Dog class - Sporting
Average height - 23 to 27 inches
Average weight - 45 to 80 pounds
Size - Medium to large, lean but sturdy
Coat - Long silky wavy hair, shorter on field strains, longer and thicker on show strains
Average life span - 12 to 13 years

The Gordon Setter stands between 23-27 inches and can range from 45 to 80 pounds. The coat may be wavy or straight with the hair on their chest, stomach, legs and tail being longer. The coat should be brushed and combed twice a week. The markings are a black coat with tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, chest, legs, feet and on the underside of the tail. Sometimes there are narrow black stripes on their toes and occasionally some white on the chest. The ears will hang down. The average life span is 12 years.

This is a handsome, stylish dog with a beautiful running gait and flowing coat.

The Gordon Setter was originally bred in Scotland by the Duke of Gordon.. The dog was bred to freeze into a point when it smelled a hiding bird and then to retrieve the bird after it had been shot. The first Gordon Setters were imported to the U.S. by Daniel Webster.

This is a good dog to have in the country or suburban areas, places where you and the dog can get a lot of exercise. Gordon setters Gordon setters are energetic dogs that like to cover a lot of territory, and have tremendous stamina. They are great companions for running, roller blading and bicycling. When Bicycling, you must have a Springer or other device that attaches to your bicycle and your dog. This device will keep you and your dog safe, since he can't run away, pull you over or get tangled in the bike.

Of the three types of setters Gordon Setters are the most serious and sensible. They are an energetic breed that should be in areas where you can run with them. They form a strong bond with their owners, and are very affectionate, strong and have a lot of stamina. This breed has a good hunting ""bird sense"" and has an intelligence running to the higher end of the scale.

Gordons are very beautiful dogs and are quite fun-loving. They are good with children, especially if they have been raised with them. This breed is affectionate, clowning, fun-loving, and make good family dogs. If you like to run on a daily basis, you couldn't have a better running companion than a Gordon.

This breed is prone to hip dysplasia and may be slow to mature.

Gordon Setter's are demanding of your attention and may be jealous of other pets. Gordons often require a lot of attention, and don't do well if left home alone for long periods of time. They must be close to the family, and would not be happy if left outside, away from the family. Although many are sociable with strangers, some can also be reserved and protective when around them. This breed can also be dominant or even aggressive around unknown dogs, although aggression is less usual. They are often stubborn and will need early, firm and consistent obedience training. They are sensitive dogs and work best with positive training methods. Gordons are especially active and slow to mature for the first 2-3 years of their lives. During this time they can be exasperating and stubborn. Luckily they are usually so affectionate that those "wild teenage years" can be forgiven. Because they are a high energy breed with a lot of stamina, they need a great amount of exercise, otherwise they could become destructive. This breed is quite intelligent and so will pick up bad habits somewhat easily and can be slow to lose them. Be aware: a good Gordon is an affectionate, loyal and active dog that should not show signs of aggression. In a couple Gordon lines, a few owners are starting to report signs of aggression towards the owners or other humans. Question the breeders carefully and ask to talk to the owners of other dogs they have sold before you buy a Gordon to minimize the chances of buying an aggressive dog.

Further Gordon Setter Dog Resources