Gordon Setter

Also called Black and Tan Setter

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From Scotland, at Gordon Castle near Fochabers, home of the Duke of Gordon.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male25 to 36 kg3 4 1

Weight, female20 to 32 kg3 4 1

Height, male61 to 69 cm1 3

Height, female58 to 66 cm1 3

Lifespan10 to 15 years4 1

Sizelarge

FCI and Purina UK give about 29.5 kg for males and 25.5 kg for females; Wikipedia gives 25-36 kg and 20-32 kg.

loyal and affectionate

bold, tireless bird dog

intelligent and dignified

3 5 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

feathered medium coat

Short, fine hair on the head and fronts of the legs, with a flat, moderately long, glossy coat elsewhere and silky feathering on the ears, legs and belly. It is the heaviest and sturdiest of the setters.3 1 2

Coloursblack and tan (deep black with chestnut markings)3

Personality what they are like

Bold and determined in the field and gentle and loving at home. Gordons are intelligent, dignified and kindly, form deep bonds with their family, and can take a little time to warm up to strangers. Youngsters are lively and mature slowly.3 5 1 4

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. The RKC advises more than two hours a day, including free running in safe areas, whatever the weather. Scenting and retrieving games suit it well.2 4 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush and comb at least twice a week to keep feathering tangle free, check and clean the ears and look over the paws regularly.4 2

Home where they are happiest

Best in the country with a large, secure garden.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced commercial or vet-guided diet suited to the dog's size, age and activity level, with portions adjusted to keep a lean, athletic shape and fresh water always available.

Company who they like around

Family oriented and happiest with active owners who include it in daily life; patient, positive training works best for this sensitive breed.2 4

The story where it all began

Scottish setting dogs were used for centuries, and Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon (1743-1827), kept a famous kennel at Gordon Castle. His dogs came in several colours, but the black and tan type became fixed later through show breeding. Gordons reached the USA in 1842, and the breed took its current name in 1924.1 2 4

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is the heaviest of the setter breeds.2
2
The Duke of Gordon cared more about working ability than looks, and his early dogs were not all black and tan.4
3
The first two Gordons in America, Rake and Rachel, arrived in 1842.1
4
Only two Gordon Setters are recorded as achieving Dual Champion status (show and field trial).1

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 6, Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 2.2 British and Irish Pointers and Setters. Standard published 4 April 2016.3
The Royal Kennel Club: Gundog group; listed as a vulnerable native breed. The name Gordon Setter was adopted in 1924.2
AKC: Sporting Group; recognised in 1892.1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Gordon Setter. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Start a free diary

English Setter

Irish Red Setter

Irish Red and White Setter

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

Gordon Setter, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, AKC, height, weight, lifespan, history, fun facts
The Royal Kennel Club, Gordon Setter royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, exercise, grooming, living needs, history
FCI Standard No. 6, Gordon Setter fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colour, temperament
Purina UK, Gordon Setter purina.co.ukused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, fun facts
AKC, Gordon Setter akc.orgused for temperament

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.