WELCOME TO KEWSTOKE GORDON SETTERS est.1985
April 2012 in compliance with the FCI (Federacao Cinologica Internacional) our Kennel name for litters whelped outside the UK, will change to
TARANSAY GORDON SETTERS
Kewstoke Black Rose
All of my life our family had dogs and we lived in a fabulous part of the West Country in England.
My first involvement exhibiting pedigree dogs was with my friend from school, her family had Borzois and Deerhounds. We attended local open shows and I was doggone hooked from then on, aged 14.
The story with Gordon Setters began in 1985 when I acquired my first girl, Kewstoke Black Rose. It was love at first sight, I had to drive her home in my Mercedes, just the two of us. She had played herself tired with her brothers before we left the breeder's home and she just spread herself out full length and went to sleep on the rear seat. She woke up as I entered the drive way, showed great interest in the chickens, cat and horses. Rosie settled into her new home like the total treasure she was and never gave me a moments bother.
I lived on a farm in those days where we had acres of ground, but Rosie loved people and other dogs so routinely we would walk at the beach or local headland. Great for her to socialise and for me to show her off, how we dog owners love to talk about our darlings?
The Gordons are always a source of delight on trips out, they are so magnificent to look at and certainly attract attention, I have met many friends through my connection with the dogs. I wanted to show Rosie, initially my job prohibited me from attending shows as I worked weekends, then after a change in career, the opportunity came to go to some shows and have a litter. My pick of pups "Charlie" a true beauty, who went on to gain her title ~ SH CH KEWSTOKE BRYONY BELLE.
Over the years I have bred a modest number of litters, which have included some stunning show dogs, agility stars and pets, most importantly much adored members of the families who chose to buy a Gordon from me. On occasion I have organised Gordon Days, where owners and dogs have met, walked, talked and generally had a fantastic day. A wonderful way to keep up with all your friends and see the progress of your stock, the pet owners especially enjoyed these soirees and it is truly marvellous to see all the Gordons running free together. The largest group I ever had on one outing was 28 Gordons varying ages from 10 years to 6 months, it always delighted me to see how amiable they were.
Now I am semi-retired and live on the stunning Vicentina Coast in the South West of Portugal in the Parque Natural. Our house is 25 metres from open maquis country and there is a lake 10 minutes walk away where the dogs love to swim. Our nearest beach is less than 2 km from us, though in the summer months the dogs may only go there very early in the mornings.
Occasionally I have a litter, the majority of the puppies are destined to live in the UK. My dogs all live in the house as part of the family and the puppies likewise are reared in the house and well socialised, ready for them to take their place as life long family companions. All my stock are health tested with the current screens, I am a member of the UK Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme, and since 1985 a member of both the Gordon Setter Association and The British Gordon Setter Club. Always I offer support, in the form of advice on health, training, behaviour and all general manner of canine care for the entire lifetime of your dogs. My intention is to breed Gordons that are fit for function, sound in temperament and conformation, able to move freely, in the showring or the field. BBB, Beauty, Brains and Birdsense!
