserves sooo much more. Can you give her the love she craves?
According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Gordon Setter was originally developed in Scotland in the 1600's and was later made popular by Duke Alexander the 4th of Gordon in the late 1700's. This breed has an outstanding sense of smell and makes a fine bird dog, pointing when it finds a bird scent and then retrieving the felled bird to hand. The Gordon Setter is not fast compared with other hunting dogs, but he has good stamina and can hunt in adverse weather on both land and water. It is one of the most conscientious and intelligent of the standing breeds. The Gordon Setter is a methodical, dependable hunter, and a fine one-man shooting dog. The beautiful and loyal Gordon Setter has also achieved success as a show dog and home companion. Among the Gordon's good qualities are excellent health and its adaptability to guarding and to family life. Some of the Gordon Setter's talents include guarding, watchdogging, tracking, pointing, and hunting.
The Gordon Setter is distinguished both for its loyalty and obedience. A devoted, polite, gentle and sensible dog. They are pleasant companions that are excellent with children. Intelligent and willing, it is a methodical hunter who seldom errs about a scent. Courageous, cheerful and affectionate. This breed needs lots of exercise or it may become hyperactive. Very loyal to the family, but tends to be reserved with strangers. It may become jealous of other pets, but is generally good with them. This breed likes to roam, so it is a good idea to have a fenced-in yard. Puppies may seem somewhat uncoordinated. Field lines are often smaller and lighter than show lines, but both make good pets. These dogs often have minds of their own, so train early before bad habits set in. Training these dogs is certainly not difficult, provided you take into account that it can be stubborn on occasion. They call for a handler who is both consistent and loving in approach. This dog should be introduced to all situations (people, animals and things) as a young pup to produce a well-balanced dog. A Gordon Setter who has been introduced as a puppy to cats will get along well with them. If strangers visit they adopt a wait-and-see attitude. In general they get along well with other dogs and with children because they are friendly to everyone. They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.