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Gordon setter

The Gordon Setter is the largest and heaviest of the setters, developed at Gordon Castle in Scotland and always black with rich tan markings.

It works more slowly and thoroughly than the other setters, covering less ground but missing less.

It stands 58 to 69 centimetres, weighs 20 to 36 kilograms and lives ten to twelve years, with a long silky coat and heavy feathering. Temperament is loyal, steady and rather more reserved with strangers than an Irish or English Setter, and Gordons are slow to mature — often not really adult until three. Several inherited conditions are worth asking about, two of them testable.

Origin
Gordon Castle, Scotland; the heaviest setter
Size
58–69 cm; 20–36 kg
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Long, silky, black and tan with heavy feathering
Temperament
Loyal and steady; reserved with strangers; slow to mature
Health
PRA and cerebellar abiotrophy — testable; hip dysplasia, bloat

Related: English setter · Irish red and white setter · Irish setter

2 gordon setter photos, newest first

Gordon setter feed
  • Dandelion, a gordon setter

    Dandelion

    Dandelion was promoted to lifeguard supervising a paddling pool for rubber ducks; unfortunately, a tiny red carpet refuses to lie flat.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Dandelion, a gordon setter

    Dandelion

    This is Dandelion at maximum enthusiasm.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a gordon setter

Ask for the PRA and cerebellar abiotrophy DNA tests. Cerebellar abiotrophy causes progressive loss of coordination in young dogs and is specific enough to warrant testing in this breed.

Ask for hip and elbow scores.

Deep chest means bloat risk: unproductive retching, a distended abdomen and restlessness are an emergency needing surgery within hours.

The feathering mats behind the ears, on the legs and under the tail. Brush several times a week and trim lightly.

They need serious exercise — an hour or more — and they mature slowly, so expect adolescence to last. Ears need weekly cleaning.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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