gordon setter

Gordon Setters are loyal and intelligent dogs who love activity and outdoor adventure. They thrive in on-the-go homes with experienced pet parents who appreciate their affectionate nature and enjoy the great outdoors as much as they do.

Temperament

Confident, Athletic, Affectionate

Weight

Male: 55 to 80 pounds

Female: 45 to 70 pounds

Height

Male: 24 to 27 inches

Female: 23 to 26 inches

Life Expectancy

12 to 13 years

Maintenance Level

Low maintenanceHigh maintenance

Friendliness

More reservedSocial butterfly

Coat Color

Black and Tan

A perfect blend of active and laid-back, Gordon Setters love a cuddle session and a scratch on their floppy ears after a day of hiking, perusing your local farmer’s market, or running around with your kids in the backyard—any time spent with you is good time, in a Gordon’s eyes. And if that time involves a specific task (fetching a ball, chasing a stick), all the better. These pups don’t require hours of grooming, but a regular brushing to keep the floof looking floofy is always a good idea. And though they can be a strong-willed at time, Gordons are ultimately hopelessly devoted to you and eager to please. What more could you want from a furry friend?

Gordon Setter Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care

Personality

Adaptability

Social Life

Exercise Needs

Couch PotatoStar Athlete

Health Issues

Few Known Health IssuesMany Known Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Minimal GroomingExtensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal TrainingRequires a Lot of Training

Shedding Level

Sheds a LittleSheds a Lot

Gordon Setter Appearance

The largest of the setter breeds, the Gordon Setter’s height can reach 27 inches tall at the shoulder, and their weight can be up to 80 pounds. Their colors are black with tan markings, and beneath their long, wavy coats, Gordon Setters are sturdy, muscular types bred for work. Their tails might be short, but that doesn’t stop Gordon Setters from wagging them a mile a minute when you ask, “Walk?”

Ears:

Gordon Setter ears are long, large and thin and covered in wavy black hair.

Eyes:

Gordon Setter eyes are dark brown and oval, giving them a bright, wise expression.

Nose:

Gordon Setters have broad, black noses with open nostrils.

Coat Length:

Gordon Setters have long, straight or slightly wavy coats. The hair on their ears, stomach, chest, legs and tail is longer than the rest of their bodies.

Coat Color:

The breed has a black coat with tan markings in shades ranging from chestnut to mahogany.

Tail:

The Gordon Setter tail is short, but not docked. It's wider at the root and narrows to a point at the tip.

Gordon Setter Temperament

Confident, alert and intelligent, Gordon Setters were bred to race off into the woods after birds. But no matter what their particular training is today, this breed truly flourishes when pet parents channel their dog’s energies into outdoor activities. The Gordon Setter temperament is not one for lazily sitting around and staring out the window at the action outside. They want to be right up in it.That’s because a Gordon Setter dog loves two things most: Being on the move and spending time with their people. They are happiest when they can marry these twin passions by hiking, biking or hitting the dog park for some exercise alongside their humans, who they’ll then eagerly reward with loads of affection, love and loyalty. They are sweet-natured dogs, after all, and not overly hard to please.Gordon Setters can be determined and strong willed, too, qualities that serve them well on a hunt as they push on until they find their marks. Nevertheless, this can make training a bit of a challenge. Still, with patience, the Gordon Setter can be a well-behaved member of the family.Although Gordon Setters were bred to be working dogs, they’re not all business. These dogs definitely know how to play. And despite the Gordon Setter’s size, the breed is mild-mannered, good with kids of all ages and will quickly turn strangers into friends. Most Gordon Setters are happy to find other four-legged playmates, and the breed ranks low for both aggression and biting tendencies. If dogs held popularity contests, the Gordon Setter would be top contender for sure.

