Gordon Setter 2025 Guide: Temperament, Care & Training 🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

The Gordon Setter is a large, noble sporting breed from Scotland prized for its keen nose, stamina, and loyal heart. With their glossy black-and-tan coats and focused demeanor, Gordons excel as both field dogs and affectionate family companions. In this expert 2025 breed guide, learn how to train, groom, and support this devoted setter. 🐾

📜 Breed Origins

Named after the Duke of Gordon, who refined the breed in the 18th century, the Gordon Setter was developed to hunt game birds across the rugged Scottish Highlands. They're the largest and most robust of the setter family, known for their endurance and slow, methodical hunting style. 🇬🇧

🧠 Temperament & Personality

Gordons are loyal, steady, and sometimes reserved. Traits include:

• Devoted: Strongly bonded to their family
• Confident: Courageous but not aggressive
• Alert: Makes a good watchdog
• Stubborn: Needs patient, consistent training

🏡 Ideal Home Environment

Gordon Setters thrive with space, exercise, and a calm household:

• Active families with large, secure yards
• Hunters or dog sport enthusiasts
• Homes without long periods of isolation

Not ideal for small apartments or highly chaotic environments. 🏡

✂️ Coat Type & Grooming

Gordons have a long, feathered coat that’s soft and glossy:

• Brushing: 3–4 times weekly to prevent mats and tangles
• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks or after field use
• Trimming: Around feet, tail, and ears
• Ear/Nail Care: Weekly cleaning and regular trims

🏃♂️ Exercise & Enrichment

This breed needs significant daily activity and enrichment:

• 90 minutes+ of walking, running, or field play per day
• Retrieving, hiking, or canine sports to channel drive
• Obedience, scent tracking, or puzzle toys indoors

Without exercise, Gordons can become moody or disobedient. 🧠

🍗 Nutrition & Feeding

Feed a balanced, active-dog formula that supports joints and stamina:

• Animal proteins like chicken, lamb, or salmon
• Glucosamine and omega fatty acids for joints and coat
• Calorie-dense kibble for active dogs

Split into two meals daily. For diet help, use Ask A Vet. 🍽️

🩺 Common Health Concerns

Gordons are generally healthy but may face:

• Hip Dysplasia: Common in large breeds—screen and monitor
• Bloat (GDV): Feed smaller meals and avoid exercise post-meal
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Eye screening recommended

Use Ask A Vet to stay ahead of health risks. 🩺

🎓 Training & Socialization

This breed is bright but can be headstrong. Start early with:

• Crate, leash, and house training in puppyhood
• Short, structured, reward-based sessions
• Early exposure to people, animals, and environments

🧘♂️ Emotional Needs

Gordons are sensitive and deeply attached to their people:

• Routine and companionship are key
• Keep them stimulated and appreciated
• Offer downtime as well as structured exercise

Need emotional or behavioral advice? Visit Ask A Vet. 🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is the Gordon Setter Right for You?

If you're seeking a loyal, elegant, and driven bird dog with a gentle side, the Gordon Setter may be your ideal breed. With training, space, and love, they flourish as both working dogs and treasured companions. ❤️

Ready to build a care plan? Start a consult today with Ask A Vet!