Apartment fit
A Gordon Setter is usually not an easy apartment dog because of size, exercise needs, and sporting drive.
SportingLargeGreat Britain
Gordon Setter
Weight
45-80 lb
Height
23-27 in
Lifespan
12-13 yrs
Coat
Feathered Medium
The Gordon Setter is a large Scottish setter, substantial and black-and-tan, bred as a confident bird dog with stamina and close family loyalty.
Scottish black-and-tan setterLargest and most substantial setterLoyal and confident sporting dogNeeds daily exercise and field-style outlets
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Black and Tan Setter
AlertConfidentLoyalInterestedIntelligent
Weight
45-80 lb
Height
23-27 in
Lifespan
12-13 yrs
Coat
Feathered Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Gordon Setter is the heaviest and most substantial of the setter breeds. Developed in Scotland and associated with the Duke of Gordon, it was historically known as the black-and-tan setter. It is a bird dog bred to range, locate game, and work with a handler in the field.
The coat is black with rich tan markings and moderate feathering on the ears, chest, legs, belly, and tail. Grooming is regular rather than extreme, but the feathered coat can tangle after field work or wet weather.
A Gordon Setter suits active owners who want a loyal, intelligent sporting dog with more seriousness than some setters. The breed needs exercise, training, and socialization, and responsible breeders screen for hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, and other inherited concerns.
Temperament & Personality
AlertConfidentLoyalInterestedIntelligent
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a alert, confident, loyal companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, moderate barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Feathered
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Black and Tan
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability4/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active owners wanting a loyal sporting dog
- homes with access to running or field work
- families that can provide training and grooming
- people who prefer a substantial setter
Not ideal for
- low-exercise homes
- owners wanting a small or low-shedding dog
- apartments without strong outdoor routines
- people unwilling to brush feathering
Common challenges
- needing long exercise
- recall around birds and scent
- tangles in feathering
- bloat and orthopedic risk
Barking & behavior
Gordons may alert and can become vocal if bored. Exercise and calm visitor routines help.
Training style
Use rewards, patience, and real outdoor practice. The breed is intelligent but not always blindly compliant.
Grooming & shedding
Brush feathering several times weekly and check ears, paws, and tail after field work.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Gordon Setters need at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise, with safe running, field work, hiking, or scent games. They are substantial sporting dogs, not low-activity companions.
Grooming
Brush the feathered coat several times a week, especially behind the ears, on the legs, and around the tail. Check ears and paws after field work.
Training
Use patient reward-based training with recall, steadiness, calm greetings, and leash manners. Gordons can be intelligent and determined, so consistency matters.
Nutrition
Feed measured portions for a lean large sporting dog. Discuss bloat risk, growth rate, and joint health with a veterinarian.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaElbow dysplasiaEye conditionsHypothyroidismBloat riskCancer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gordon Setter a good family dog?
Yes, a well-trained Gordon Setter can be a loyal family dog for active homes. Young dogs can be energetic, so supervision and training are important.
Can a Gordon Setter live in an apartment?
It is usually difficult. Gordon Setters need space, exercise, and outdoor outlets, though a very committed owner can manage one in dense housing.
How much exercise does a Gordon Setter need?
Most adults need 60 to 90 minutes or more each day, including running, long walks, field work, or scent games.
Does the Gordon Setter shed?
Yes, shedding is moderate. The feathered coat needs brushing several times weekly and checks after outdoor work.
What color is a Gordon Setter?
The Gordon Setter is black with rich tan markings. Predominantly red, buff, or incorrectly marked dogs do not match the breed standard.
Is the Gordon Setter easy to train?
It is intelligent and trainable, but can be determined. Reward-based consistency and early recall practice are important.
What health problems should Gordon Setter owners watch for?
Watchouts include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, hypothyroidism, bloat risk, and cancer.
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