Moorland dog → family companion
Heavier than other setters
The Gordon is the heaviest of the British setters and often the most reserved.
Meet the parents and see how they greet strangers and how calmly they settle.
Gordon Setter · Sporting
Gordon Setter: temperament, training & bird-dog stamina
The Gordon Setter is a Scottish bird dog with a glossy black and tan coat. Most are loyal, steady and playful for years, and often reserved with strangers. Life goes well with long-line exercise every day, patient and kind training, regular brushing and calm visitor routines.
- Job: Scottish setting dog for grouse moors.
- Energy: High; daily running on a long line.
- Home: Best with active owners and space to run.
First, the point
A Gordon is a loyal setter that needs long-line freedom, calm socialising and regular brushing
Public breed histories describe a Scottish grouse dog made popular by the Duke of Gordon in the early 1800s.
Most Gordons are devoted to their family. Typical struggles are running off after birds, pulling, jumping up and a long puppyhood.
In the first months I teach recall on a long line, calm greetings, loose-lead walking and a settle.
- Height
- 23–27 in (58–69 cm)
- Weight
- 45–80 lb (20–36 kg)
- Energy
- High (run then rest)
- Coat / shed
- Long black and tan coat — sheds; brush a few times a week
- Job
- Scottish setting dog for grouse moors
Breed history
The black and tan setter from Scotland
The Gordon Setter comes from Scotland, where the Duke of Gordon kept black and tan setters at Gordon Castle in the early 1800s. It was bred to find grouse on the moors and hold them with a steady point. That job made a strong, loyal, thoughtful bird dog.
Scotland, early 1800s → grouse dog
Bred at Gordon Castle
Public breed histories credit the Duke of Gordon’s kennel with making the black and tan setter popular.
Gordons were steady, strong dogs that could work all day on Scottish moors.
What the breed was bred for
Loyal, steady and slow to grow up
In plain trainer language: Gordons are devoted to their family, playful for years and often cautious with strangers.
The hard parts are running off after birds, pulling, jumping up, a long puppyhood and coat care. Long-line exercise, patient training and regular brushing help most.
- Long-line exercise daily
- Patient, kind training
- Regular brushing
- Calm visitor routines
Public references: FCI 6, AKC Gordon Setter, RKC.
Life together
A Gordon’s day is a long walk and a loyal shadow
Gordons need plenty of exercise and like to stay close to their own people.
Show · stack
Glossy and strong
Standing calmly for handling helps at the vet too.
See puppy handling.
Ring · handler
Close to its person
Gordons bond deeply. Build alone time slowly.
See first absences.
Outdoors · handler
A thoughtful dog
Gordons can be reserved. Let strangers say hello slowly.
See guest entry plan.
Care and health themes
Monthly checks: coat, ears, weight and feet
A trainer’s checklist, not veterinary advice. See a vet for ear smell, limping, a swollen belly after eating or low energy. For urgent signs, see when to call the vet.
Coat
Brush the feathering a few times a week; remove burrs.
Ears
Check for seeds and smell.
Weight
Keep lean; feed on a steady routine.
Feet
Trim hair between the pads.
Health screening (not a diagnosis)
Ask the breeder which screenings the national breed club recommends, including hip scores and eye tests, and see results for both parents.
Toxins
I do not publish toxin amounts. Call a vet or poison-control line if the dog eats something dangerous.
Lines and types
Field or show Gordon
All Gordons are black and tan. Show dogs tend to be heavier with more coat; field dogs are lighter and faster.
Show lines
- Heavier build.
- More feathering.
- More grooming.
- Still needs daily exercise.
A strong, glamorous companion.
Field lines
- Lighter, faster.
- Less coat.
- Higher drive.
- Needs lots of running.
Best for very active homes.
Socialization windows
What to introduce — and what not to overload — by age
AVSAB-aligned in spirit: short, clean exposures at a distance the puppy can still eat, with hygiene while vaccines finish. See the puppy socialization schedule.
Gentle beginnings
Introduce: handling, name games, brushing, calm people.
Do not overload: rough play and long walks.
Long line and lead
Introduce: long-line recall, loose-lead walking, calm greetings.
Do not overload: off-lead near birds.
Bouncy teenager
Introduce: settle, scent games, visitor routines.
Do not overload: expecting adult calm.
Slow maturity
Introduce: longer runs, field work, hikes.
Do not overload: running hard before growth ends without vet advice.
Loyal adult
Introduce: refreshed recall and greetings.
Do not overload: too little exercise.
Before you buy
Who a Gordon Setter usually fits
A Gordon suits active, patient people who want a loyal bird dog and enjoy a long puppyhood.
Good match
More likely a good fit if you…
- Walk or run long distances
- Have safe places for free running
- Want a devoted family dog
- Will brush regularly
- Can be patient for two or three years
Mismatch risk
A Gordon Setter may be a poor choice if…
- You want an instantly calm dog
- Long hours alone are routine
- Grooming time is short
- Exercise time is short
- You want a dog that loves every stranger
If you are torn between breeds
Gordon Setter vs Irish Setter and English Setter
Gordons are compared with Irish and English setters.
Colour
Gordon Setter Black and tan.
Irish Setter Solid red.
With strangers
Gordon Setter Often reserved.
Irish Setter Usually outgoing.
Build
Gordon Setter Heaviest setter.
English Setter Lighter and elegant.
Temperament
Gordon Setter Loyal, thoughtful.
