Gordon Setter
Known in French as Setter Gordon
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 69 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 36 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Scotland
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, athletic gun dog with a distinctive glossy black and tan coat. Sturdily built for work on rough ground, it is the heaviest and most imposing of the setters, known for its stamina and loyalty.
History and origins
Developed in Scotland by Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries from black and tan setters. Established as a solid personal gun dog able to work long days over difficult Scottish terrain.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd4)
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Hypothyroidism
- Cerebellar abiotrophy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Moderate shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Gordon Setter FAQ
How big does the Gordon Setter get?
The Gordon Setter stands 58 to 69 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 36 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Gordon Setter shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs a lot of care. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Gordon Setter live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Gordon Setter need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Gordon Setter good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Gordon Setter live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as progressive retinal atrophy.
