SportingScotland

Gordon Setter

The heavyweight of the setter family.

Weight: 45–80 lbs
Height: 23–27 in
Lifespan: 12–13 yrs

In short

The Gordon Setter is a Sporting breed from Scotland, developed at the Duke of Gordon's castle to hunt grouse on the moors, weighing 45–80 lbs and living 12–13 years. Owners should know it is the heaviest and most protective setter, slow to mature, and needs 90–120 minutes of real running a day.

Is it right for you?

A great match if you…

want a loyal, protective bird dog
have a large fenced yard or field access
enjoy daily hiking or running

Think twice if you…

live in an apartment
want a dog that's friendly with everyone
can't commit to 90+ minutes of daily exercise

The daily plan

Exercise: 90–120 min
Training: 3–5 × 5–10 min
Treat limit: 110–165 kcal

At a glance

TrainabilityQuick study8.0/10

EnergyAthlete8.0/10

Calm at homeCalm indoors8.5/10

SheddingSheds seasonally6.0/10

What sets it apart

01
Black-and-tan coat
The only setter that is black with chestnut or mahogany markings, which makes it the easiest setter to recognize.
02
Heavier build
Sturdier than the Irish or English Setter, built for stamina over speed across rough ground.
03
One-family devotion
Gordons bond deeply and can be wary of strangers, more than other setters.

Size & coat

Specification	Male	Female
Weight	55–80 lbs	45–70 lbs
Height	24–27 in	23–26 in
Lifespan	12–13 yrs
Coat	Soft, wavy, medium-long coat with feathering

Side profile 23–27 in at the shoulder

Back in stock soon

Personality

Gordons are devoted, bold and more serious than other setters, often choosing a favorite person. They stay puppyish for years and need a firm, fair routine. Many are vocal and alert watchdogs.

With kids

Good with kids they know, but their size and puppy exuberance can overwhelm toddlers.

With other pets

Usually fine with dogs they know; some are dominant with same-sex dogs, and birds and small animals may be chased.

With strangers

More reserved than other setters; some are protective. Early socialization helps.

Alone time

Dislikes isolation; boredom often leads to digging, barking or chewing.

Training

Gordons are intelligent but independent and can be stubborn. Clear, consistent, reward-based training works better than repetition.

How often

Three to five short sessions a day, 5–10 minutes each.
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)

Between 8–16 weeks, prioritize calm meetings with many strangers and other dogs, since Gordons can grow wary. Keep up socialization through their long adolescence.
Self-control

Build a strong recall and 'whoa' with long lines. Teach calm greetings early, before they reach full size.
What it works for

Most work for food and praise, and many love retrieving. Use small, high-value pieces kept within 10% of daily calories.

Exercise

Gordons need daily free running in a safe area plus long walks or hikes. They have excellent stamina and need real outlets.

Exercise a day 90–120 min

CouchModerateAthlete

Good outlets

Running in a fenced field
Long hikes
Hunt tests or field trials

Brain work

Scent work
Retrieving games
Food puzzles

Best home

Best with a house and large fenced yard; apartments are a poor fit.

Watch for Bird scent overrides recall; use a long line until reliable, and avoid hard exercise right after meals because of bloat risk.

Feeding

Adult maintenance for a typical Gordon Setter (45–80 lbs) lands around 1,075–1,650 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.

Puppy (to 12 mo)

Daily calories: 1,350–2,075 kcal
Protein: 26–30%
Fat: 16–20%
Treat limit, all treats: 135–210 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 7–10 pieces a day

Adult Maintenance

Daily calories: 1,075–1,650 kcal
Protein: 24–28%
Fat: 14–18%
Treat limit, all treats: 110–165 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 5–8 pieces a day

Active / Working

Daily calories: 1,475–2,275 kcal
Protein: 26–30%
Fat: 18–22%
Treat limit, all treats: 150–230 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 7–11 pieces a day

Senior

Daily calories: 950–1,450 kcal
Protein: 24–28%
Fat: 12–16%
Treat limit, all treats: 95–145 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 5–7 pieces a day

Compare every life stage

Life stage	Daily calories	Protein	Fat	Treat limit (all treats)	Saylor's liver, suggested / day
Puppy (to 12 mo)	1,350–2,075 kcal	26–30%	16–20%	135–210 kcal	7–10 pieces
Adult Maintenance	1,075–1,650 kcal	24–28%	14–18%	110–165 kcal	5–8 pieces
Active / Working	1,475–2,275 kcal	26–30%	18–22%	150–230 kcal	7–11 pieces
Senior	950–1,450 kcal	24–28%	12–16%	95–145 kcal	5–7 pieces

The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.

Health & grooming

Gordons can inherit hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, a late-onset brain disease called cerebellar cortical degeneration, and hypothyroidism. Their deep chest also raises bloat risk.

Watch for	Ask the breeder or vet for	When
Hip dysplasia	OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation	Once, in both parents (ask the breeder)
Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd4)	PRA rcd4 DNA test	Once, in both parents (ask the breeder)
Cerebellar cortical degeneration (late-onset ataxia)	CCD DNA test	Once, in both parents (ask the breeder)
Hypothyroidism	OFA thyroid panel	In breeding dogs, repeated every few years
Elbow dysplasia	OFA elbow evaluation	Once. OFA final results from 24 months
Inherited eye disease	Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (ACVO)	Yearly while breeding

Official health tests for breeding dogs

The OFA's CHIC program asks Gordon Setter breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.

Hip evaluation
Elbow evaluation
Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
Rcd4 PRA DNA test
DNA sample banked with CHIC

See the full list on OFA.org

Grooming Moderate year-round

Brush 2–3 times a week, focusing on feathering. Trim around the feet and ears every few weeks, check ears weekly, trim nails every 3–4 weeks, and brush teeth several times a week.

History

Late 1700s–1820s

Castle Gordon

The 4th Duke of Gordon developed black-and-tan setters at Gordon Castle in Scotland.
1842

Arrival in America

Daniel Webster and George Blunt are credited with importing early Gordon Setters to the US.
1892

AKC recognition

The AKC recognized the breed in 1892, and it remains far less common than the Irish or English Setter.

Questions owners ask

Are Gordon Setters easy to train?

Moderately. They are smart but independent and can be stubborn. Consistent, reward-based sessions work best.

Are Gordon Setters good with kids and other pets?

Usually, with supervision. They are devoted to their family's kids but large and boisterous. Some are dominant with same-sex dogs and may chase small animals.

How much exercise does a Gordon Setter need?

About 90–120 minutes a day, including running in a safe area. A Gordon without enough exercise becomes destructive.

Do Gordon Setters shed?

Yes, moderately. Brush 2–3 times a week and trim the feathering occasionally.

What health problems do Gordon Setters have, and how long do they live?

Hip dysplasia, PRA, cerebellar cortical degeneration, hypothyroidism and bloat are the main concerns. They typically live 12–13 years.

Is a Gordon Setter good for apartments or first-time owners?

Usually no to both. Gordons suit experienced, active owners with a yard.

Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats

Back in stock soon

We're restocking. When it's back, a Gordon Setter needs only 5–8 pieces a day, well inside the 110–165 kcal treat limit.

See the product

Where the Gordon Setter ranks

Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.