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  1. Home
  2. /Breeds
  3. /Gordon Setter
Gordon Setter photo

Gordon Setter

The largest and most powerful of the setter breeds, with a striking black and tan coat. Gordon Setters are devoted, confident bird dogs that bond deeply with their owners and need vigorous daily exercise.

largeSportingScotlandloyalconfidentdevotedathletic

Quick Stats

Weight

25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)

Height

58–69 cm (23–27 in)

Lifespan

12–13 years

Coat Type

long

AKC Popularity

#98

Good For

Active Lifestyles, rural-living, experienced-owners

Breed Ratings

Personality

Intelligence
4/5
Trainability
4/5
Playfulness
4/5
Energy Level
4/5

Social

Good with Kids
4/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
Good with Strangers
3/5

Lifestyle

Apartment Friendly
1/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Watchdog Ability
3/5
Barking Level
3/5

Care

Shedding
3/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
Health Robustness
3/5

Cost of Ownership

Purchase Price

$1,000–$2,500

Monthly Food

$60

Annual Vet

$500

Annual Grooming

$200

Est. First Year Total

~$3,170

Est. Annual Total

~$1,420

See full cost breakdown with interactive calculator →

Looking for Gordon Setter name ideas?

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Common Health Issues

hip dysplasiabloatprogressive retinal atrophyhypothyroidism

Health robustness rating: 3/5. Gordon Setters have average health. Regular vet visits and a healthy diet help prevent common issues.

Compare Gordon Setter with Other Breeds

Gordon Setter vs French Bulldog

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Gordon Setter vs Labrador Retriever

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Gordon Setter vs Golden Retriever

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Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd

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Gordon Setter vs Poodle

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Gordon Setter vs Bulldog

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Gordon Setter cost?

A Gordon Setter puppy typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The estimated first-year cost including food, vet visits, and grooming is around $3,170, with ongoing annual costs of approximately $1,420.

How long do Gordon Setters live?

Gordon Setters have an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years. Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism.

Are Gordon Setters good with kids?

Gordon Setters score 4/5 for being good with children. They are generally excellent family dogs and get along well with children of all ages.

Do Gordon Setters shed a lot?

Gordon Setters have a shedding level of 3/5. They shed moderately and benefit from regular brushing.

Are Gordon Setters good for apartments?

Gordon Setters score 1/5 for apartment friendliness. They are better suited to homes with yards and ample space to move around.