The Gordon Setter is one of those dogs that most folks will call a really “good-looking” dog or a “handsome” dog. This is because these guys are pretty handsome and look like they have a “purpose” beyond just looking good! And while this might sound a bit “biased,” we here at IndulgeYourPet are OK with that because, we don’t mind admitting it, we are a BIG fan of the Gordon Setter Dog breed.
But just because…
We here at IndulgeYourPet think that the Gordon Setter is a great dog breed, but that doesn’t mean that one of these guys will be a good “fit” for you and your family. This is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss what it might be like to own a Gordon Stetter so that if you’re ever allowed to own one of these fantastic creatures, you’ll know for sure if it’s a good idea.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Gordon Setter Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Scotland
Original Purpose: Bird setting and retrieving
Height: 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 45 to 80 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Dog Breed Classification: Sporting Group
Gordon Setter Origin
The Gordon Setter is a Scottish breed that is a descendant of black and tan setters that date back to the early 1600s. What set the Gordon Setter apart from his earlier ancestors is that the fourth Duke of Gordon explicitly developed him in the late 1700s to 1700s a more “refined” “reed. C” rated from a strain known as the Gordo Castle Setters, the nobility regarded these dogs well for their athleticism, stamina, and responsiveness to commands, which is probably why they still exist today.
Gordon Setters in America
The Gordon Setter’s popularity was not only limited to Scottish dog enthusiasts because once these guys made it to America in the mid-1800s, they quickly appreciated for their talents and good looks, which is probably why the American Kennel Club (AKC) chose to “officially” recognize”the breed so soon after their arrival. Today, the Gordon Setter remains a favorite among bird hunters throughout the United States even though they may lack some of the speed and “pizzazz” of to” er more”common “retrievers.”
Physical Characteristics
The Gordon Setter is the biggest of all setter breeds. Weighing in between 45-80 pounds and can reach a height of 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder level. You should know that there is a lot of fluctuation in weight between different Gordon Setters, so there is no way to tell how much your dog will weigh; this is why we always suggest that folks assume that he will be rather significant.
These guys are also…
He is supremely athletic and performs well in all field trials. He is a muscular, robust, good-looking dog with a long, distinctive, shiny, silky black and tan coat.
What about the grooming?
The Gordon has a long, thick coat, so you will need to give him a brush every 2 or 3 days to untangle the mats and tangles. It would be best to bathe him every six weeks or whenever he is covered in dirt or grime. Trimming the nails is essential, as is brushing his teeth and cleaning his ears. That helps prevent any infection from spreading.
Temperament and Personality
The Gordon Setter is a temperamentally very mild-mannered dog. He is not aggressive, and you don’t get incessant barking with him, as you might have done in some other dogs. He should, however, get his daily exercise; otherwise, he can get quite restless. He is an ideal pet for those who go out walking or running every morning or want to lose weight. He is an energetic dog, making you run or walk briskly alongside him.
And as we already…
MThe Gordon Setter is excellent at dog sports such as obedience, agility, rally, and tracking. This is probably because he is naturally alert, sharp, and always on his guard. These traits will help make him a perfect watchdog or guard dog for any family, letting you know when someone is approaching. These guys are also brilliant and easy to train. He is responsive to your commands. However, he is a very social dog and hates being alone alone in the backyard. He wants to be with your family. He wants to be around the house as you do your daily routine.
Which is probably…
The only negative we can come up with regards to this breed. Because if you’re looking for a dog that will want to sit around the house all day by himself, well then… We can tell you that a Gordon Setter isn’t a good fit for you!
Potential Health Concerns
Gordon is a very healthy dog, but as a purebred dog, he is susceptible to specific genetic conditions and other health disorders such as…
- Entropion,
- Elbow dysplasia,
- Hip dysplasia,
- Gastric dilatation volvulus (Bloat),
- Follicular dysplasia,
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
He is also prone to eye diseases such as cataracts, which are pretty familiar with dogs as they age, which is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more on “smart” and “won’t,” feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
