Only a small number of dog breeds are loved by everyone for their friendliness, beauty, confidence, and bravery. The Gordon Setter is one example of such a dog. This breed was made in Great Britain in the 1600s so that it could be used to set and retrieve birds. Today, hunters and other sportsmen still choose this breed as the Gordon Setter temperament is really amazing.Â
In this work, Gordon Setter’s temperament, personality, and general appearance are all broken down and looked at. We will go over the setter’s basic care, such as bathing, exercising, and eating. As we go along, we hope that you will finish this article with a deeper knowledge (and admiration) of this extraordinary breed.
History of the Gordon Setter
Canines like the Black and Tan Collie, Bloodhound, and Pointer were bred in the 1600s specifically for the task of setting and recovering birds. The fourth Duke of Gordon, Alexander Gordon, is widely considered the founder of the Gordon Setter breed. He wanted an “all-around” hunting dog that could join him on a variety of hunting trips. The Gordon Setter we today are familiar with is the product of his efforts; it is a very intelligent and skilled hunter, retriever, herder, and tracker.
Even though the Gordon Setter may be traced back to the 1600s, it was only in 1872 that this distinct breed was recognized. The Black and Tan Setter first gained widespread attention after being recognized as a distinct “breed” by the British Kennel Club. The breed’s popularity skyrocketed in the United States in the late 1800s when the American Kennel Club (AKC) first recognized it.
However, in 1892, the AKC renamed the Black and Tan Setter to “Gordon Setter” in an effort to better reflect the breed’s connection to Gordon Castle. Nonetheless, the AKC didn’t formally recognize Gordon Setter until January of 1924.
Gordon Setter’s Appearance and Characteristics
- Weight ranges from 55–80 lb. for males, 45–70 lb. for females
- Height ranges from 24–27 inches (males); 23–26 inches (females)
Gordon Setter Temperament
The Gordon Setter is known for its calm and stately demeanor. It is funny, stubborn, and demanding, but it is also loyal, independent, affectionate, interested, confident, and sensitive. Those kinds of canine prefer to be with their human family as it often suffers from anxiety when left alone. It bonds intensely with one person and keeps a watchful eye out for intruders, but it also has a high prey drive and is known to be aggressive toward other pets.
General Characteristics
Rating of Energy: 3.5/5.0
Wanting to Get Moving: 4/5
Level of Levity: 3/5
Rating of Owner-Related Affection: 4/5
Animal Compatibility: 3 out of 5
The difficulty of Training: 2 out of 5
Haircut Rating: 3 out of 5
☑️ Note: (1) One point is the least favorable, and (5) five is the most favorable.
Gordon Setter Temperament: Ease of Training
This kind of dog is exceptionally bright, and it can be taught anything with time and persistence. Some dog owners say that their dogs don’t want to learn new commands, but this is probably because their standards are too high. Start puppy training sessions as early as your new addition is old enough. They gain experience working with others and get a sense of what it’s like to be a student.Â
It’s important to keep up with your training regimen at home, even if it’s just for quick bursts. When the dog is between 18 and 24 months old, it is old enough to begin formal training, such as learning to reliably come when called when off leash and going to heel.
Gordon Setter Temperament: Protection
Unfortunately, I don’t think this cute and sociable canine is much of a guard dog. Home is where they feel most relaxed, so they don’t keep a sharp eye out or defend their territory. They don’t view outsiders with suspicion either. They’d rather give an intruder a lick and wag their tail than bark at them. A different breed would be more suited to providing the added security you seek at home.
Gordon Setter Temperament: Grooming
The long, glossy coat of a Gordon Setter might matter if it isn’t brushed at least once per week. A pin brush or gentle slicker brushing through the coat every few days is recommended. Although Gordon sheds seasonally, you may reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your couch and clothes by brushing him frequently.
Every day, you should brush your dog’s teeth using dog toothpaste, not human toothpaste. In this case, a gentle, travel-sized toothbrush is ideal. Your puppy will grow up to accept the daily routine of a quick brushing if you start while they are young. Check for redness, swelling, and a foul odor in your ears once a week to be sure there isn’t an infection. Check for any splits or cracks on the Setter’s claws once a month. And if you find any, trim them.
Importance of Health Factors
In spite of this breed’s usually good health, bloat, also known as stomach torsion, is a serious threat. Dogs should eat from a bowl that keeps them from gulping, and they shouldn’t be active within 30 minutes before or after they eat. Those screenings below are highly recommended by the National Breed Club:
- Dysplasia of the hip
- Dysplasia of the elbow
- Eye problems
- PRA Optygen Genotyping
Is a Gordon Setter Right for My Home?
Owners who can give their full attention to the Gordon Setter are the best fit for this smart and active dog. These dogs build strong attachments to their human families and suffer greatly when abandoned. These canines are perfect for people who spend most of their time at home, such as those who work from home.
Is the Gordon Setter a Good Family dog?
Definitely! The Gordon Setter is a breed that gets along great with kids of all ages due to its high level of affection and love. The Gordon Setter often develops a fierce protective instinct toward its human family’s offspring. Also, they have a high tolerance for roughhousing and “teasing” from younger children, and when they’ve had enough, they just “walk away”.
On the other hand, due to their larger size, this breed is not ideal around young children for fear of knocking them over. But people who want to get a dog should remember that all dogs need constant adult supervision around children. This goes a long way toward keeping your dog and kids from getting into dangerous situations by making sure they behave properly around each other.
Parents should not only keep an eye on their children around dogs in the house but also instruct them on how to approach and pet dogs at a young age. Never approach a dog when it is eating (or sleeping) or if it is biting, and never pull its tail or ears.
