Gordon Setter
LoyalConfidentBold
Scotland · 12–13 years
About the Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is the largest and most substantial of the three setter breeds, developed in Scotland by the Duke of Gordon in the early 1800s. Distinguished by their striking black-and-tan coat, Gordons are loyal, confident, and bold sporting dogs. They are slower and more methodical in the field than their Irish and English cousins, but they are tireless workers with excellent stamina. Gordons form intensely loyal bonds with their families and can be reserved with strangers.
Breed stats
- Height
- 23–27 in
- Weight
- 45–80 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–13 years
- Group
- Sporting
- Coat
- Long, silky with feathering
- Origin
- Scotland
Coat colors
- Black and Tan
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–120 min
per day recommended
Daily food
2–3.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Cerebellar abiotrophy
Not every Gordon Setter will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Gordon Setters eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Gordon Setters are generally good with children, especially those they are raised with. They are sturdy, patient, and playful enough to be excellent companions for older children who understand how to interact with dogs. However, their large size and exuberant energy can be overwhelming for toddlers. Gordons tend to bond most closely with one or two family members, and they can be protective of their family. Early socialization helps ensure they develop confident, relaxed behavior around children and visitors.
- Gordon Setters need 60 to 120 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. They were bred as endurance hunters designed to work all day in the Scottish Highlands, and they retain that stamina. Long hikes, runs, swimming, and off-leash play in secure areas are ideal activities. Without adequate exercise, Gordons can become restless, destructive, and develop behavioral problems. They excel in canine sports like field trials, tracking, and agility, which provide both physical and mental stimulation they crave.
- Gordon Setters are intelligent but independent, which can make training challenging for first-time owners. They think for themselves and may question commands rather than blindly obey. Positive reinforcement with firm, consistent leadership works best — they respond poorly to harsh corrections. Gordons mature slowly and may test boundaries during adolescence. Early socialization and obedience classes are strongly recommended. Once trained, they are reliable and devoted, but getting there requires more patience than with highly biddable breeds like retrievers.
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