Gordon Setter: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Gordon setter is a medium-large sporting dog breed from Scotland with a silky, medium-length double coat that comes in black with tan accents. There’s feathering on the ears, chest, stomach, legs, and tail. And, typically, the tan is on the muzzle and throat, lower legs, eyebrows, and rear.

The breed’s coat served as protection from terrain and weather while this dog served as a hunting companion in Scotland. Today, these dogs are still natural athletes, and they tend to be quite devoted to their humans. They also need a lot of space for physical activity daily, so they may not be the right choice for pet parents living in apartments or homes without yards.

Learn more about the Gordon setter’s history, temperament, and needs.

Characteristics of the Gordon Setter

Gordon setters generally have a loyal and affectionate temperament. They are quite smart and eager to please. A high energy level also helps to shape their personality, and they need lots of exercise every day.

The Gordon setter is one of four setter dog breeds. Even though they might be compared to the Irish setter and English setter, there are some differences. For example, while the Irish setter has a mahogany coat and comes from Ireland, the English setter has a freckled coat and comes from the U.K., and the Gordon setter has a black and tan coat and comes from Scotland. Also, the Gordon setter is the heaviest of all the setter breeds.

History of the Gordon Setter

The Gordon setter can trace its ancestors back to the 1600s, but the breed really started to take shape during the 1800s. People in Scotland and around the United Kingdom wanted a bird-hunting dog that would “set,” or quietly lie down when they located prey. Different setter breeds arose, with the Gordon being the heaviest of the bunch, suitable for the rugged landscape in Scotland. 

Alexander Gordon, the fourth Duke of Gordon, bred what were then called black and tan setters at the kennels of Gordon Castle. These dogs initially resembled the English setter. But adding other breeds, including black and tan collies, bloodhounds, black pointers, and black setters, helped to shape the modern Gordon setter. 

The breed first arrived in the United States in 1842. And the American Kennel Club first recognized it in 1878. The breed’s official name went from the black and tan setter to the Gordon Castle setter and finally to the Gordon setter in 1924.

Gordon Setter Care

Plan to spend ample time exercising this athletic breed. Gordon setters also need regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. And they should receive training and socialization from a young age.

Exercise

Spend at least two hours per day exercising your Gordon setter. These dogs were bred to run and have good endurance. You can meet their exercise needs by letting them participate in various activities, such as:

• Long walks
• Jogging
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Vigorous playtime

Dog sports also can provide mental challenges as well as physical activity. 

Gordon setters do best with a house and yard, rather than an apartment. They are large dogs, and they ideally should have a secure space where they can run freely every day.

Be sure to always keep your dog on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outdoors. This breed has a high prey drive and might ignore your recall efforts if they see prey to chase.

Also, these dogs can develop separation anxiety and need your interaction and attention, so don’t leave them alone for long periods, whether indoors or outside. Instead, play with them and be there to supervise. 

Grooming

Brush your dog’s coat at least once or twice per week to remove loose fur and prevent mats and tangles. Pay special attention to the areas with feathering, as they tend to tangle easily. Expect periods of higher shedding often in the spring and fall, during which you should increase your brushing frequency. 

Bathe your dog roughly once a month, depending on how dirty they get. Check their nails monthly to see whether they’re due for a trim. Plus, look in their ears at least weekly for wax buildup, debris, and irritation. And brush their teeth every day.

Training

Training and socialization should ideally begin when your Gordon setter is a puppy. A puppy class can help to teach your dog basic commands and manners. This breed typically responds well to training, especially when positive reinforcement methods are used. 

Moreover, allow your Gordon setter to meet different people and other dogs from an early age. This will help to curb their reserved nature around strangers. The breed is moderately good with other dogs, but might perceive smaller household pets as prey.

Common Health Problems

The Gordon setter is generally healthy, but is prone to some hereditary health issues, including: 

• Bloat: Also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), this occurs when the dog’s stomach expands and rotates because of excess food, gas, or fluid, such as when they eat too quickly. Immediate veterinary attention is needed, as this can be fatal.
• Cancer: Gordon setters are prone to certain cancers, including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, mammary tumors, and hemangiosarcoma. In 2020, a 5-year-old Gordon setter was treated for cancer using a human cancer therapy.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia: These conditions affect the development and function of the hip and elbow joints. They can impair mobility and cause pain.
• Eye problems: Vision and eye problems can affect Gordon setters. Conditions include progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness.

Diet and Nutrition

Gordon setters might eat up to 3 cups of food per day, split into multiple meals. Always have fresh water accessible for your Gordon setter. And provide a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. Discuss both the type of food and the amount with your veterinarian.

It’s typical to feed two measured meals per day. This breed is prone to bloat, and an option to help prevent this is feeding smaller, more frequent meals. 

Where to Adopt or Buy a Gordon Setter

If you’re looking for a Gordon setter puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $800 to $2,000, on average.

Gordon setters are a somewhat common dog breed, so it is possible to find one in need of a home at an animal shelter or rescue group. You just might have to wait for longer than you would with the highly popular breeds. See whether you can get your name on a breed wait list at your local shelters.

For further information to help connect you with a Gordon setter, check out:

• Gordon Setter Club of America
• Gordon Setter Rescue
  

Gordon Setter Overview

The Gordon setter can make a lovely companion for active families and individuals who want an intelligent, high-energy dog. If you have the right type of home with enough space, this breed might be the right fit. 

Pros of Gordon Setters

• Affectionate and loyal
• Typically responds well to training
• Good for an active owner
  

Cons of Gordon Setters

• Needs lots of daily exercise
• Typically not ideal for an apartment
• High prey drive
  

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any dog breed, do thorough research first before bringing home a Gordon setter to ensure that the breed is right for your lifestyle. Talk to Gordon setter pet parents, rescue groups, reputable breeders, and vets. And spend some time around the breed too if you can.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Irish Setter
• Pointer
• Flat-Coated Retriever

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!