GORDON SETTER

Temperament: Affectionate, Confident, Bold

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 115 of 197

Height: 24-27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)

Weight: 55-80 pounds (male), 45-70 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-13 years

Group: Sporting Group

ABOUT THE GORDON SETTER

“Brains, beauty, and bird sense” is a phrase often applied to the Gordon Setter. If you’ve ever had the privilege of seeing the breed in the field, you understand why. In art, he’s often depicted as scouring the moors for a pheasant or other bird, and in life he does the same, pretty as a picture with his long, soft, straight black and tan coat, feathered tail, and noble, dignified stance.

The Gordon is the largest of all Setters. He’s an active, well-muscled dog capable of working but who would also remain a puppy for his entire life if he could. Gordons are known for maturing late and tend to remain young at heart. The breed is intelligent, gentle, and loyal.

PERSONALITY

The loyal Gordon Setter is intensely devoted to his family but wary of strangers, characteristics that make him an excellent watchdog. He’s mannerly and eager to please, but like any dog he’ll take advantage of lax leadership and can become dominant, wilfull, and stubborn if not provided with firm, fair, consistent training. A Gordon Setter expert once wrote of the breed that if he acts sorry for a misdeed, he’s probably more sorry that he got caught than that he misbehaved. In the field or in any competitive situation, he’s alert, fearless, intelligent, and capable. He’s a personal hunting dog, in the sense that he works nearby rather than ranging far afield. Gordons aren’t fast, but they have a lot of stamina.

NUTRITION

Feeding the Gordon Setter a diet high in protein (over 26 percent) is not recommended, as health issues can result by forcing rapid growth. Fiber content of at least four percent is best to ensure firm stool. Feed high-quality dry dog food, wet food, and, if desired, small amounts of healthy additives such as chicken and salmon, fruits, and cooked, fresh vegetables, provided they are listed as safe foods on the AKC website. Sodium can be dangerous—always feed “no salt.” Gordons should be lean, not overweight, so that a clearly defined “waist” can be seen. Bloat can be a risk in the breed, and owners should never exercise the dog one-half hour before or after feeding. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

HEALTH

They’re prone to certain diseases and conditions:

Hip Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia

Hypothyroidism

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus

CARE

Gordons were bred to be personal hunting dogs, and they also served as nannies. They live to be cuddling by your side or at your feet, as well as running in a field. Their genetic makeup calls for them to have a drive to run, so they do need exercise. They can live in an apartment but if so, they need daily exercise, which can be met by walking, jogging, or biking with the dog. If they have a yard in which to run, they will self-exercise, though a Gordon will always be happiest doing something with their bonded owner. Being with their owner is what they live to do. Caution: To prevent bloat, never exercise the dog one-half hour before or one-half hour after feeding.

GROOMING

Brushing at least weekly is essential to prevent matting. Shedding is minimal if the dog is brushed regularly. Monthly grooming recommended for health includes trimming the hair on the feet, trimming the nails, trimming inside and around the ears, trimming around the vent/tail area, and checking the teeth for plaque. Bathing monthly is recommended. Dry skin and dandruff can be prevented with bathing and conditioning.

Source: dogtime, akc.