Gordon Setter

also known as Gordon Castle Setters

Pros History


The Gordon Setter is a large and elegant breed of dog that is known for its good looks and hunting abilities. The breed has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century in Scotland, where it was developed as a gun dog.

The origins of the Gordon Setter can be traced back to Scotland, where the breed was developed by Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon. The Duke was an avid hunter and wanted to create a dog that would be able to work in the rough Scottish terrain and weather, as well as being a good companion and family pet. The breed was developed by crossing various types of setters, spaniels, and pointers, and was named after the Duke's family name: Gordon.

The Gordon Setter was officially recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1842 and later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1884. It is also recognized by many other kennel clubs and organizations around the world, including the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).

The breed name "Gordon Setter" is derived from the name of the Duke of Gordon, who developed the breed in Scotland.

One of the most famous Gordon Setters in history is "Blair", who was born in Scotland in 1884 and is considered the "father" of the modern Gordon Setter breed. Blair was a champion show dog and a successful hunting dog, and his offspring went on to become champions and successful hunters as well

Breed Information


Type

Is Gordon Setter a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Gordon Setter name? How do you say Gordon Setters?

gawr-dn set-er

Purpose

What were Gordon Setters originally used for?

Hunting, Retrieving

Lifespan

How Long Do Gordon Setters Live? What is average life expectancy for a Gordon Setter? How long can Gordon Setters live?

10-12 years

The average Gordon Setter lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Gordon Setter Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Gordon Setter?

What is the average height of a Gordon Setter? How big is a Purebred Gordon Setter height? Gordon Setter dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 24-27 inches (61 - 68.6 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm)
Female 23-26 inches (58.4 - 66 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 24.5 inches (62.2 cm)
What is the average weight of a Gordon Setter? How much should Gordon Setters weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 55-80 pounds (25 - 36 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg) 67.5 pounds (31 kg)
Female 45-70 pounds (20 - 32 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Gordon Setters get fat easily?

The Gordon Setter is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Gordon Setters Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Gordon Setter is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Gordon Setter personality? What are Gordon Setter dogs best known for?

Alert
Eager
Intelligent
Confident
Fearless
Loyal

Shedding Level

Are Gordon Setters heavy shedders? How Much Does a Gordon Setter Shed?

Gordon Setter dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Gordon Setter. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Gordon Setter dog?

Gordon Setters are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Gordon Setter is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Gordon Setters come from?

Scotland

Ancestry

What are Gordon Setters descended from?

Setting Spaniel

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Gordon Setter breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Gordon Setters first bred? How old is the Gordon Setter breed?

1600s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Gordon Setter?

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dog (UKC)

Gordon Setter Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Gordon Setter eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Gordon Setter nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Gordon Setter coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Fawn

Coat Length

How long is a Gordon Setters coat?

The coat of a Gordon Setter dog is generally known for its length.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Gordon Setter Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Gordon Setter?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Gordon Setter have in a litter? How many puppies can a Gordon Setter have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Gordon Setter can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Gordon Setters are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Gordon Setter Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Gordon Setters have a lot of health problems?

The Gordon Setter is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Gordon Setter?

Gastric Torsion
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Gordon Setters?

Otitis Externa
Hypothyroidism

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Gordon Setter breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood Test
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Gordon Setter Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Gordon Setters have a lot of energy?

Gordon Setters are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Gordon Setters need socialization? How social are Gordon Setters?

Gordon Setters have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Gordon Setters get?

The Gordon Setter needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Gordon Setter have? Do Gordon Setters sleep a lot?

Gordon Setters are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Gordon Setter drool a lot?

The Gordon Setter is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Gordon Setter, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Gordon Setters tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Gordon Setters exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Gordon Setter dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Gordon Setters mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Gordon Setter running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Gordon Setter dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Gordon Setter? How much energy does a Gordon Setter have?

High

Gordon Setters are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Gordon Setter walk each week? How many miles should a Gordon Setter walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Gordon Setter, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Gordon Setter should exercise a day? How much activity does a Gordon Setter need?

60 minutes

In general most Gordon Setters usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Gordon Setter?

The Gordon Setter is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Gordon Setter?

Daily

Ideally, Gordon Setter should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Gordon Setters?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Gordon Setter eat?

3 cups

For an average 55-80 pound (25 - 36 kg) Gordon Setter feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Gordon Setter Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Gordon Setter is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Gordon Setter Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Gordon Setter is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Gordon Setter Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Gordon Setter?

The Gordon Setter breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Gordon Setter dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Gordon Setter dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Gordon Setter do well in apartments? Are Gordon Setters good indoor dogs?

The Gordon Setter is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Gordon Setters good with kids? Are Gordon Setters good around children?

A Gordon Setters typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Gordon Setters good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Gordon Setters good with cats? How friendly Gordon Setters are toward cats?

Gordon Setters are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Gordon Setter dogs get along with other dogs? Are Gordon Setters OK with other dogs?

Gordon Setters are below average dog friendly dogs. Gordon Setter dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Gordon Setter dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Gordon Setters friendly with strangers?

Gordon Setters are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Gordon Setters like to play? Are Gordon Setters playful?

Gordon Setters are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Gordon Setter for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Gordon Setter easily trained?

Gordon Setter dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Boat Dog
    The Gordon Setter breed has an inclination towards being on boats.
  • Affectionate
    Gordon Setters are affectionate dogs that bond well with their owners.
  • Good with children
    Gordon Setters are good with children and make great family pets.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    A Gordon Setter may not be the best choice for a dog to have in an office setting.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Gordon Setter dogs require more space than an apartment can provide.
  • High energy
    Gordon Setters are high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Gordon Setters may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Prone to certain health issues
    Gordon Setters are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat.