Gordon Setter at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 62–66 cm
- Weight
- 25–30 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Garden.
Is the Gordon Setter right for you?
Like every breed, the Gordon Setter is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You would like a dog that tends to be quiet.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Gordon Setter fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is a tall, majestic dog that combines power and elegance with a sturdy, athletic frame. Its glossy black and tan coat is heavily feathered on the legs, chest, belly and ears, with a well-flagged tail. Friendly and intelligent, it is a strong dog built to hunt for long hours.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet dog around the home.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed is the heavyweight of the setters and takes its name from the Duke of Gordon, who began developing setters seriously between 1800 and 1820 at Gordon Castle in Scotland. The Duke cared more about how his dogs worked than how they looked, so his kennels held setters of several colours, including black and white and black, white and tan.
The black and tan colour was fixed later, most likely because of the breed's success in the show ring. Larger and a little slower than other setters, the Gordon had more stamina on the Scottish grouse moors. The Royal Kennel Club lists it as a vulnerable native breed.
Gordon Setter temperament
Gordon Setters are typically friendly and sociable with their family and people they know well, but take a little time to warm up to strangers. As adults they have a sensitive, dignified and affectionate nature.
They are slow to mature, and youngsters can be quite a handful. As gundogs they are easily distracted by birds and love carrying objects around, which needs careful, positive handling so it does not become a problem. Some Gordons have issues with unfamiliar dogs, although they usually get along with dogs they know, and they may need extra training to live with other pets.
Size and appearance
The Gordon Setter is a large breed. Adults typically stand 62–66 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 25–30 kg.
The coat is semi-long, glossy and heavily feathered. The only breed standard colour is black and tan.
How much exercise does a Gordon Setter need?
Gordon Setters are highly energetic dogs with great strength and endurance. They need at least two hours of exercise a day, including walking and some free running, whatever the weather, and will happily do more.
Activities that use their endurance, scenting and retrieving ability are good for their mental and physical wellbeing. Their coat collects a lot of mud, and they are best suited to country living with a large home and garden and easy access to a variety of countryside walks.
Training a Gordon Setter
Gordons are highly intelligent and respond well to training, but they are a large, slow-maturing breed with an independent mind. Bred to work away from people and make their own decisions, they form their own opinions easily.
- Use positive reinforcement and a non-confrontational approach.
- Train at your dog's pace: rushing a Gordon leads to a confused dog that fools around rather than learns.
- Manage their love of carrying objects with patient, positive training.
- Give them activities that use their intelligence, which are vital for their mental wellbeing.
Gordon Setter grooming
The heavy, semi-long coat needs brushing and combing at least twice a week, and PDSA advises daily grooming to keep it free of debris and tangles. The coat takes a long time to dry when wet, but has a lovely shine when well kept. Gordons shed heavily and some drool.
Clean the long, hanging ears regularly, as they can trap air and lead to infections, and check paw pads for grass seeds. Because of their size, you may want a professional groomer for full baths.
Living with a Gordon Setter
Gordon Setters are better suited to homes with older children. Young Gordons can be boisterous and clumsy, and their love of picking up and carrying "treasure" can lead to confrontations that small children cannot understand. With older children or adults, they can make an excellent companion if they get plenty of training and long country walks.
Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Gordon Setter health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Some breed-related conditions are recognised in the Gordon Setter, and the Royal Kennel Club lists it in Breed Watch Category 2 for points of concern that could affect health if exaggerated. It asks breeders to prioritise genetic diversity. Knowing about these conditions helps you ask a breeder the right questions; it does not mean every dog will be affected.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited disorder in which part of the eye wastes away, which can lead to blindness. The Royal Kennel Club recommends a DNA test for the form seen in the breed, PRA (rcd4), and eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not develop properly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip scoring under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Elbow dysplasia
The elbow joint does not develop properly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.
Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
The stomach twists, trapping its contents and gas. It is an emergency that needs urgent veterinary attention and is often seen in large, deep-chested breeds.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is underactive, which can lead to low energy, weight gain and skin problems.
Atopy
An allergic skin condition that causes itching and damage to the skin.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Gordon Setter home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Gordon Setter cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Gordon Setter home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Gordon Setter
If you have decided the Gordon Setter suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Gordon Setter
Gordon Setters do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Gordon Setters looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Gordon Setter adverts at the moment.
Find Gordon Setter adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Flat coated Retriever
Bright, active, kindly, lively, gentle, sensitive and adaptable.
View breed guideGerman Longhaired Pointer
Noble, elegant, powerful, intense, quick, keen and intelligent.
View breed guideGerman Wirehaired Pointer
Gentle, friendly, affectionate, hard-working, good-natured and rugged.
View breed guide
Gordon Setter FAQs
Is the Gordon Setter good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Gordon Setter live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Gordon Setter need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Gordon Setter shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Gordon Setter need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Gordon Setter easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Gordon Setter be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Gordon Setter bark a lot?
Tends to be quiet. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Gordon Setter good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Gordon Setter live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Gordon Setter get?
Adults typically stand 62–66 cm at the shoulder and weigh 25–30 kg.