Three Advantages and Disadvantages of Having Gordon Setters
Owning a dog entails some perks and drawbacks. And, having a Gorden Setter is not an exclusion.
✅Advantages:
The character that stays the same: These dogs can be used for both hunting and as pets at home. It can be relied on and is reasonably prudent in any social setting.
Great Learner: The earlier you start training this dog, the more likely it is to retain its training. It thrives when given a specific mission to complete.
Watchdog: This type of dog is the most vigilant of the setters; they are wary of outsiders and make excellent trackers, guards, and watchdogs because of this.
❎Disadvantages:
Demanding: Keeping up with an energetic dog requires dedication to your own busy schedule. Gordon Setter is an avid runner. Because they are so active, dogs of this breed have a lot of trouble being alone and need a lot of exercises every day.
Exuberant jumping is also displayed, especially during the beginning of puppyhood. You should get a smaller or less active dog if you can’t give it the attention and exercise it needs.
The instinct to hunt and feel envy: There is typically only one person the Gordon Setter bonds with deeply. When it comes to other pets, it may be quite possessive, and it may even attack unfamiliar dogs out of jealousy. The setter’s natural predilection for hunting prey makes it dangerous to have tiny pets in the same space as it.
Petting: The Gordon Setter’s coat, which is usually long and silky, requires frequent brushing and bathing. Although this will help reduce shedding, the dog is still only moderately hypoallergenic, so it’s not a good choice for anyone with severe allergies.
Which Environment Suits a Gordon Setter Best?
When thinking about getting a Gordon Setter, prospective owners should keep a few things in mind. Adopting a pet is a serious commitment that should be given high priority. In reality, one of the main reasons people give up their pets (globally) is that they aren’t ready for the challenges of owning a dog or puppy.Â
Gordon Setter’s primary wants and needs are summarized briefly here. Males of this breed weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, so people who want to buy one should know that they are best suited for more rural and peaceful settings. For this reason, the Gordon Setter is best suited to rural settings or households with vast yards that can be safely fenced in.Â
Though the Gordon Setter can make a good life in a city environment (including a townhouse, condo, or apartment), regular, vigorous exercise is essential for the breed’s health and happiness. Living in the city is not ideal. While it is certainly possible to meet these requirements in an urban dwelling, doing so necessitates a level of ingenuity (and effort) on the part of the owner. Long-term fitness enthusiasts may find that approach untenable.
Is the Gordon Setter a Good Guard Dog?
No. In spite of their size, Gordon Setters aren’t great guard dogs because they warm up to people quickly and aren’t very suspicious of them. But it’s important to note that Gordon Setters are very alert and will tell their owners about even the smallest noise or change in the neighborhood. So, they are a great choice for keeping an eye on things. Protective dog breeds, on the other hand, are ideal for their owners.
Gordon Setter as a Working Dog
No, not at all! In most cases, dogs of this breed are not chosen to serve as support animals. The phrase “service dog” is widely used in the U.S. to refer to any canine trained to help persons with impairments. Some of these disabilities are blindness, deafness, mental illness, seizure disorder, limited mobility, and diabetes, but that’s not all of them. As a breed, Gordon Setters aren’t ideal for working roles.
How To Take Care of Gordon Setters?
The Gordon Setter, like many dog breeds, has specific veterinary care requirements. Anyone who wants to own a Gordon Setter would do well to learn about what makes the breed unique. If you’re concerned about your dog’s temperament, it’s better to choose one from a reputable breeder or rescue organization, either as a puppy or an adult. The costs of taking care of your Gordon Setter go far beyond what you paid for him or her when you bought or adopted him or her.
Gordon Setter Maintenance and Grooming
Gordon Setter’s coat is not short but rather of varying lengths. Its coat is instead composed of smooth or natural curls, with longer strands. It is where the animal needs them most (legs, tail, underbelly, chest, and ears) and shorter strands elsewhere. Not only does it shed somewhat, but it also isn’t hypoallergenic.Â
Because of this, it needs to be brushed once a week to three times a week. Bathing once a week to once every six weeks is also a must, on average. Not only should toenails be trimmed. But the hair on the animal’s feet and in between its toes should also be shaved. To get the breed-standard look you want, you’ll need a variety of scissors and brushes.
Use a set of straight shears, thinned shears, or a moderate comb. You can also use a dryer brush, and a metal pin brush to detangle your Gordon Setter’s coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Gordon Setter, how much does he cost?
The going value of a Gordon Setter from a pet shop is $1,225, with the median price being $750. Having breeding rights and being shown quality will increase the price significantly. Puppies of the Gordon Setter breed can be found for $950–$1,500. No matter how old a dog is, the adoption fee from a rescue group stays the same.
Q: How shrewd are Gordon Setters, exactly?
Extremely bright. With a maximum score of 5, I’d give it a 4. In addition to being highly perceptive, it has excellent intuition.
Q: When and why do Gordon Setters shed their coats?
Typically, canines will shed their coats in the early and late seasons. Even though Gordon Setters don’t shed too much, they may shed more than usual. This is more likely true if their fur is dead or worn. And it is true if it gets warmer, or if they don’t get regular grooming.
Q: How long do Gordon Setters typically live?
A healthy Gordon Setter should live for at least 10 years.
Summing Up
In conclusion, the Gordon Setter is a unique animal that is known for being friendly and always doing something. Even though the breed is prone to a number of bad habits like jumping, separation anxiety, and being too stubborn, the breed’s owners may have a hard time finding another dog as loyal and devoted to the people in their home.
The Gordon Setter will continue to be a popular choice for families and breeders because of these things. It is one of the best dog breeds to have as a friend. Your expectations will not be disappointing..
