Gordon Setter
The Good
- Deeply attached to their families
- One of the best breeds for children
- Brave and well-balanced temperament
- Suitable for owners without experience
- Generally quiet dogs
The Real
- Take a long time to mature
- Can have digestive issues
- Require a special approach to training
- Their coat can trigger allergies
- Large size may be challenging in apartments
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Gordon Setter is the largest and most substantial of the setter breeds, with males potentially reaching 69 cm at the shoulder and weighing up to 36 kg. These stunning dogs sport a glistening black coat with rich tan markings and beautiful feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and tail. Originally bred in 1820s Scotland by Duke Alexander Gordon for hunting birds like pheasants and quails, they've evolved into devoted family companions while retaining their hunting instincts.
What sets Gordon Setters apart is their incredible devotion to their families. Unlike some hunting breeds that work independently, Gordons were specifically bred to work closely with their human partners. They're the type of dog that lives to be by your side - whether you're hiking through the Blue Mountains or simply relaxing at home after a long day. In Australian families, they adapt well to both suburban and rural settings, though their size and exercise needs mean they're happiest with access to secure outdoor space.
Their temperament is beautifully balanced - calm and gentle indoors, especially with children, but energetic and alert when it's time for adventure. They're naturally wary of strangers initially, making them excellent watchdogs, though they're far too gentle to be guard dogs. For Australian families seeking a loyal, intelligent companion who can handle our varied climate and lifestyle, the Gordon Setter offers the perfect blend of athleticism and affection.
History
History
The Gordon Setter's story begins in the Scottish Highlands, with the first written mentions of these black and tan hunting dogs dating back to 1620. However, the breed as we know it today owes much to Alexander IV, Duke of Gordon, who began serious development work in his Scottish estate around 1820. The Duke was passionate about hunting and established one of the last private hawk-hunting traditions in Scotland, using semaphore signals to track deer movements across his vast estate.
Before the Duke's involvement, these dogs were likely descended from land spaniels crossed with various hounds and collies, creating a robust bird dog capable of handling Scotland's harsh terrain and unpredictable weather. The Duke refined these early dogs, focusing on their distinctive black and tan colouring and their exceptional ability to work closely with hunters.
The breed made its way to various countries, including Russia in the 1840s-50s, where they were initially called "King Charles Spaniels." However, the breed nearly disappeared in Russia by the early 20th century, only to be revived through careful breeding programs in the 1920s.
In Australia, Gordon Setters have found their niche among hunting enthusiasts and families who appreciate their unique combination of working ability and gentle home temperament. While they've never achieved the popularity of their Irish Setter cousins, Australian breeders have maintained quality bloodlines, and the breed continues to excel both in the field and as cherished family companions across our diverse landscapes.
Traits & Characteristics
Gordon Setter characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Gordon Setters are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years, but like many deep-chested breeds, they're prone to specific health concerns that Australian owners should understand. The most serious immediate threat is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood circulation. Warning signs include unproductive vomiting, a distended abdomen, excessive drooling, restlessness, and loss of appetite. If you notice these symptoms, get to your nearest emergency vet immediately - time is critical.
Hip dysplasia is another concern, where loose hip joints can cause pain and eventually arthritis. Watch for difficulty getting in and out of cars, limping, or reluctance to exercise. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye condition that can lead to blindness, though affected dogs can live happy lives with proper care. Responsible Australian breeders test for this condition.
Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormone, can cause weight gain, lethargy, poor coat condition, and increased susceptibility to skin and ear infections. The good news is that most of these conditions are manageable with proper veterinary care.
Given Australia's climate, Gordon Setters generally handle our varied weather well, though their dark coat means they need shade and water during hot summer days, particularly in northern regions. Regular vet check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and choosing a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock are your best defences against these potential issues. Pet insurance is worth considering given the potential costs of treating conditions like bloat or hip dysplasia.
Feeding a Gordon Setter requires careful attention, as this breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and bloat. The key is feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than one large meal - this helps prevent both digestive upset and the dangerous condition of bloat. Most Australian owners find success with two to three meals daily for adult dogs.
Protein content is crucial but shouldn't exceed 24-26% for Gordon Setters, as excessive protein can force rapid growth in puppies, potentially causing joint development issues. This is particularly important for large breed puppies. Look for dog foods with at least 4% fibre content to support healthy digestion and firm stools. High-quality commercial foods meeting Australian pet food standards are often the safest choice for this breed's sensitive digestive system.
If you're feeding a natural diet, include fresh vegetables for fibre - many Gordons enjoy carrots, which also help clean their teeth. Avoid high-sodium foods entirely, as this breed is particularly sensitive to salt. Never feed chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, or cooked bones, which can be toxic or dangerous.
Timing is everything with Gordon Setters - never exercise them within an hour before or after meals to prevent bloat. This means planning your daily routine around meal times, especially important for active Australian families who love weekend adventures. Use slow-feeder bowls to encourage slower eating, and avoid raised food bowls, which may increase bloat risk.
Work with your local Australian vet to determine the right portion sizes based on your dog's age, activity level, and body condition. Remember, a lean Gordon Setter is a healthy one - you should be able to see a clear waist when looking down at your dog.
The Gordon Setter's beautiful black and tan coat requires regular attention to keep it healthy and tangle-free. Plan on brushing your Gordon at least twice weekly, though daily brushing during shedding periods will keep your Australian home cleaner and your dog more comfortable. Their long, silky coat is prone to matting, particularly in the feathering around the ears, chest, legs, and tail.
Pay special attention to the hair between their toes, which needs regular trimming to prevent matting and debris collection - particularly important after beach walks along Australia's coastline or bushwalks in our national parks. Monthly grooming should include nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth checking, and trimming around the feet and sanitary areas.
