Gordon Setter characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Gordon Setter right for you?
The Gordon Setter is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it suits families with children particularly well and will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive. Day to day, the Gordon Setter needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Gordon Setter needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Gordon Setter to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Gordon Setter demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Gordon Setter is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and speaks up only now and then. It tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Gordon Setter
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Gordon Setter genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Shedding: High — the Gordon Setter sheds more than most breeds, year-round rather than just seasonally. Only 15% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very high — the Gordon Setter needs more coat work than almost any breed here — this is a standing weekly commitment. Only 18% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Gordon Setter actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Gordon Setter fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Perfect for
- Experienced bird hunters
- Patient trainers
- Show enthusiasts
- Rural properties
Things to consider
- Slower to mature
- Heavy grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Gordon Setter good with children?
- Yes — the Gordon Setter is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Gordon Setter shed a lot?
- The Gordon Setter has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Gordon Setter need?
- With high energy, the Gordon Setter needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Gordon Setter live?
- The Gordon Setter typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Gordon Setter live in an apartment?
- The Gordon Setter is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Gordon Setter easy to train?
- The Gordon Setter is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Gordon Setter be left alone during the day?
- The Gordon Setter tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.