Gordon Setter Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Gordon Setter is the heaviest of the setter breeds, a handsome black-and-tan gundog from Scotland. It is steady, loyal and somewhat reserved, with great stamina in the field and a devoted nature at home.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed at Gordon Castle in the nineteenth century and was valued for tracking game birds. Gordons are large and sturdy, with a deep chest, a long head, drop ears, a silky, slightly wavy coat in black with rich chestnut markings and a feathered tail.

Temperament

They are loyal, confident and affectionate. They bond closely with family and can be reserved with strangers. They are intelligent and sometimes stubborn. They are energetic and mature slowly. They dislike being left alone. They are generally good with children in their family.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, with running, hiking and play. They excel at field work and canine sports. Mental work matters. They need secure fencing, since they follow scents.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach a reliable recall and a calm greeting. Avoid harsh corrections. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The silky coat needs brushing several times a week and a trim of the feathering. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Clean the ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Progressive retinal atrophy, with a DNA test
• Cerebellar abiotrophy, with a DNA test
• Cancer. See signs of cancer in dogs

Living with a Gordon Setter

They suit active families with a yard. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to long hours alone.

A typical day

A Gordon wants a long morning outing, training, a rest, play and an evening walk. Many are calm and watchful indoors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and clumsy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, grooming and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping grooming, leaving the dog alone and harsh training.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye, thyroid and DNA tests, and the parents' temperaments. Meet the parents.

The steady setter

Compared with the Irish Setter, the Gordon is usually more sober and slower to mature. Many are one-family dogs, content to lie near their people and guard the home with a deep bark.

Bloat awareness

The deep chest brings a risk of bloat. Feed measured meals, avoid hard exercise around meals and learn the signs. See bloat prevention in dogs.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Gordon Setter suits active, steady owners who want a loyal, sturdy gundog and will groom. It may not suit those wanting a very outgoing dog. For a lighter setter, see the Irish Setter.

Daily care checklist

• A long outing with room to run, ideally off-lead only in secure areas.
• Training or scent games to use the working brain.
• Brushing the feathering on the ears, legs, chest and tail several times a week, checking for burrs and tangles.
• Measured meals rather than one large feed, with quiet time afterward.
• Ear checks, since drop ears hold moisture.
• Company, because a lonely Gordon may bark, dig or chew.

Growing up slowly

Gordons are often described as late developers. Expect an adolescent phase that can last into the third year, with selective hearing and plenty of energy. Consistent routines, patient recall practice and regular outings help the dog through it.

Field and show lines

Some Gordons come from working lines, others from show lines. Working types often have a lighter build and more drive, while show types are usually heavier with a thicker coat. Ask breeders which they produce and how their dogs live day to day.

The takeaway

Gordon Setters are sturdy, loyal and reserved, and they need exercise, grooming and company.