The Gordon Setter is a medium to large-sized, elegant and powerful gundog with a glossy black and tan coat and a dignified appearance. Originally bred in Scotland as a pointing bird dog, it is known for its stamina, intelligence and precision in the field. This independent yet sensitive breed enjoys working closely with its owner and has a friendly, well-balanced temperament. Gordon Setters are social, affectionate and dependable, but may also be watchful and reserved around strangers. They require calm, consistent training and plenty of exercise to stay mentally and physically balanced. Due to their energetic nature and strong hunting instincts, this breed is best suited to an active owner who enjoys the outdoors and has experience with working dogs.
The Gordon Setter originated in Scotland and was developed in the 19th century as a pointing dog for bird hunting. The breed was primarily refined on the estate of the Duke of Gordon, where it was selected for stamina, precision and its ability to work in harmony with hunters. Valued for its skill in locating game, “freezing” on point, and flushing birds on command, the Gordon Setter’s strong build and steady working pace made it ideal for rugged terrain. Thanks to its loyal nature and friendly temperament, it also became a beloved companion for active breed enthusiasts.
The Gordon Setter is known for its intelligent, devoted and well-balanced nature. It enjoys working closely with its owner and has a strong desire to please, which makes it trainable when guided with consistency and positive reinforcement. This breed is naturally gentle, friendly and social, but can also be independent and at times a bit stubborn, which is why it thrives best with a confident and experienced owner. Its strong stamina and hunting instinct make it ideal for active outdoor pursuits, especially when both mentally and physically stimulated. The Gordon Setter typically gets along well with children and other dogs, provided it has been properly socialised from an early age. Due to its sensitive nature and eagerness to work, it benefits from clear structure and plenty of variety in its daily routine.
The Gordon Setter is a medium to large-sized, strongly built dog with an elegant and well-balanced appearance. Its most distinctive features include a glossy black coat with sharply defined reddish-brown (tan) markings on the chest, legs, muzzle and eyebrows, as well as an alert, friendly expression. The head is well-proportioned and fairly long, with medium-sized, low-set ears that hang close to the head. It has a deep chest, a straight, strong back and a body that is slightly longer than it is tall — ideal for fieldwork. The legs are straight and muscular, providing power and stability in motion. The coat is moderately long, soft, and either straight or slightly wavy, with feathering on the ears, chest, belly, back of the legs and tail.
The Gordon Setter is an energetic and determined dog that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay balanced. At least two hours of active movement per day is recommended, such as long walks, scent work, retrieving games or other activities that challenge the dog both physically and mentally. As a hunting breed, it has great stamina and a strong prey drive, making it especially well suited to outdoor life. It enjoys working alongside its owner but is also capable of acting independently, which means additional guidance is needed during off-lead walks or hunting-related activities. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, the Gordon Setter may become bored and display wilful behaviour, such as ignoring commands or chasing animals.
The Gordon Setter has a moderately long, soft coat that is either straight or slightly wavy. To keep it glossy and free of tangles, it should be brushed at least a few times a week. During shedding periods, more frequent grooming may be needed to remove loose hairs and keep the skin healthy. Extra attention is required for the feathering on the chest, legs, belly and tail, as these areas are more prone to matting. Bathing is only necessary when the dog is particularly dirty, and should be done using a mild dog shampoo that preserves the natural oils of the skin. It’s also important to regularly check the ears, eyes, teeth and nails. Due to the breed’s floppy ears, they should be checked frequently for dirt or excess wax. Brushing the teeth and keeping the nails trimmed further support the dog’s overall health. A consistent grooming routine not only helps the Gordon Setter look its best, but also ensures it feels comfortable and stays healthy.
The Gordon Setter is generally a robust and active breed, but there are a few health conditions that can occur. Hip dysplasia is a known issue in larger breeds and may affect the Gordon Setter as well. This joint disorder can cause stiffness, discomfort and reduced mobility, especially later in life. Another potential concern is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a hereditary eye condition that leads to gradual retinal degeneration and eventual blindness. As PRA often develops later in life, it is essential that breeding dogs are tested for this condition. Like other deep-chested large breeds, the Gordon Setter also has an increased risk of gastric torsion (bloat), a sudden and life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. Signs such as restlessness, a swollen abdomen and unsuccessful attempts to vomit require immediate veterinary attention. When considering a Gordon Setter, it is advisable to choose a breeder who carries out health screenings on the parent dogs. This helps reduce the risk of inherited conditions and supports the long-term health of the breed.
If you admire the Gordon Setter but are also curious about similar breeds, there are several dogs that share traits in appearance, temperament or background. While the Gordon Setter is unique, some breeds reflect its hunting drive, energy level and social nature:
When buying a puppy or adult Gordon Setter, it is important to proceed carefully. Always choose a reputable breeder who takes the breed’s health seriously. Make sure the parent dogs have been tested for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) to minimise the risk of health issues in the puppies. Ask to see the test results and whether the breeder is affiliated with a recognised breed club. It is also crucial that the puppies are raised in a home environment with plenty of early socialisation. The Gordon Setter is a sensitive and intelligent breed that benefits greatly from a solid start in life. A responsible breeder will also want to know about your experience and living situation, to ensure that this breed is a good fit for you. A well-bred Gordon Setter is an investment, but it increases the chances of having a healthy, well-adjusted dog that suits your lifestyle. Good preparation and careful selection are key.
The Gordon Setter is an intelligent, active and sensitive hunting dog with a gentle temperament. Loyal to its family, it thrives on exercise and enjoys close interaction. Considering a Gordon Setter? It’s important to assess whether this breed suits your lifestyle.
Here are a few key points to help you decide:
The Gordon Setter is best suited to experienced dog owners. Its energetic nature, sensitivity and independent working style require consistent and patient guidance. Without clear leadership and enough mental and physical activity, it may develop stubborn behaviour, making it less ideal for first-time owners.
The Gordon Setter is therefore most suitable for experienced handlers with an active, committed lifestyle — someone who has the time, energy and know-how to provide a loving, structured and engaging home environment.
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