How does the Gordon Setter work in the field?
The Gordon setter is the heaviest setter, a Scottish bird dog with great stamina. It quarters the moor methodically and holds a firm point.
The Gordon setter is the heaviest of the setter breeds, black and tan, and it was developed in Scotland, where it remains closely associated with the grouse moor. It quarters open ground methodically, with great stamina rather than outright speed, and holds a firm point when it finds birds. Like other setters, it is not normally expected to retrieve. Many shooting people value Gordons for their endurance and steadiness over a long day on the hill. Working-bred Gordons are uncommon compared with show lines, so look for parents with field trial or moor experience, and ask the breeder how they are used.
What is the Gordon Setter like to live and work with?
Loyal, affectionate and confident, and often more reserved with strangers than other setters. It can be stubborn.
Gordon setters are loyal, affectionate and confident, with a dignified manner. They are devoted to their family and can be more reserved with strangers than other setters, and some are protective. They are intelligent but can be stubborn, so firm, fair and patient handling works best. They mature slowly and keep their energy for years. They need a great deal of exercise and are calm at home once it has been given. Look for parents that are confident and friendly, with drive in the field and a willingness to respond to their handler.
Which health tests matter for the Gordon Setter?
Both parents should have hip and elbow scores and a current eye certificate. The key DNA test is late-onset PRA (rcd4), and it is worth learning the signs of bloat.
Ask for both parents' hip scores and elbow grades under the BVA/KC schemes, and a current eye certificate under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme. A DNA test is available for a late-onset form of progressive retinal atrophy (rcd4), which is inherited recessively, so a puppy is not expected to be affected by the tested variant when at least one parent has a reliable clear result. The breed clubs keep an up-to-date list of recommended tests, and further DNA tests are available, so ask which have been done and see the certificates. Gordons are deep-chested and at risk of bloat (gastric dilatation and volvulus), which has no test, so learn the warning signs. Results for Kennel Club registered dogs can be checked on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder. Our guide to buying a working gundog covers the other checks to make.
How much training and exercise does the Gordon Setter need?
The same control at a distance as any setter, taught patiently. An adult needs a great deal of free running.
Gordon setters need the same control at a distance as any setter: a reliable stop and turn whistle, steadiness on point, and dropping to flush and shot. They are intelligent but can be stubborn and slow to mature, so patient, consistent training works best, and many are not finished until their third or fourth season. Bringing a young dog on alongside experienced setters on the moor is ideal. An adult working Gordon needs a great deal of free running each day. The coat needs brushing several times a week, and the feathering on ears, legs and feet should be checked for burrs after work.
How long does it take to train the Gordon Setter?
For the Gordon Setter, readiness for the intended role matters more than a birthday. Check demonstrated foundations, physical suitability and the support needed for the next stage.
For related options, see English setter. Early learning includes socialisation, recall and an introduction to open ground. After comfortable everyday foundations, the young dog learns the stop and turn whistles and begins to quarter and point. With reliable foundations, it is steadied on point and taught to drop to flush and shot, ideally on the moor alongside experienced dogs. To start at the beginning, browse the Gordon setter puppies for sale. Use the training progression guide to discuss readiness with a reward-based trainer. Ask your vet about physical demands, and plan game, water and gunfire introductions with competent help.