How to Care for a Gordon Setter

Grooming

Although Gordon Setter grooming is pretty simple, you should expect to spend some time tending to that long, wavy coat. You’ll want to brush them at least once a week with a slicker brush or wire pin brush to keep their fur from becoming matted. And, because shedding is a part of life with a Gordon Setter, that weekly attention will help keep the whorls of black hair under the sofa to a minimum. Still, you know, don’t toss the vacuum or anything. The hair on their toes and around their ears will need trimming once a month, and you can expect to bathe your pup monthly as well, which should be sufficient to remove excess dirt and oil and keep your Gordon Setter smelling clean. Fortunately, professional grooming is not needed—unless you’re uncomfortable with tasks like nail trimming. Listen, pedicures are not for everyone, it’s cool. But your Gordon Setter’s nails should be clipped about once a month to prevent painful overgrowth. You’ll know it’s time when you hear that telltale clack-clack-clack on the floor. And, bonus, it turns out bath time is the perfect time to trim nails, because the water makes them softer and easier to cut. All breeds require dental care, and Gordon Setters are no exception. Ask your veterinarian about an at-home dental routine, which could include dental chews or rinses as well as brushing their teeth daily. Start a toothbrushing routine with your Gordon Setter puppy to establish a lifelong habit. Annual professional dental exams and cleanings by your vet are also essential for good oral health. Close

Training

The Gordon Setter personality is that of a hunter. They were bred for the task and are therefore always happiest when they’re active and busy. But, if waking at the crack of dawn and spending hours in the woods chasing prey isn’t exactly your thing, don’t worry. A rousing training session with your pup after you’ve downed a cup of coffee can still provide the focus and sense of accomplishment the breed needs to thrive. These are whip-smart dogs who love to please their humans, making them fairly easy to train, despite a willful streak that can sometimes rear its ugly head. This just means that Gordon Setters need a confident and calm leader who understands that patience is the key to unlocking the pup’s potential. First-time pup parents may find such a characteristic frustrating, which makes the breed better suited to individuals who’ve had dogs before. When getting to work, prioritize training activities that take advantage of your Gordon Setter’s best traits: high energy levels and intelligence. After they learn the basics (sit, stay, come when called), focus on more challenging activities that require physical stamina and mental fortitude such as flyball, agility and hunting (tracking). Always reward them for a job well done. Positive reinforcement—treats, toys, and praise—is essential. Keep your daily sessions short, 5 to 10 minutes at a time, and fast-paced to maintain their interest and ensure you’re raising a Gordon Setter with good manners. You’ll make Emily Post proud. But remember, no matter how well you train your pup, you’ll never completely train the hunter (and hunting instincts, i.e. chasing all the small things) out of them. Teaching recall, therefore, is key so your dog will return to you side after tracking down their latest target. It’s best to start training and socialization with a Gordon Setter puppy to avoid them developing naughty habits and bad behavior later on. Socialization involves exposing them to as many different experiences and stimuli (sights, smells, sounds) early to help ward off fear and anxiety later on. Taking your Gordon Setter on walks—greeting and meeting the people you see on the way—enrolling them in puppy classes and making play dates with other dogs are all good ways to socialize your Gordon Setter. Close

Diet

The Gordon Setter breed typically does well on high-quality commercial dog foods that provide a complete and balanced diet to meet their calorie and nutrient needs. Look for a formula specific to their life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and work with your veterinarian to create a feeding chart to ensure that you’re providing the right type and amount of food for your dog. Gordon Setters are high-energy dogs, and your vet may recommend a food formulated for active breeds to ensure that your dog is getting the calories and nutrients they need to maintain their go-go-go lifestyle. But be aware that a high-protein diet is not recommended for Gordon Setter puppies, as they could develop health issues from too much protein. As always, check with your vet; they’re in the best position to help you choose a food that’s right for your dog. Dog treats make great training tools, but be sure to limit them to no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories. For Gordon Setters, being overweight can increase the risk of certain health issues, including joint pain, making it harder to run or engage in other favorite pastimes. Close

Exercise

Gordon Setters love to run, which is convenient, since their exercise needs are pretty intense. So, they need to do a lot of it. About one hour a day is probably sufficient. As a pet parent, you can therefore expect to spend a good chunk of your time running, hiking, biking, swimming or tossing a ball with these high-energy hunting dogs. If a triathlon was ever in your sights, now’s the time! You’ll crush it. Gordon Setters also excel at dog sports such as agility, rally and competitive obedience. And once your Gordon Setter has burned off all of their energy, they will happily take a long nap, preferably beside you on the couch. Intelligence is also one of the top Gordon Setter breed qualities, which means mental stimulation is as valuable as physical activity. Offer them puzzle toys or initiate games like hide-and-seek to keep their minds engaged. Training can also be a form of mental and physical exercise, especially when it incorporates fast-paced games. Close

