Gordon Setter
The heaviest of the setters, a black-and-tan Scottish gundog. Loyal, affectionate and dignified, deeply bonded to family but needing lots of exercise and grooming.
Gordon Setter scorecard
Overview
The Gordon Setter is the heaviest and most substantial of the three British setters, a handsome black-and-tan gundog that takes its name from the Dukes of Gordon, who popularised the breed at Gordon Castle in Scotland. Standing around 62–66 cm and weighing roughly 20–36 kg, it is a large, well-built dog with a flat, silky, feathered coat in a distinctive deep black marked with rich chestnut tan.
Bred to find and point game birds across the Scottish moors, the Gordon is a dog of stamina, substance and devotion. It is recognised by The Kennel Club in the Gundog group. Loyal and affectionate at home but a serious athlete in the field, it rewards owners who can meet its considerable needs for exercise, grooming and companionship.
Good to know — a Gordon Setter needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
Setters of various colours were known in Scotland for centuries, but the black-and-tan type was developed and refined at Gordon Castle in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, giving the breed its ducal name. The breed was originally known as the Gordon Castle Setter before being recognised more widely under its present name.
Unlike the faster, flashier Irish and English setters, the Gordon was prized for its steady stamina, scenting ability and willingness to work close to the gun all day. That blend of endurance and reliability shaped a dog that is powerful and purposeful rather than racy, qualities that still define the working Gordon.
Temperament & family fit
Gordon Setters are devoted, affectionate and people-oriented, often forming an especially strong bond with one person in the household. They are typically good-natured and gentle with their families, and most enjoy the company of children and other dogs, making them warm and engaging companions when their needs are met.
They can, however, be more reserved with strangers than the other setters and tend to mature slowly, retaining a boisterous, puppyish streak well into adulthood. A Gordon thrives on involvement in family life and does not cope well with being left alone for long periods, when boredom and separation-related behaviour can develop.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Intelligent and keen to please their people, Gordons respond well to positive, reward-based training, but they can also show a streak of independence and stubbornness inherited from their working past. Consistency, early socialisation and patience are key, particularly as the breed matures slowly and may need a longer, steadier training programme than some gundogs.
Giving a Gordon a job — whether formal gundog work, scent work or other canine sports — channels its intelligence and energy productively. Recall should be trained carefully, as a Gordon following bird scent can become single-minded.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Gordon Setter typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The long, silky coat with its feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail needs regular care. Brushing or combing several times a week keeps the coat free of tangles and removes loose hair, with extra attention to the feathering and the ears, which should be checked and cleaned routinely to prevent infection. Trimming around the feet and ears helps keep the dog tidy.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality diet suited to the dog's age, size and activity level, dividing the food into two meals a day. As a large, deep-chested and active breed, it is wise to keep the dog at a lean, healthy weight to protect the joints and to avoid strenuous exercise close to mealtimes.
Gordon Setter health & costs
Before bringing a Gordon Setter home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
Gordon Setters are generally healthy dogs with a typical lifespan of around 10–12 years, but as a large, deep-chested breed they share several of the health concerns common to setters and similar gundogs. Responsible breeders use the health screening schemes available through The Kennel Club and relevant veterinary bodies, and prospective owners should always ask to see test results for the parents.
Hip evaluation is particularly relevant, and as with other large, deep-chested dogs, bloat is a serious risk that owners should understand. An eye condition, progressive retinal atrophy, is recognised in the breed, and DNA testing is available for some forms, so buying from health-tested lines is the best safeguard.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental joint disorder common in large breeds; choose puppies from hip-scored parents.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening emergency in deep-chested dogs; recognise the signs and act fast.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited eye disease causing gradual blindness; DNA testing is available for some forms.
- Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid that can cause weight gain, lethargy and coat changes; usually manageable with medication.
- Cerebellar abiotrophy — a rare inherited neurological condition reported in the breed; reputable breeders screen breeding lines.
- Ear infections (otitis) — the long, hairy ears need regular checking and cleaning to prevent recurrent problems.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Gordon Setter; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Gordon Setter puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Gordon Setter
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Devoted, affectionate family dog
- Handsome, even-tempered gundog
Things to consider
- High exercise needs and feathered coat to groom
- Can be one-person loyal and slow to mature
Compare the Gordon Setter
See how the Gordon Setter measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Similar temperament
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Frequently asked questions
How big is a Gordon Setter?
The Gordon Setter is the heaviest and most substantial of the three British setters, standing around 62–66 cm and weighing roughly 20–36 kg. It is a large, well-built black-and-tan gundog with a flat, silky, feathered coat in a distinctive deep black marked with rich chestnut tan.
What is the temperament of a Gordon Setter?
Gordon Setters are devoted, affectionate and people-oriented, often forming an especially strong bond with one person. They are typically good-natured and gentle with their families, and most enjoy children and other dogs. They can be more reserved with strangers than the other setters and mature slowly, keeping a boisterous, puppyish streak well into adulthood.
Can Gordon Setters be left alone?
Not for long periods. A Gordon thrives on involvement in family life and does not cope well with being left alone, when boredom and separation-related behaviour can develop. The breed is happiest with owners who can offer plenty of company alongside its exercise and grooming needs.
How much exercise does a Gordon Setter need?
This is an athletic, high-stamina gundog needing substantial daily exercise — well over an hour of vigorous activity, ideally including free running, scent work and the chance to use its bird-finding instincts. An under-exercised Gordon is prone to restlessness and unwanted behaviour, so it suits active, outdoor-minded owners with access to open space.
What is the difference between a Gordon Setter and an Irish Setter?
Both are gundogs in the setter family, but the Gordon is the heaviest and most substantial of the three British setters and is distinctively black-and-tan, whereas the Irish Setter is the familiar rich red. The Gordon takes its name from the Dukes of Gordon, who popularised it at Gordon Castle in Scotland.
What health problems do Gordon Setters have?
As a large, deep-chested breed they share several setter health concerns. Hip evaluation is particularly relevant, and bloat is a serious risk owners should understand. Progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition, is recognised in the breed, with DNA testing available for some forms. Always ask to see health-test results for the parents.
How long do Gordon Setters live?
Gordon Setters typically live around 10–12 years. They are generally healthy dogs, but as a large, deep-chested breed they carry size-related risks, so buying from health-tested lines, keeping the dog lean and feeding sensibly all help support a long, healthy life.
What grooming does a Gordon Setter need?
The long, silky coat, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail, needs brushing or combing several times a week to stay free of tangles and loose hair, with extra attention to the feathering. The ears should be checked and cleaned routinely to prevent infection, and trimming around the feet and ears keeps the dog tidy.
Are Gordon Setters good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Gordon Setters tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Gordon Setter need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Gordon Setter needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Gordon Setters shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Gordon Setters easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Gordon Setters are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Gordon Setters bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Gordon Setters good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Gordon Setters suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Gordon Setter really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Gordon Setter breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/gordon-setter/
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Health testing and Breed Health and Conservation Plans: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/
- PDSA — Dog health and care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/
- Blue Cross — Dog breeds and care advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.