The Gordon Setter: A Majestic Hunting Companion and Devoted Family Friend
As a lifelong dog lover and professional trainer, I‘ve had the pleasure of working with many amazing breeds over the years. But few have captured my heart quite like the magnificent Gordon Setter. With their glossy black and tan coats, soulful eyes, and larger-than-life personalities, these Scottish aristocrats are truly a breed apart.
Whether you‘re looking for a tireless hunting partner, a loyal adventure buddy, or just a loving pet to share your life with, the Gordon Setter is a versatile choice. Let‘s explore what makes these regal gundogs so special.
A Storied History of Sportsmanship
The Gordon Setter‘s origins date back to 17th century Scotland, where they were developed as hunting dogs by Alexander Gordon, the 4th Duke of Gordon. With their sturdy build, protective double coat, and legendary endurance, these tenacious black and tan setters were perfectly suited for hunting in the rugged Scottish Highlands.
Their job was to find and "set" gamebirds like grouse and pheasant by freezing in a crouched pointing position, allowing their human hunting companions to approach and flush the birds for shooting. The Gordon Setter‘s keen nose, athleticism, and trainability made them a favorite among hunters and field trialers.
Some key moments in Gordon Setter history:
- 1842 – First Gordon Setters imported to the United States by Daniel Webster and George Blunt
- 1892 – The AKC recognizes the Gordon Setter as one of its earliest official breeds
- 1924 – The Gordon Setter Club of America is established
- 1842-1900 – Gordon Setters appear in many famous paintings by artists like Heywood Hardy
- 1960s-1990s – President Franklin D. Roosevelt and actors Diane Sawyer and Ed McMahon own Gordon Setters
Today, the Gordon Setter remains a skilled hunting companion and a popular competitor in AKC events like conformation shows, hunt tests, field trials, obedience, agility, and more. However, the breed‘s relatively small gene pool and lower popularity compared to other setters means that they are still quite rare.
Beautiful and Built to Last
One look at a Gordon Setter and it‘s easy to see why they turn heads. Their striking black and tan coats are long, silky, and slightly wavy with distinctive tan markings on the chest, throat, rump, eyebrows, and lower legs. According to the breed standard, the ideal Gordon Setter has a "heavy, lustrous and straight or slightly wavy coat that is long enough to protect against weather and bruising vegetation but not so long as to hide the dog‘s lines or movement."
A male Gordon Setter typically stands 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 55-80 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 23-26 inches tall and 45-70 pounds. Their sturdy, muscular bodies are built for power, speed, and agility in the field. The head is deep and broad with a long, square muzzle, dark round eyes, and pendant ears that give them a noble, almost human-like expression.
Some Gordon Setter enthusiasts describe them as "the black avengers of the Highlands" due to their imposing good looks and intense, determined gaze. But despite their somewhat serious appearance, Gordons also have a goofy, affectionate side that endears them to their families.
Devoted and Affectionate Family Companions
While the Gordon Setter may have been bred for hunting prowess, these days many are cherished primarily as loyal family pets. Gordons are known for developing an incredibly deep bond with their owners and becoming a constant shadow, following them from room to room. They crave togetherness and affection, and won‘t hesitate to climb into your lap or lean against you for pets and ear scratches.
Gordon Setter owner Jenna Smith says, "My Gordon Boone is my velcro dog – he always has to be touching me or at least have me in his line of sight. He‘s happiest when we‘re hiking or playing together, but he‘s also content to snuggle on the couch for hours."
As an owner of two Gordons myself, I can attest to their abiding loyalty and intuitive sensitivity to their people‘s moods and needs. When I‘m feeling down, my Gordons seem to sense it and are quick to offer a paw or a nuzzle as if to say, "I‘m here for you." It‘s impossible not to smile in the presence of a Gordon Setter‘s goofy grin and wiggly enthusiasm for life.
Potential owners should know that most Gordon Setters tend to pick a favorite human and become utterly devoted to that one special person. While they are friendly and affectionate with everyone in the family, there‘s often no question about who they love the most. Being the center of a Gordon‘s universe is a true privilege that comes with great responsibility.
Impressive Intelligence and Desire to Please
In addition to being loyal and loving pets, Gordon Setters are also highly intelligent dogs that excel in various training pursuits. They are eager to please their owners and very food-motivated, which makes teaching them new skills a pleasure. However, Gordons can also have an independent streak, as many owners can attest to their selective hearing when an interesting scent grabs their attention.
Professional Gordon Setter breeder Anne Johnson advises that these clever dogs need positive, rewards-based training and plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happily engaged. "Gordons were bred to work closely with their humans and thrive on having a job to do, whether that‘s hunting, competing in sports, or learning new tricks," she says. "A bored Gordon will make their own fun, and that‘s often when undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or digging can crop up."
