Gordon Setter
Gordon Setters are strong sporting dogs known for a black-and-tan coat, a steady temperament, and a loyal bond with family. They enjoy outdoor activity and need daily exercise, training, and enrichment that taps into their sporting instincts. Gordons can be confident and sometimes a bit slower to mature, so patient, consistent training is valuable. Their feathered coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and manage shedding. With activity and structure, Gordon Setters make affectionate companions and capable sporting partners.
The Gordon Setter is a large dog in the Sporting group, known for Loyal, Confident, Affectionate. Adults typically weigh 45-80 lbs and stand 23-27 in, with a lifespan around 10-12 years.
Quick facts
- Group: Sporting
- Size: large
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Weight: 45-80 lbs
- Height: 23-27 in
- Temperament: Loyal, Confident, Affectionate, Steady
Temperament & day-to-day life
Temperament helps you predict what daily life with this breed may feel like. The Gordon Setter is often described as Loyal, Confident, Affectionate, Steady. Individual dogs vary, but these traits are a solid starting point when you’re planning training, enrichment, and routines.
If you’re researching this breed because you’re trying to identify your own dog, use temperament as supporting evidence—not the final verdict. Compare size, proportions, and behavior patterns, then confirm with a photo using the AI dog breed identifier.
Training & exercise
Sporting breeds were developed to work closely with people in the field—retrieving, flushing, and staying responsive to direction.
They often do best with positive reinforcement, clear routines, and training that feels like a job (retrieving games, obedience, nose work).
Plan for consistent daily exercise plus mental stimulation; many sporting dogs thrive when they have a purpose, not just a short walk.
History
Originating in Scotland, Gordon Setters were developed as bird dogs with endurance and a distinctive coat color. The breed was refined for field ability and became known as a reliable setter type.
Care tips
Good care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Start with simple routines you can keep up—daily movement, a predictable feeding plan, and regular check-ins for ears, nails, and skin.
- Give them daily exercise and training; sporting dogs thrive with outlets.
- Brush the coat regularly; feathering tangles and collects debris.
- Use reward-based training and patience—maturity can take time.
- Practice recall and safe outdoor management; prey drive can appear.
- Check ears routinely and keep them clean and dry.
Similar breeds to compare
Many breeds share similar silhouettes and features. If you’re comparing AI results or deciding between breeds, it helps to read a few profiles side by side. Common look-alikes and close cousins to the Gordon Setter include English Setter, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, English Springer Spaniel.
When you compare, focus on structure (muzzle length, ear set, body proportions) as much as coat color. Then confirm by looking at temperament and daily care needs.
FAQ
How big do Gordon Setters get?
Most adult Gordon Setters fall around 45-80 lbs and stand 23-27 in. Genetics, diet, and activity level all influence where an individual dog lands within that range.
How long do Gordon Setters live?
The typical lifespan is 10-12 years. Preventive vet care, healthy weight, and consistent daily exercise are some of the biggest factors that support longevity.
What is the Gordon Setter temperament like?
Many owners describe this breed as Loyal, Confident, Affectionate, Steady. Early socialization and reward-based training help those traits show up as calm confidence at home and on walks.
How can I identify a Gordon Setter from a photo?
Upload a clear photo (ideally with the full body visible) to our dog breed identifier. Use the results as a starting point, then compare likely matches in the breed directory.