What is the primary reason the Gordon Setter coat is darker than its cousins?

Answer

To provide camouflage in the deep shadows of the Scottish Highlands

The coat color was intentionally bred to be darker than their cousins to provide camouflage while working in the deep shadows and scrub characteristic of the Scottish Highlands.

What is the primary reason the Gordon Setter coat is darker than its cousins?
Dogcharacteristicbreedgordon setter