Gordon Setters have the smarts of a first grader — they don't color in the lines either, but they sure do love to play memory games! This breed is an excellent birder and can show you where they found birds out in the field a year later. Maybe you can train yours to remember where you put your car keys?
The Gordon is the largest and heaviest setter, with a black and tan coloration that's unique to the breed.
Despite their size, they are elegant and graceful. These dogs have beauty, brains, and a boisterous personality that keeps them playful throughout their lives.
Popularized by the Scottish lord, Duke Alexander Gordon (thus the name), this large-sized and high-energy breed can grow to between 45-80 pounds and lives an average of 12-13 years. The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and classified as a member of the Sporting group
| AKC Recognized | Y |
| Breed's original pastime | Retrieving |
| Origin | Great britain |
| Breed group | Sporting |
| Average lifespan | 12-13 years |
| Size | Large |
| Bark factor | I love to talk! |
| AKC Ranking | 87 |
| Family | Gundog, spaniel |
| Date of origin | 1600s |
| Original function | Bird setting and retrieving |
| Today's function | Pointing, pointing field trials |
| Average size of male | Height: 23-26 Weight: 45-70 |
| Average size of female | Height: 23-26 Weight: 45-70 |
| Other name | None |
| Energy level | High energy |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Playfullness | Moderately playful |
| Affection level | Very affectionate |
| Friendliness toward other dogs | Shy |
| Friendliness toward other pets | Very friendly |
| Friendliness toward strangers | Shy |
| Ease of training | Moderately easy to train |
| Watchdog ability | High |
| Protection ability | Moderately protective |
| Grooming needs | Moderately maintenance |
| Cold tolerance | Medium tolerance |
| Heat tolerance | Medium tolerance |
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
WHAT IS A GORDON SETTER'S PERSONALITY LIKE?
These dogs are all business when they're working: courageous, confident, and dedicated in the field. But once they're home, they're happy to lounge around with you and watch Animal Cops.
Gordon Setters can be a family-friendly breed, so long as that family doesn't mind keeping this dog's busy body and active mind engaged and will supervise play with children and other dogs. With early socialization, Gordons can also get along just fine with the family cat.
WHAT IS GORDON SETTER BEHAVIOR LIKE?
The sturdy Gordon Setter is a working dog and will be happiest when given a job to do. They're not a great match for homebodies — these bundles of energy need to be part of an active family and spend time with people on the move. Plan for vigorous daily exercise—swimming is always a welcome activity for retrievers! Be sure your lively, furry friend has plenty of space to spread out. Also, not everyone appreciates their singing voices, so Gordon Setters are better off not living too close to the neighbors.
HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAIN A GORDON SETTER?
These smarty-paws have very good memories and are definitely people-pleasers, so this is absolutely a biddable breed. They respond well to gentle, patient training. Gordon Setters excel at agility, obedience, rally, dock diving, and tracking.
CARE & HEALTH
HOW MUCH DO GORDON SETTERS SHED AND WHAT ARE THEIR GROOMING NEEDS?
Gordon Setters have medium-length single coats with long, thick hair. They need moderate grooming, including frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DO GORDON SETTERS HAVE?
Gordon Setters are a robust breed. Like many large dogs, some Gordons are prone to eye ailments, hip dysplasia, and bloat. Bloat is a condition that requires immediate attention from your veterinarian. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) and contact your vet at once if you suspect your dog might be suffering from this ailment.
