Gordon Setter
The black-and-tan aristocrat of the Highlands — beauty, brains and bird sense.
Vital stats
| Size | Large · 58–66 cm |
| Weight | 20–36 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–13 years |
| Energy | High — 90+ min/day |
| Shedding | Moderate, seasonal |
| Coat | Silky feathered coat · black & tan |
| Group | Sporting · FCI №6 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Developed at the Duke of Gordon's castle to work Scotland's grouse moors, this setter trades a little of its cousins' flash for stamina and steadiness. At home that means an affectionate, sometimes comically devoted companion that matures slowly — expect puppy brain in an adult body until three or so — and turns instantly serious the moment a bird moves.
Habits & quirks
The moor sweep
Off lead, a Gordon quarters the ground in wide, purposeful arcs — the moor is wherever it happens to be walking.
Late bloomer
Gordons stay gloriously puppyish for years; dignity arrives around age three, and only partially.
The lean and gaze
Full bodyweight against your leg, amber eyes locked on yours — affection, Gordon-style.
Feather collection
Those elegant leg feathers gather burrs, mud and half the countryside on every outing.
Care
| Exercise | Ninety minutes-plus daily, ideally with free running — this breed was made for all-day moorland work, not garden potters. |
| Training | Willing but bird-obsessed: build recall early and keep sessions upbeat through the long adolescence. |
| Grooming | Brush and comb the feathering weekly to prevent mats, with occasional tidying of ears and feet. |
| Health | A deep-chested breed with real bloat risk — feed split meals, avoid exercise around mealtimes, and know the emergency signs. |
Common questions
Are Gordon Setters good family dogs?
Very — they're affectionate, patient and deeply attached to their people. Their size and prolonged bounciness suit families with older children and space to move.
How are Gordon Setters different from Irish Setters?
The Gordon is heavier, steadier and a touch more reserved with strangers, in black-and-tan rather than red. Both need substantial exercise, but the Gordon was bred more for stamina than speed.
Can Gordon Setters be let off the lead?
Only with a well-proofed recall — the instinct to range and follow birds is powerful. Train recall from puppyhood and choose safe, open spaces away from roads.