Gordon Setter

Setters have existed in Scotland since the 1600’s, and towards the end of that century the 4th Duke of Gordon set about establishing his own recognised type. 

For a long time however, the Duke was primarily focused on how well his dogs worked rather than what they looked like, and so his kennels housed and worked setters of many colours, including black and white, red and white and tri-colour – all called the Duke of Gordon’s Setters. It was later in the breed’s history that the black and tan form we know today became fixed, most likely as a result of the breeds success in the show ring. 

Larger and slightly slower than smaller setters, the Gordon Setter had more stamina on the Scottish grouse moors and were reputed to bring home more birds than other gundogs.

Gordon owners should have some understanding and experience of gundogs, particularly other setters and pointers. You’ll need the space in your home and garden for a big hairy dog that drools and requires a lot of grooming and cleaning up after. Gordons love long walks and take much patience, humour and training to raise to mature, steady adults. If you’re a rural dweller who loves spending a lot of time outdoors and isn’t averse to muddy wet dogs, the Gordon Setter may make a magnificent companion. 

The Gordon Setter is a dog with strength, stamina and enormous endurance, so expect several hours of dog exercise, including walking and some free running daily, regardless of the weather.  

Taking part in appropriate dog sports or activities is advisable, particularly those that utilise the Gordon Setters endurance, and scenting and retrieving ability. This is an intelligent dog however so any activity you have the patience to train will be beneficial to their mental and physical wellbeing. 

The Gordon Setter is large dog with a coat that collects a considerable quantity of mud and muck, better suited to country living and a large home and garden. Given the exercise requirements, easy access to a variety of country walks is essential as this is not a dog to be kept happy with a trot around the streets.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Gordon Setter is also prone to bloating and stomach problems. Smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.

As a semi-long-coated dog, the Gordon needs to be brushed and combed regularly, at least twice a week. The ears should also be cleaned on a regular basis since they are long and pendulous - the type that traps in air and can lead to infections. Check paw pads regularly for grass seeds or other foreign bodies and consider whether due to size, you will need professional grooming for full baths. Find out more about dog grooming and daily care with our article.

While intelligent and capable of learning, this is a large, slow maturing breed. Rushing or over-facing a Gordon Setter will result in a confused dog who fools around rather than learns, and can be mis-understood as stubborn or wilful. Bred to work away from people and make their own decisions, the Gordon Setters have an independent mind and will form their own opinions easily, so careful management is key! Take dog training at the pet’s pace rather than yours, and enjoy the journey.

The Gordon Setter is better suited to homes with older children, as when young they can be boisterous and clumsy, and adore picking up and carrying ‘treasure’, which can lead them into trouble if this causes confrontation, something smaller children aren’t able to understand. 

With older children or a more mature family, the Gordon can be an excellent companion, provided plenty of training and long country walks are offered daily. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.