Gordon Setter
The black-and-tan Scottish setter. Strikingly beautiful, deeply loyal, and an absolute slave to its nose.
Do Gordon Setters shed?
Gordon Setters shed a moderate amount — noticeable but manageable with regular brushing. Expect heavier shedding in spring and autumn as they blow their coat. A weekly brush reduces the hair in your home significantly. Not the breed for anyone with severe allergies, but most people manage fine.
Are Gordon Setters good with kids?
Yes — Gordon Setters are generally good with children. They tend to be loyal and intelligent, which makes them a natural fit for busy family life. Always supervise any dog around young children, regardless of breed. Their high energy actually works in their favour here — they can keep up with kids for hours.
Are Gordon Setters good with cats?
Gordon Setters can get along well with cats, especially if raised together from puppyhood. Their loyal nature means they're generally not fixated on chasing. Introduce them slowly — keep the cat's exit routes open and never force interaction. Most Gordon Setters and cats eventually settle into an easy coexistence, sometimes even becoming friends.
Are Gordon Setters easy to train?
Gordon Setters are easy to train — one of the best breeds for first-time owners in this respect. They respond well to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play) and pick up new commands quickly. Their intelligence means they get bored with repetitive drills — keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and varied. Basic commands like sit, stay, and recall can usually be taught within weeks. The bigger challenge is maintaining consistency, not the dog's ability to learn.
Do Gordon Setters bark a lot?
Gordon Setters bark at a moderate level — they'll alert you to strangers or unusual sounds, but won't bark continuously for no reason. Separation anxiety can increase barking in any breed. If left alone too long, a Gordon Setter may become vocal — something to factor in if you work long hours. With consistent training ("quiet" command + reward), most Gordon Setters can be taught when barking is and isn't appropriate.
Are Gordon Setters hypoallergenic?
No — Gordon Setters are not hypoallergenic. They shed medium amounts of hair and dander, which is the main allergen trigger for most people. If allergies are a dealbreaker, consider a Poodle, Bichon Frise, or a Poodle-cross (Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle) instead — all produce much less dander.
How much exercise does a Gordon Setter need?
Gordon Setters need 90–120+ min/day of exercise daily. This is a highly active breed — one short walk won't cut it. They need sustained, vigorous exercise. Without it, expect destructive behaviour, hyperactivity at home, and a generally miserable dog. Running, hiking, fetch, swimming, agility — this breed is up for all of it.
Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Gordon Setter with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.
Gordon Setter health problems
Like all breeds, Gordon Setters are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.
- Hip dysplasia. Common in larger breeds, causes arthritis and mobility issues. Check parents have been hip-scored.
- Elbow dysplasia. Similar to hip dysplasia, affects the front legs.
- Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
- Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.
How long do Gordon Setters live?
Gordon Setters typically live 10–12 years. This is fairly typical for a large-sized breed.
Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Gordon Setter at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.
How much does a Gordon Setter cost in the UK?
A Gordon Setter puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £700–£1 800.
If you see a Gordon Setter puppy advertised for significantly less than £700, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.
The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:
- Vaccinations: ~£80–120
- Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
- Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
- Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
- Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
- Pet insurance: £30–£65/month (see below)
- Routine vet visits: £50–200/year
Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.
Gordon Setter pet insurance
Pet insurance for a Gordon Setter in the UK typically costs £30–£65/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.
Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.
Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.
Questions about Gordon Setters
Detailed answers to the most common questions about the breed
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