Gordon Setter

Gordon Setter dog

Powerful Scottish bird dog known for its black-and-tan coat and steady hunting style.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Large 45 - 80 lbs 23 - 27 inches 12 - 13 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United Kingdom



Own a Gordon Setter? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Gordon Setter? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.
  • This breed may be less suited to smaller living spaces.

The Gordon Setter is a Scottish bird dog developed from the setter tradition that produced dogs able to search for game and indicate its location to hunters. Black-and-tan setters existed in Scotland before the modern breed was standardized, but the dogs kept at Gordon Castle became especially influential. Alexander Gordon, the fourth Duke of Gordon, maintained a notable kennel of setters during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These dogs became associated so strongly with the estate that the developing breed eventually took the Gordon name. Compared with some other setters, Gordons were bred as substantial, methodical hunting dogs capable of working through difficult Scottish terrain. Their job was to locate game birds by scent and "set" or point their position, allowing hunters to approach. Early dogs were not completely uniform in colour, but black with rich tan markings eventually became the breed's defining appearance. Organized shows and breeding during the 19th century further standardized the Gordon Setter, and dogs were exported to North America relatively early. The breed remains the heaviest of the recognized setters, combining the elegant appearance of the setter family with the strength and endurance needed for long days of field work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Gordon Setter tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The Gordon Setter tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The Gordon Setter is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Gordon Setter tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Gordon Setter is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Gordon Setter generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Gordon Setter may be selective around other dogs, making careful socialization and introductions important.

The Gordon Setter is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Gordon Setter may be less suited to apartment living and may benefit from more space.