Gordon Setter
About the Gordon Setter
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 23-27" |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,400/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Gordon Setters may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Gordon Setter
The story behind the Gordon Setter
Black and tan setters existed in Scotland well before the breed took its present name, and the type became closely identified with the kennels at Gordon Castle in Banffshire, run under the fourth Duke of Gordon around the turn of the nineteenth century. Dogs bred there were valued for endurance and nose on demanding Highland ground rather than for speed, and collie blood is sometimes said to have been introduced, though the claim is traditional rather than proven. Early exports reached the United States in the first half of the nineteenth century. British and American kennel clubs recognised the breed in the later nineteenth century, and the black and tan colouring, once one of several, became the defining requirement. Gordons remain relatively uncommon, kept by shooting enthusiasts, field trial competitors and show breeders.
Originally bred for: Bird dog, Setting and pointing gundog, Moorland game hunter. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Gordon Setter
A complete food formulated for large, active dogs works well, with amounts scaled to season and workload. The breed carries genuine bone and muscle, so aim for solid rather than heavy condition, feed in two sittings, and avoid vigorous exercise straight after a meal.
Watch for: There is no established breed-specific food intolerance. Heavy ear feathering traps moisture and debris, so ear problems in a Gordon are frequently unrelated to diet. Ask a veterinarian to investigate persistent skin or digestive signs before removing ingredients on suspicion alone.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Gordon Setter
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.