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AKC: Gordon Setter breed overview

Sporting group · Scotland

Gordon Setter

Also called Gordon, Black and Tan Setter, Gordon Castle Setter

The heaviest and most thoughtful of the setters, shaped by a Scottish duke for long days on grouse moors.

The Gordon Setter was refined at Gordon Castle in Scotland to find game birds over rough ground. It has more bone and a steadier, more deliberate style than the Irish or English Setter. Affectionate and lively, it is a wonderful companion for active households who can give it space to run and time to mature.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

20 to 36 kg

44 to 79 lb

Height

58 to 69 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

10 to 12 yrs

Activity estimate

90 to 120 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

24 months

approximate model input

Life with a Gordon Setter

At Gordon Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the 4th Duke of Gordon kept a kennel of black and tan setters in the late 18th century. These dogs were valued for their stamina, nose and ability to work in rough terrain. Other breeders were already keeping black and tan setters before him, and the breed was later named after the castle and the Duke, who is often credited with shaping and popularizing it. The Duke is said to have introduced collie blood for brains, a story that is repeated often but is hard to prove.

Gordons were bred for hunters on foot rather than on horseback, so they tend to work a little closer and at a steadier pace than some other setters. They were prized for finding grouse and holding a firm point until the hunter arrived. This background still shapes their personality: a Gordon is enthusiastic in the field but thoughtful, and often decides for itself whether a command is worth obeying.

At home, Gordons are loyal and affectionate and often attach closely to their family. They can be reserved with strangers compared with the more outgoing Irish Setter. Many make good watchdogs, barking to announce visitors but relaxing once introduced.

A great match for

active families with space
hikers and runners
cooler climates
owners who enjoy grooming

Think twice if

long adolescence
needs lots of running
coat needs regular brushing
can be stubborn or selective in obedience

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much a Gordon Setter eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	26 kg	1130 kcal	305 g (3 cups)
Female, typical pet	26 kg	1290 kcal	350 g (3.5 cups)
Male, typical pet	31 kg	1450 kcal	395 g (4 cups)
Male, very active	31 kg	1820 kcal	490 g (5 cups)

Full Gordon Setter feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the Gordon Setter

Feeding5 cups), split into two meals. Hunting dogs in the season may need more.Read more Puppy growthGordon puppies grow quickly in height during the first 8 months, but the breed is slow to fill out. Many look lanky and leggy until about 2 years, and full maturity in body and mind often takes until 3 years old.Read more ExerciseAdult Gordons need about 90 minutes or more of exercise a day, including chances to run freely in safe, open areas. They love hiking, field work, scent games and retrieving.Read more GroomingThe Gordon's silky coat needs brushing two or three times a week with a pin brush and comb, paying attention to the ears, armpits, chest and trousers, where mats form. During spring and autumn sheds, more frequent brushing helps manage loose hair.Read more TrainingGordons are intelligent and eager to please their family, but they can be selective about when they listen. They learn best through positive methods, short sessions and games that tap into their hunting instincts, such as retrieving and scent work.Read more HealthGordon Setters are generally sturdy, but conditions known in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (with a DNA test for one form, rcd4), hypothyroidism, bloat and a late-onset neurological disease called cerebellar cortical degeneration, which also has a DNA test. Responsible breeders score hips and elbows and use available DNA tests.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1Associated with Alexander Gordon, the 4th Duke of Gordon, who kept setters at Gordon Castle in the late 1700s
2Black and tan is the only accepted color in the breed standard
3Tan points include a mark above each eye, on the muzzle, chest and legs
4Slow to mature, many Gordons stay puppyish until 3 years of age
5Bred to hunt independently over large areas of Scottish moorland

Gordon Setter questions

What is the difference between a Gordon Setter and an Irish Setter?

The Gordon is heavier-boned, slightly slower and more deliberate, and always black and tan. The Irish Setter is red, lighter in build and often more exuberant with strangers. Both are lively bird dogs needing plenty of exercise, but Gordons can be more reserved and mature a little more slowly.

Are Gordon Setters good with children?

Many are gentle and playful with children, especially if raised with them. Their size and bounce can knock over toddlers, so supervision and teaching both dog and child good manners are important. Older children who enjoy outdoor activities often make great companions for a Gordon.

Do Gordon Setters need to hunt?

They do not need to hunt to be happy, but they do need outlets for their instincts. Scent games, retrieving, long walks and field training all help. Many Gordons thrive in activities like tracking or gundog training classes, even if they never go out on a real shoot.

Why is my Gordon Setter so slow to mature?

The breed is known for long adolescence, often behaving like a puppy until 2 to 3 years old. This is normal and reflects the breed's development. Keep training consistent, use positive methods and allow time. Many owners find that patience pays off with a steady, reliable adult dog.

Do Gordon Setters shed a lot?

They shed moderately, with heavier sheds in spring and autumn. Brushing two or three times a week keeps loose hair under control and prevents tangles. Their feathering can pick up burrs and debris, so regular grooming is part of owning a Gordon.

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