Bathing should be done monthly or as needed using a quality dog shampoo and conditioner to prevent dry skin and dandruff - important in Australia's varied climate conditions. After swimming at the beach or in pools, always rinse your Gordon thoroughly and dry their ears completely to prevent infections.
Their ears require special attention due to their length and the way they hang close to the head, creating a warm, moist environment perfect for bacterial growth. Clean them regularly with a vet-recommended ear cleaner, and always clean them after water activities. Check for redness, unusual odour, or excessive wax buildup.
During Australia's tick season, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales coastal areas, daily checks of your Gordon's coat are essential. Their thick feathering can hide these dangerous parasites. Regular grooming sessions also provide opportunities to check for lumps, bumps, or skin changes that might need veterinary attention.
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks can help maintain coat condition and handle more detailed trimming tasks that many owners find challenging.
Gordon Setters are intelligent dogs with a strong desire to please, but they require a special approach to training that respects their sensitive nature. These dogs were bred to work closely with their human partners, not to follow orders blindly, so heavy-handed training methods will backfire. They respond best to positive reinforcement - praise, treats, and making training feel like a partnership rather than domination.
Early socialisation is crucial for Gordon Setter puppies. Expose them to different people, animals, environments, and situations consistently so they develop into confident adults. In Australia's social outdoor culture, this means regular visits to dog-friendly cafes, markets, and beaches during their socialisation period.
Exercise needs are substantial - expect to provide at least 1-2 hours of physical activity daily. This breed thrives on activities like long walks, hiking, running (once fully mature), and swimming. They're perfect companions for exploring Australia's national parks, beach walks along our extensive coastline, or weekend camping trips. However, always keep them leashed or in securely fenced areas, as their hunting instincts can lead them to follow interesting scents into trouble.
Mental stimulation is equally important. Gordon Setters excel at activities like obedience training, agility, tracking, and hide-and-seek games. Many Australian dog sports clubs offer activities perfect for channelling their natural abilities and intelligence.
Remember that Gordon Setters mature slowly, often not reaching full mental maturity until 2-3 years old. Be patient with training during their extended puppyhood, and maintain consistency. Their strong recall training is essential given their prey drive - you'll want them to come back when called, even when they've spotted something interesting to chase.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Gordon Setter owner in Australia is someone who values a deep, personal connection with their dog and has the time and energy to nurture that bond. These aren't dogs for busy families who want a pet that entertains itself - Gordon Setters live to be with their people and will follow you from room to room, happily participating in whatever you're doing.
Active individuals or families work best with this breed. Whether you're into weekend bushwalking in the Grampians, beach runs along the Gold Coast, or simply enjoy long evening walks around your neighbourhood, a Gordon Setter will be your enthusiastic companion. They're particularly well-suited to families with children, as they're naturally gentle and protective without being aggressive.
You don't need extensive dog experience to succeed with a Gordon Setter, but you do need patience and consistency. They respond well to owners who treat them as partners rather than subordinates. If you enjoy the training process and want a dog that will work with you rather than just obey commands, you'll love this breed.
Space considerations are important in Australia's varied housing market. While Gordon Setters can adapt to apartment living if given adequate exercise, they're happiest with access to a securely fenced yard where they can patrol and explore. Their size and activity needs make them better suited to houses with outdoor space, particularly in suburban areas around our major cities.
Time commitment is significant - between daily exercise, regular grooming, and their need for companionship, Gordon Setters require dedicated owners. They're not suitable for people who travel frequently for work or prefer independent pets. However, if you're looking for a loyal, intelligent companion who will be your shadow and adventure buddy, few breeds can match the Gordon Setter's devotion.
Interesting facts about the Gordon Setter
Interesting Fact
Gordon Setters are the heaviest of all setter breeds, with the breed standard allowing considerable size variation due to different preferences between field and show enthusiasts
Interesting Fact
The Gordon Setter Club of America was formed in 1891, making it one of the older breed clubs
Interesting Fact
Contrary to popular belief, the three setter breeds (English, Gordon, and Irish) are completely separate breeds, not just colour variations of one breed
Interesting Fact
The breed's ancient lineage can be traced back to 1620, making them one of the older sporting breeds
FAQ
Absolutely! Gordon Setters are known for their friendly demeanor, loyalty, and exceptional gentleness around children. They're particularly good with kids when introduced during puppyhood, though all interactions should be supervised and children taught proper dog handling.
No, while Gordon Setters will bark to alert their family or get attention (they're called "great talkers" by enthusiasts), they don't have a reputation for excessive barking. However, they may become destructive and bark more if left bored or under-exercised.
Yes, Gordon Setters are quite rare and it can be challenging to find puppies. The breed has grown in popularity recently but remains uncommon compared to other sporting breeds. You may need to join a waiting list with reputable breeders.
Gordon Setters typically stand 58-69 cm tall and weigh 20-36 kg, with females usually smaller than males. They're substantial dogs that need adequate space and exercise.
Expect to pay between $1,500-$3,000 for a Gordon Setter puppy from a reputable Australian breeder, depending on bloodline, location, and whether the dog is pet or show quality.
Gordon Setters need at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily. They were bred as working hunting dogs and have high energy levels that require outlets like long walks, hiking, or running to keep them happy and well-behaved.
While possible with sufficient exercise, Gordon Setters are better suited to homes with secure outdoor space. Their size and exercise needs make suburban homes with yards ideal, though dedicated city owners can make it work with multiple daily outings.
Gordon Setters generally handle Australia's varied climate well, but their dark coat means they need shade and plenty of water during hot summer days, particularly in northern regions. They may need warm clothing during cooler Melbourne or Canberra winters.