Gordon Setter

• The Gordon Setter dog breed is perhaps the most robust dog of the setters. It has a larger head, fuller lips, and a squared muzzle. The dog is slender and tall and is the only setter with a black and tan coat. The coat is long, glossy, and feathered, and the eyes are dark brown.

• Gordons have long, pointed ears that lay flat to the head and a large-nostrilled nose. They have deep chests, feathered tails, large-boned legs, and cat-like feet. Declaws can be removed.

———————— Temperament ————————

• Gordon Setters are loyal, obedient, polite, gentle, affectionate, and sensitive dogs. They make excellent companions and are good with children and other pets. Although they may be reserved with strangers, these dogs are generally cheerful and devoted with family.

• Gordons love to roam, so a fenced-in yard is ideal. Due to their independent spirits and common stubborn streaks, dogs should be trained early and consistently. They should also be socialized at a very young age to ensure an even temper.

———————— Height and Weight ————————

• Adult males tend to be 24-27 inches tall and weigh around 55-80 pounds.

• Adult females are generally 23-26 inches tall and weigh about 45-70 pounds.

———————— Living Conditions and Exercise ————————

• The Gordon Setter dog breed is not well-suited for apartment life; they need room to roam and play, and do best if they have a large, fenced-in yard where they can run.

• Without proper exercise, dogs can become difficult to manage, so ensure that they receive daily brisk walks and, whenever possible, time to play or work off-leash.

———————— Life Expectancy ————————

• Well-cared for dogs can be expected to live 10-12 years.

———————— Grooming ————————

• The coat requires regular combing and brushing. Always check for tangles and burrs after outdoor exercise, and dry shampoo or bathe only as necessary.

• The hair on the bottom of the feet should be trimmed regularly, and the nails should be kept clipped.

• They are average shedders.

———————— History ————————

• The Gordon Setter dog breed was first developed in the 1600s in Scotland, and later made popular in the 1700s by Duke Alexander the 4th of Gordon. Bred for their excellent sense of smell, these dogs are ideal bird dogs that point when they find the scent of a bird and will also receive a felled bird for their master.

• Although Gordons are not the fastest hunting dogs, they have great stamina and will work in all kinds of weather, on land, and in water.

• Gordon Setters are popular for their companion characteristics - they are highly intelligent, conscientious, dependable, and loyal. They are also good at guarding, tracking, hunting, pointing, and watchdogging.

———————— Group and Recognition ————————

• Grouping: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

• Recognition: CKC, ACR, NKC, APRI, FCI, KCGB, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC

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