Environment

Gordon Setters are not the right fit for families who spend more time hanging out at home than they do hitting the trails. These active dogs do best with lots of exercise and plenty of bonding. That means the more time you spend tossing a ball, playing tug-of-war, hiking in the woods, swimming or hanging out at the dog park, the happier your dog will be. Let’s be honest, you will be, too. With the right amount of exercise, Gordon Setters could adjust to apartment life, but a home with a fenced yard—the bigger, the better—is the best option for this breed. Mixing Gordon Setters with kids is an exceedingly good combination—they’re sometimes called “nanny dogs” and make great playmates for kids. (We hear their rates are competitive.) They are good-natured canines who love children and quickly warm up to strangers. Most Gordon Setters are also good with other dogs, and they’ll likely get along with cats if raised with them from puppyhood. But their innate hunting abilities remain strong, and they may give chase to smaller animals, especially birds. Close

Gordon Setter Health

The Gordon Setter’s life expectancy is 12 to 13 years. Although they are generally healthy dogs, the breed is at risk for certain health issues that can crop up during their lifetimes.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):  This group of eye diseases is linked with degeneration of the retinal cells, eventually causing blindness. The inherited form of PRA, also called retinal dysplasia, is diagnosed in puppies; older dogs can be diagnosed with a late onset form of disease that typically appears between 3 and 9 years old. PRA isn’t painful, and the earliest symptoms, such as increased pupil dilation or bumping into objects, often go unnoticed. Although there is no treatment for PRA, there is a genetic screening test so be sure to ask your breeder. Pups can still lead happy lives, even if they lose sight. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Gordon Setter History

The Gordon Setter’s history dates back to the 1500s when the earliest setter breeds were developed. This bird dog breed earned their name for their tendencies to quietly “set” down (or lie down) to alert hunters to the location of birds. The hunter would then toss a net over the birds and dogs, if necessary, to bring home game for supper.
A key figure in the Gordon Setter’s origin was the setter fancier Alexander Gordon, the Fourth Duke of Gordon in Scotland, who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. He bred black-and-tan setters at his home, Gordon Castle. The dogs were heavier boned and more “square” than other setter breeds, providing them with strength and stamina, albeit not speed, and making them ideal for long hunts over tough terrain in their native Scotland. And hunt with his dogs, the Duke certainly did—although he waited until the setters were more than 5 years old because it took these “perpetual puppies” that long to settle down and mature.
Although the earliest iterations of the Gordon Setter looked more like English Setters, when breeders later crossed them with flat-coated black-and-tan Collies, Bloodhounds, black Pointers and black Setters, they got the Gordon Setter breed as it’s known today.
Historic records show that George Blunt brought the first Gordon Setters to New York in 1842—a curly-coated white Setter with black and tan points named Rake and a black-and-tan Setter named Rachael. Although the American Kennel Club welcomed the black-and-tan Setter as an official breed in 1884, they changed the breed name from the Gordon Castle Setter to the Gordon Setter in 1892.
If you’re thinking about adding a Gordon Setter to your family, you can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. The average price for a puppy ranges from $1,000 to $2,000. But for that cost, you usually get a dog who’s been screened for health and temperament issues, and they might even come with pedigree papers. You can also reach out to Gordon Setter rescue organizations to adopt a dog, keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter.

FAQs

Do Gordon Setters shed?

Gordon Setters shed an average amount. You’ll have less dog hair floating around the house than pet parents with German Shepherds or Huskies, but more hair than those who live with Poodles and Schnauzers.

How long do Gordon Setters live?

Gordon Setters have lifespans of 12 to 13 years, which gives you a lot of years to have fun adventures with your pup.

Are Gordon Setters good family dogs?

Gordon Setters are great family dogs. The breed is affectionate, loves spending time with their family and gets along well with children and other dogs.

Do Gordon Setters bark a lot?

Gordon Setters bark an average amount and tend to become vocal at “normal” things, like the doorbell ringing or dogs barking on television. They will not bark incessantly each time the wind changes direction.

What are the most common Gordon Setters dog mixes?

Gordon Setter-Golden Retriever mix (Gordon Setter Golden Retriever) Gordon Setter-Labrador Retriever mix (Gordon Setter Labrador Retriever) Gordon Setter-Poodle mix (Gordondoodle) Gordon Setter-German Shepherd mix (Gordon Setter German Shepherd)

**Content sourced from www.chewy.com

Get in touch:

Email: info@pawpal.com

Phone: +971 506580990