Gordon Setter

Black and Tan Setter
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Face-On View
3/4 View
Sideways View
Standing View

Summary

  • The Gordon Setter is a Scottish breed developed for bird hunting, known for its black and tan coat, loyal and gentle temperament, and high exercise needs. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them good companions when properly trained.

Origin and Purpose

  • Developed in Scotland in the early 19th century
  • Originally bred for bird hunting

Appearance

Dimensions

GenderHeightWeight
Female23-26 inches45-70 pounds
Male24-27 inches55-80 pounds

Coat

AttributeNotes
Color
  • Black with tan markings on legs, chest, and muzzle
Type
  • Straight or slightly waved
Length
  • Medium

Care

AttributeNotes
Shedding
  • Moderate
Grooming
  • Weekly brushing, occasional trimming
Drooling
  • Low

Body

AttributeNotes
Head
  • Deep, moderately wide
Skull
  • Slightly rounded
Ears
  • Set low, thin and rather large and hanging close to head
Eyes
  • Dark brown, bright, intelligent
Nose
  • Black, with wide open nostrils
Muzzle
  • Long and moderately square
Teeth
  • Scissor bite
Neck
  • Long, strong and slightly arched
Forequarters
  • Shoulders sloping, well-laid back
Fore Legs
  • Straight and muscular with good bone
Hindquarters
  • Broad and well developed
Hind Legs
  • Well-angulated
Feet
  • Round and compact, with arched toes
Tail
  • Short and not reaching hocks
Gait
  • Free, graceful, and powerful

Temperament

  • Loyal
  • Intelligent
  • Eager to please
  • Gentle
  • Courageous
  • Self-confident
  • Can be sensitive

Social

AttributeNotes
Affectionate with Family
  • Very affectionate
Good with Children
  • Generally good, but may require supervision due to size and energy
Good with Dogs
  • Good with other dogs, especially when socialized early
Good with Cats
  • May be good with cats if raised together, otherwise supervision needed
Openness to Strangers
  • Can be reserved or aloof with strangers
Playfulness Level
  • Moderate
Protective Nature
  • Not overly protective
Adaptability Level
  • Moderate

Working Roles

  • Bird hunting
  • Field trials
  • Companion dog

Exercise Needs

  • High
  • Needs daily exercise, such as walks, runs, or playtime
  • Prefers to spend time with their family

Health

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)

Additional Notes

  • Requires consistent training and socialization
  • Can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods

References