The Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter is a strong-built, highly active dog. They’re a good family pet and are loyal to their owners.

They’re also alert and friendly, but they can be suspicious of strangers. They’re also not great with long periods of isolation or crate training, so they prefer to be socialized early.

Characteristics

A member of the setter breed group, the Gordon Setter is known for his intelligence and scenting abilities. They have a rich, silky black coat set off with tan markings.

They have a medium-to-large build and are about 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Their slender but robust frame is ideal for hunting and provides them with strength, stamina and reliability.

The Gordon Setter has a deep, oval head with a long muzzle and a broad, black nose. The ears are low, drooping close to the head.

Their legs and feet are sturdy and muscular with a strong, direct gait that features a free-swinging action. The underside of the tail is feathered, starting longer at the base and becoming shorter as it reaches the tip.

They’re loyal, devoted and sweet-natured dogs who want to please their people but can be wary of strangers. They need firm, consistent training to ensure they remain well-mannered throughout their lives.

Pros

The Gordon Setter is a happy, lively dog that can make an excellent family pet. They are intelligent and loyal but can be stubborn at times, so training is recommended.

This breed is highly active and needs daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy playing outdoors, hiking and running with their owners.

They also love to participate in dog sports such as agility, obedience and tracking.

When selecting a puppy, look for a breeder who screens her breeding stock and only uses dogs with clear hunting instincts. Be sure to ask about the dogs' Hunt Test credentials and check out their field trials and hunting competition records.

The Gordon Setter's thick coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles. They drool a lot, so it's important to clean their face and feet regularly.

Cons

The Gordon Setter is an alert and loyal hunting breed that’s known for its sharp scent, athletic body, and high endurance. The heaviest of the Setter family, it was developed in Scotland to hunt upland game birds such as pheasants and ducks.

They are very active dogs and need regular exercise to maintain their health. They are also prone to obesity, so you should feed them high-quality food that meets their nutritional needs and avoid treats that contain added sugars or unhealthy fats.

If you want to adopt a Gordon Setter, make sure that you can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. This will help them to remain happy and healthy!

Gordon Setters are friendly and get along well with other pets, including children. They are also good at training puppies and can make excellent family pets. They are also great companions for elderly or disabled people.

Training

The Gordon Setter is an intelligent and strong-willed dog that responds well to training. They do best when socialized from an early age and trained with positive-reinforcement methods.

They are highly active dogs and need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Activities such as jogging, running, or playing with a ball in the backyard will meet their needs, as will a walk or run in a large, open area.

Grooming is important for this breed, as they have a dense coat with feathering on their ears, chest and stomach, legs, and tail. Brush your dog regularly to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils.

Gordons are very loyal and devoted to their families. However, they can be destructive if their needs for exercise and mental stimulation are not met. They are also prone to separation anxiety, so they should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the origin of Gordon Setters?
A: Gordon Setters originated in Scotland and were developed as a breed for hunting game birds, particularly grouse. They were named after the Duke of Gordon, who played a significant role in their development.

Q: What are some distinguishing physical characteristics of Gordon Setters?
A: Gordon Setters are a medium to large-sized breed with a sturdy and well-balanced build. They have a beautiful, silky coat that is predominantly black with distinct tan markings on their legs, chest, and face. They have a noble and intelligent expression, a deep chest, and a moderately long, feathered tail.

Q: How big do Gordon Setters typically grow?
A: Gordon Setters are a medium to large-sized breed. Males typically stand between 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) tall at the shoulder, and females are slightly smaller, standing around 23 to 26 inches (58 to 66 cm) tall. They generally weigh between 55 to 80 pounds (25 to 36 kg), with males being larger and heavier than females.

Q: Are Gordon Setters considered good family pets?
A: Yes, Gordon Setters can make excellent family pets for active households. They are known for their loyal, affectionate, and friendly nature. They are usually good with children and can form strong bonds with their families. However, they have high energy levels and require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training to thrive.

Q: Do Gordon Setters require a lot of exercise?
A: Yes, Gordon Setters are an active breed that requires a significant amount of exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They have a strong hunting instinct and enjoy activities such as brisk walks, jogging, hiking, and retrieving games. They benefit from having a secure yard or access to open spaces where they can run and explore.

Q: Are Gordon Setters prone to any specific health problems?
A: Gordon Setters can be prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and bloat (gastric torsion). Regular veterinary check-ups, responsible breeding practices, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help minimize the risk of these conditions.

Q: Are Gordon Setters easy to train?
A: Gordon Setters are intelligent and eager to please their owners, which can make them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, including rewards and praise. Early socialization and consistent, patient training are important for their development and to ensure they become well-behaved companions.

Q: Do Gordon Setters get along well with other pets?
A: Gordon Setters can generally get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats, when properly socialized from a young age. However, they do have a natural hunting instinct, so introductions should be done carefully and supervision may be necessary, especially with smaller pets or animals that resemble prey.

Q: How much grooming do Gordon Setters require?
A: Gordon Setters have a beautiful, silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They have medium-length hair that is prone to matting and tangling, so regular brushing, at least two to three times a week, is necessary. They may also require occasional trimming and hand-stripping to maintain their coat's appearance. Regular care of their ears, teeth, and nails is also important.

Q: What is the average lifespan of a Gordon Setter?
A: The average lifespan of a Gordon Setter is typically between 10 to 12 years. However, with proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary check-ups, and attention to their specific health needs, some Gordon Setters have been known to live slightly longer.

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