English Setter Gentle and soft.
Exercise
Gordon Setter A lot.
Both compares All setters need room to run.
Ownership without surprises
What a Gordon costs to keep
Prices vary by country. These are the spending themes, not figures.
Grooming
Brushes and trims.
Health checks
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends.
Long line and harness
Safe freedom.
Training
Classes and field clubs.
Dog walker
On busy days.
Insurance
Consider it early.
With a Gordon, time and patience matter more than gear.
Before day one at home
What to prepare for a Gordon Setter puppy
A Gordon puppy is playful and bonds fast. Start alone time and calm meetings early.
Alone time
See first absences.
Calm meetings
Brushing
See puppy handling.
Gentle mouths
See biting and nipping.
Toilet routine
Follow potty training.
Short walks
See walk length by age.
If the dog is already yours
Training a Gordon takes patience and kindness
Gordons learn well but mature slowly, and can be stubborn when pushed. Food, play and patience work best.
My core list: long-line recall, loose-lead walking, calm greetings and a settle.
Field work, scent games and long hikes suit them well.
Load balance
A long run, then a calm evening
A long run and a calm evening suit most Gordons.
Run Sniff Train Brush Rest
Running, scent games, short training and brushing suit most Gordons.
A Gordon that runs and trusts you is a loyal, gentle companion.
Alone time
How to teach a Gordon Setter to be alone
Start with tiny absences, give a chew and build time slowly.
- 01
Exercise first
A good walk.
- 02
Give a chew
Something calming.
- 03
Leave briefly
Seconds at first.
- 04
Come back calmly
No big fuss.
- 05
Build time slowly
A little each day.
One scene close-up
Why your Gordon cries when you leave
Gordons bond deeply with their people.
Start with short absences after exercise, with a chew or food toy.
Build time slowly and come back before the dog gets upset.
Typical household scenes
Where Gordon Setter owners most often need help
A breed page is only a starting point; the fix depends on health, environment, and the dog in front of you. Each row opens a step-by-step guide.
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Running off
Follows bird scent.
Pulling
Strong and keen.
Jumping up
Big, bouncy greetings.
Alone time
Worried when left.
Shy with visitors
Cautious with strangers.
Counter surfing
Tall and food-keen.
Restlessness
Hard to settle after a short walk.
Sudden change
Ear smell, limping or a swollen belly — vet first.
Practical view
“With a Gordon, I give freedom on a long line first. We build recall, calm meetings and a settle — because a loyal setter that runs every day is a steady housemate.”
Sessions cover real scenes: running off after birds, reserve with strangers, pulling, and stealing food. I am a trainer, not a veterinarian. No invented reviews.
Andrew Darov Professional dog trainer and instructor
WhatsApp consult Talk through your Gordon Setter
Describe age, living setup, and where the dog breaks first — running off after birds, pulling, jumping up, or worry when left alone. Opens WhatsApp to Andrew.
Short answers
FAQ
Is a Gordon a good first dog?
Yes for patient, active owners.
Are Gordons good with children?
Usually loyal and playful; supervise.
Do Gordons shed?
Moderately; brush the feathering.
How much exercise does an adult need?
A lot: daily running.
When do Gordons calm down?
Often around three years.
Are they good with strangers?
Often reserved at first.
Can a Gordon live in a flat?
Only with lots of daily exercise.
Can Gordons be left alone?
Build alone time slowly.
What about health?
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends and see the parents' results.
What is the typical lifespan of a Gordon Setter?
Public breed references often give about 10 to 12 years. Individual dogs vary.
Why black and tan?
The colour was favoured by the Duke of Gordon’s kennel.
If a Gordon’s needs are too much
If you want a friendly gundog that is often easier to train, consider this one.
Irish Setter
A joyful, friendly red setter from Ireland that needs daily running, patient recall practice and a taught settle.
English Setter
A gentle, elegant British bird dog with a speckled belton coat that needs long-line freedom, patient recall work and regular brushing.
Brittany
A keen, friendly French bird dog that needs daily running, long-line recall training and a taught settle at home.
Labrador Retriever
Friendly, food-keen retriever that suits many families.
More Sporting group breeds
Other guides from the same group in the breed library. Same group does not mean same dog: read the fit and the failure modes, not only the outline.
Labrador Retriever
A friendly, food-loving retriever that needs daily exercise, training and a job for its nose and mouth.
Lagotto Romagnolo
An Italian truffle and water dog. Needs daily nose work, curly coat care and settle skills — apartment-sized, not apartment-idle.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
A clever, playful Canadian retriever that needs varied training, fetch games with an end and a taught settle.
Spinone Italiano
A gentle, patient Italian hunting dog with a rough coat that needs sniffing walks, kind training and kitchen manners.
Vizsla
An affectionate, sensitive Hungarian pointer that needs daily running, slow alone-time training and a taught settle.
Weimaraner
A strong, loyal German hunting dog with a sleek grey coat that needs hard daily exercise, slow alone-time training and solid recall.
Need a read on your exact situation?
Describe your Gordon Setter’s age and the scene that repeats most: running off after birds, pulling, jumping up, or worry when left alone. We check safety first, then pick the first skill.
Written by Andrew Darov, professional dog trainer. Not veterinary advice and not a diagnosis.
Not a kennel club. No invented reviews. No vaccine schedules or toxin doses. Photo credits in
/images/breeds/gordon-setter-guide/credits.md.