What is a Gordon Setter?

The Gordon Setter was first bred in Scotland as an upland game hunting companion.  It is different from its Irish Setter and English Setter cousins in some significant ways. The Gordon Setter is smaller in height then any of the other Setters standing between 23-27 inches to the shoulder (with some variation).  Although they are the smallest in height of the Setters, they are the heaviest with larger bones than their more elegant relatives. The Gordon is black with tan markings, with moderate to heavy coat, a soft gaze and a wagging tail.

The temperament of the Gordon Setter is usually friendly, eager to please and loyal to their family members.  They   can be softer in temperament than the other Setters.  The Gordon is generally a “family” dog, preferring to live indoors with the family versus outdoors with the other dogs.  They will follow you around and lay in your lap if allowed.  They are less independent than the Irish and English Setters.  Gordons also remain puppy-like until they are between 3-4 years old.  They can be mischievous and many of them have a charming way of woo-wooing to communicate with you! In general, Gordons  like children and other dogs although they may play a bit rough due to their size.  They need a fair amount of daily exercise but are  happy with a romp in the park or a walk in the neighborhood.

As a  hunting companion, they work best for their own family members.  Because of this trait, some professional trainers hesitate to take on the  field training of a Gordon.  They  must spend extra time developing a relationship of trust with this breed rather than being a breed that will work for anyone who asks like a Labrador Retriever.

As for  other dog sports, Gordons should be trained with a soft hand.  They respond best to positive reinforcement and may quit if pushed too hard or too fast.   There are currently Gordons Setters competing  successfully in many of the performance sports i.e. Obedience, Rally and Agility.  They also do well in Nosework.  Gordon Setters are willing workers when you approach them with respect and consistency.  They are sometimes referred to as stubborn but that is usually the result of asking too much too fast or not giving proper positive feedback for the correct response to your cues.

If you are looking for a medium/large size dog who will be at your side (or under your feet) whenever possible, who is generally a friendly and happy dog, who prefers to live inside your house and who needs a moderate amount of daily exercise, then a Gordon may be right for your family. However,   if  you are a  person who wants a dog who will be happy staying home alone and/or outdoors and you don’t really have time to give a moderate amount of exercise and attention every day, than a Gordon probably is not a good fit.