How much exercise does a Gordon Setter need?
Daily exercise minutes, the activities a Gordon Setter enjoys and signs of too much or too little.
Adult 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. Many enjoy running alongside a bicycle or with a runner once fully grown, provided the pace is not extreme and the weather is cool.
Their stamina is impressive, but so is their tendency to follow their nose. Recall training should start early and be practiced often, ideally with a long line in open spaces until reliable. A bored Gordon may chew, dig or become vocal, while one that is overdone may lag behind or show stiffness the next day.
Gordon Setter exercise in numbers
Activity ranges are editorial planning estimates. The five-minutes-per-month puppy rule lacks scientific evidence. Adapt activity to the individual and seek advice for pain or exercise difficulty. PDSA puppy exercise guidance.
Editorial activity estimate
90 to 120 min
Puppy activity
Individual plan
adapt to age, health and development
Senior activity
Individual plan
adapt to comfort and ability
Size
large
20 to 36 kg
Energy level
Playfulness
Handles heat
Handles cold