Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is the largest of the three setter breeds, originating in Scotland where it was developed at Gordon Castle in Banffshire during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries as a working gundog.
Originally bred to hunt grouse across challenging moorland terrain, this breed combines exceptional scenting ability with remarkable stamina and resilience.
20-36kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Gordon Setter
Standing 58–69 cm at the shoulder and weighing 20–36 kg, the Gordon Setter is a muscular, well-proportioned dog distinguished by its striking coal-black coat with chestnut or mahogany markings on the muzzle, eyes, chest and legs. This medium-length coat requires regular brushing to maintain its condition and prevent tangling. Temperamentally, the Gordon Setter is alert, loyal and deeply affectionate, displaying a devoted nature and strong personality quite distinct from the more exuberant Irish Setter. The breed thrives on close human contact and does not adapt well to kennel life, requiring genuine partnership with its owners. Highly intelligent and sensitive, it responds well to patient, consistent training but needs experienced handling. With exercise requirements exceeding two hours daily, the Gordon Setter is best suited to active owners who can provide substantial physical and mental engagement. This is a breed that rewards investment in training and companionship with unwavering loyalty and commitment to family life.
Gordon Setter at a Glance
⚠ Vulnerable Native Breed
The Gordon Setter is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the Royal Kennel Club, meaning fewer than 300 puppies of this breed are registered each year in the UK. These are British and Irish breeds at risk of disappearing simply because not enough people know they exist. Choosing one of these breeds helps keep an important part of our heritage alive.
- Group
- Gundog
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 20–36 kg
- Height
- 58–69 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Gordon Setter Temperament
The Gordon Setter is an alert, loyal and deeply affectionate breed with a strong personality and a devoted nature. It does not adapt well to kennel life and flourishes with close human contact, returning love and attention with unwavering commitment to its family. The Gordon has a natural protective instinct towards those it considers its own, while generally taking its cues from its owners when it comes to welcoming strangers. It is neither aggressive nor shy, but it is sensitive and needs consistent, patient handling. Highly intelligent, the Gordon Setter excels in both obedience work and the field. This is a breed that rewards the owner who invests time and effort in building a genuine partnership.
Gordon Setter Lifestyle
The Gordon Setter is best matched to a larger house with room to roam and suits a home with a large garden where they can roam freely. They thrive in a rural setting and may find busy city life a little overwhelming.
Dog Food for Gordon Setter
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Gordon Setter
Gordon Setter Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Gordon Setter weighing around 28 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.02 - £5.35
Per month
£151 - £161
Per year
£1833 - £1954
Gordon Setter Characteristics
The Gordon Setter needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and picks up commands quickly and responds well to training. They make a great family dog, but handle being left alone fairly well with the right routine. The coat doesn't need daily attention but benefits from regular grooming and isn't particularly heavy or light on shedding. Intelligence is a real hallmark of this breed, and they do best with plenty of mental enrichment alongside exercise.
Gordon Setter Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deeply loyal and devoted, with a gentle protective instinct towards their family
- Striking black and tan coat with glossy feathering that is relatively easy to maintain
- Intelligent and sensitive, with an eagerness to please that makes training rewarding
- Patient and kind with children of all ages when supervised
Cons
- Coat needs professional grooming every six to eight weeks to stay healthy
- Prone to separation anxiety, needing owners who can avoid long absences
- Needs at least two hours of exercise daily, which is a real commitment
- Can be sensitive and stubborn, responding poorly to harsh or inconsistent handling