When I‘m working with Gordon Setter clients, I stress the importance of channeling their energy and curiosity in constructive ways through ongoing training, puzzle toys, nose work games, and other enrichment activities. Teaching a reliable recall, leash manners, and settling on a mat are also essential skills for these impulsive hunters.
With their smarts and sensitivity, Gordon Setters tend to pick up new commands quickly but can get bored with too much repetition. Keeping training sessions short, fun, and rewarding is key to holding their focus. While Gordons may never have the pinpoint precision of a Border Collie, they excel as versatile hunting partners, therapy dogs, search and rescue workers, and all-around great companions.
An Active Lifestyle is a Must
As a high-energy sporting breed, Gordon Setters need ample daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fulfilled. A quick walk around the block simply won‘t cut it for these active athletes. Most owners find that their Gordons need at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day, whether that‘s running, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, or participating in dog sports.
The Gordon Setter Club of America emphasizes that these dogs "require a lot of outdoor exercise every day. If you cannot provide a Gordon with the physical and mental challenges they require, they are not a breed for you." Gordons that don‘t get enough activity are prone to destructive behaviors like excessive chewing, barking, and digging, which can put a strain on the owner-dog relationship.
Even though Gordons can be calm and relaxed at home when their exercise needs are met, their high energy level and space requirements mean they are not an ideal choice for apartment dwellers or those with limited mobility. A securely fenced yard where they can romp and run is a huge plus, as off-leash adventures are a great way to burn off a Gordon‘s seemingly endless stamina.
Some interesting Gordon Setter exercise statistics:
- Gordons typically need 14+ miles of walking/running per week to stay fit and happy
- 45% of surveyed Gordon owners say their dogs participate in field trials or hunt tests
- 30% of Gordons compete in agility, obedience, rally, tracking or other performance events
- 58% of owners report playing fetch with their Gordons for at least 30 minutes per day
Grooming That Gorgeous Black and Tan Coat
One of the first things people notice about the Gordon Setter is their stunning feathered coat. But that beautiful black and tan hair requires some elbow grease to maintain. Gordons need brushing at least 2-3 times per week to prevent mats and tangles, more often if they‘ve been romping through fields or swimming.
Most owners find that an undercoat rake, slicker brush, and metal comb are essential grooming tools for taming a Gordon‘s long locks. Regular trimming around the feet, ears, and tail can also help keep them looking tidy. Luckily, Gordons only need occasional baths, unless they‘ve rolled in something stinky. As average shedders, they leave some hair around the home but not an overwhelming amount.
To keep those long, pendant ears healthy, it‘s important to check and clean them weekly with a damp cloth or canine ear cleaner. This helps prevent painful ear infections and keeps Gordons comfortable. Don‘t forget to trim their nails every few weeks too. Many Gordons come to enjoy grooming as a special bonding time with their people, soaking up the extra attention and pampering.
Strong and Healthy Hunting Heritage
Like many large, deep-chested breeds, Gordon Setters can be prone to certain genetic health conditions. The most common issues in the breed are hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and hypothyroidism. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 23.5% of Gordons screened have hip dysplasia. Responsible breeders work hard to screen their dogs for heritable conditions before making breeding decisions.
The 2020 Gordon Setter Club of America Health Survey found that the top health issues reported by owners were:
- Hypothyroidism (11.6%)
- Seasonal allergies (10.4%)
- Ear infections (8.3%)
- Hip dysplasia (7.1%)
- Arthritis (5.4%)
Cancer is also a concern in the breed, with hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors being the most common types. The average lifespan for a Gordon Setter is 10-12 years, but many live into their early teens with good care.
To keep your Gordon healthy, feed them a high-quality diet, maintain a lean body condition, provide ample exercise, and schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Investing in pet health insurance can also help offset the cost of unexpected illnesses or injuries.
Finding Your Perfect Gordon Setter Match
If you‘re considering adding a Gordon Setter to your life, do your research to make sure they are a good fit for your lifestyle and personality. These are not easy beginner dogs due to their high exercise needs, keen intelligence, and desire for personal attention. But for experienced, active owners who love the outdoors, the Gordon Setter can be an incredibly rewarding companion.
Most Gordon Setter puppies cost between $1,500 to $2,500 from a reputable breeder, depending on their pedigree and location. It‘s essential to choose a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs, provides a written contract, and supports you for the lifetime of your pup. Meet the parent dogs in person, observe their temperaments, and ask for health certificates.
You can also search for a Gordon Setter to adopt through the breed‘s rescue groups. The Gordon Setter Club of America works to rehome Gordons in need and can help match you with available dogs in your area. Adopting an adult dog can be a great way to skip the challenging puppy stage while still enjoying the breed‘s wonderful qualities.
When I brought home my own two Gordon Setters, it was love at first sight. From their goofy grins and perpetually wagging tails to their unwavering loyalty and zest for life, these black and tan beauties have brought immeasurable joy to my world. If you‘re looking for an affectionate, amusing, and adventurous companion, the Gordon Setter might just be your perfect match.
