Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is the only setter breed developed in Scotland — bred at Gordon Castle by Alexander Gordon, the 4th Duke of Gordon, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
20–36 kg (45–80 lbs)
Height
58–69 cm (23–27 in)
Exercise
60 to 90 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for an active large gun dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Gordon Setter is the only setter breed developed in Scotland — bred at Gordon Castle by Alexander Gordon, the 4th Duke of Gordon, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is the heaviest and most substantial of the three setter breeds, developed for hunting grouse on the rugged Scottish moorland where endurance and stamina in cold, wet conditions were more important than the speed suited to English lowland shooting. The Gordon Setter is the only setter always exclusively black and tan — a strikingly beautiful colour combination. It is the most reserved of the setters, bonding closely with its family but being cool toward strangers.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, substantial, well-boned setter always in jet black with rich mahogany-tan markings at the muzzle, above the eyes, on the throat, on the legs, and under the tail. The long, silky coat with feathering is abundant. The overall impression is of a beautiful, bold, well-muscled Scottish hunting dog.
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Bold, loyal, and reserved — the most independent of the setters. Bonds deeply with family. Cool with strangers. More confident and less biddable than the Irish Setter.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
60 to 90 min/day
Ideal Weather
-5°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
aloofness, destructive behaviour, barking, pacing, depression
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours vigorous exercise daily. Brushing 3–4 times weekly. Ear cleaning weekly. The Gordon's endurance makes it an excellent distance running and hiking companion.
Nutrition Notes
Largest and heaviest of the setter breeds — needs more calories. Bloat risk — feed 2-3 meals. Joint supplements essential from age 2. Hypothyroidism common; thyroid-supportive nutrition may help.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
PRA — DNA test available (rcd4-PRA specific to Gordons). Bloat risk increases with age — gastropexy recommended. Hypothyroidism from middle age. Hip and elbow dysplasia. More reserved and loyal than Irish Setters — bonds deeply with one person. Lifespan 10-12 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1600 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1200 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Hypothyroidism. Bloat (GDV). Eye conditions.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Rarest of the three setter breeds. Only comes in black-and-tan — the most distinctive setter colour. Scotland's setter. Very rare in India — almost certainly imported. Limited breeder availability globally.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Gordon Setter was the favourite hunting dog of Daniel Webster, the American statesman — Webster kept a pack of Gordon Setters at his estate in Marshfield, Massachusetts, and is credited with introducing the breed to the United States in the 1840s.
