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Large breed

Gordon Setter Puppies

Loyal companions, ready for family adventures

  • Great with kids
  • Active breed
  • Alert watchdog

We do not have Gordon Setter puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.

  • Adult weight 45–80 lbs
  • Height 23–28 in
  • Lifespan 10–12 years
  • Exercise 90 min a day
Sleek black and tan dog, standing tall with a shiny coat

About the Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter is a strikingly handsome breed, known for its luxurious dark coat and gentle demeanor. Originating from the rugged Scottish Highlands, these large dogs have a rich history as skilled hunters, particularly in tracking game birds. They have since become beloved family companions, appreciated not only for their beauty but also for their loving nature. A Gordon Setter thrives in a home that values companionship, making them a perfect fit for families who have young children, as they are generally good-natured and affectionate.

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With a moderate energy level, Gordon Setters enjoy regular exercise and playtime but are also content to settle down with their families after an active day. They are not ideally suited for apartment living due to their size and need for personal space, but they flourish in homes with ample room to roam and explore. Daily walks, along with opportunities for free play in a secure yard, will keep them healthy and stimulated. Their weekly grooming routine helps manage their shedding, which can be moderate, ensuring that your home stays tidy while allowing you to enjoy the delightful company of this stunning breed.

Gordon Setters are intelligent and relatively easy to train, responding well to consistent and positive methods. Their eagerness to learn makes them excellent candidates for obedience training and various dog sports. Although they can have a tendency to bark, particularly when they sense something amiss, their affectionate nature means they’re often more focused on being in your company than on causing trouble. With their gentle disposition and eagerness to please, a Gordon Setter can become a cherished member of your family, creating bonds that last a lifetime. If you’re looking to welcome a Gordon Setter into your home, you’ll find a loving companion who is both devoted and engaging, ready to make life a little brighter for everyone in Furrylicious®.

Gordon Setter breed profile

Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.

Temperament

  • Affection Devoted
  • Playfulness Very playful
  • With strangers Warms up
  • Territorial Somewhat
  • Prey drive High

Family & other pets

  • Young children Good
  • Older children Good
  • Other dogs Sociable
  • Cats Needs care

Energy & exercise

  • Energy Very high
  • Mental stimulation High

Training

  • Trainability Quick to learn
  • Intelligence Very bright
  • Stubbornness Stubborn

Care & upkeep

  • Shedding Heavy
  • Drooling Some
  • Barking Vocal

Home life

  • Apartment living Needs real space
  • Time alone Short periods
  • Cold weather Comfortable
  • Warm weather Average

A good match for

  • First-time owners Manageable
  • Senior owners Suitable
  • Running partner Excellent
  • Hiking Excellent
  • Therapy work Possible
  • Guarding Low

Living with a Gordon Setter

Temperament & Family Fit

The Gordon Setter is a loving and affectionate breed that thrives on family interaction and companionship. Known for their friendly disposition, they typically get along well with young kids and other dogs, making them a wonderful family pet. However, they can be somewhat reserved around cats, so early socialization is key if you have felines at home.

Energy & Exercise

This breed has a moderate energy level, which means they enjoy daily exercise but also appreciate some downtime cuddling on the couch. Regular walks, playtime in the yard, and interactive games will keep your Gordon Setter happy and healthy. Without sufficient activity, they may show their face by barking out of boredom, so stay active together for a well-rounded lifestyle.

Care & Grooming

Gordon Setters have a beautiful, silky coat that requires weekly grooming to manage shedding and keep it looking its best. Regular brushing helps reduce loose hair around your home and keeps their coat shiny. Overall, this breed does well with a bit of attention and is usually more than happy to sit still for some quality grooming time.

Training Notes

With a good level of trainability, Gordon Setters respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. They are intelligent and eager to please which makes training sessions enjoyable for both of you. Consistency and patience will be your best allies as they learn commands and develop good manners, turning them into the perfect companion in Furrylicious®.

Caring for a Gordon Setter

Grooming
Weekly brushing
Grooming cost
Average
Monthly food
Average
Outdoor space
A yard is recommended
Allergy friendly
Not considered hypoallergenic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperament of a Gordon Setter?

Gordon Setters are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. They thrive on human companionship and often enjoy being involved in family activities. Their loving disposition makes them great companions for families with kids and other dogs.

How much exercise do Gordon Setters need?

Gordon Setters are energetic dogs and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and activities like fetch are essential to meet their energy levels. Engaging them in activities will help prevent boredom and promote a well-behaved pet.

Are Gordon Setters good with children?

Yes, Gordon Setters generally get along very well with young kids. Their playful and gentle nature makes them great playmates for children. However, supervision is always a good idea to ensure safe interactions between dogs and kids.

How often do Gordon Setters need grooming?

Gordon Setters have a beautiful coat that requires grooming once a week to keep it tidy and healthy. Regular brushing will help reduce shedding and prevent mats. Additionally, keeping up with their grooming routine supports their overall well-being.

Are Gordon Setters suitable for apartment living?

Gordon Setters are not the best choice for apartment living due to their size and energy needs. They thrive in homes with ample space and a yard to run and play. If you live in a smaller space like an apartment, be prepared to provide frequent and vigorous outdoor exercise.

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