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Gordon Setter

Loyal, intelligent and energetic

Gordon Setter

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Breed Overview

The Gordon Setter, originally bred for hunting game birds, is the largest of the setter breeds. They are valued for their striking appearance, gentle disposition, and keen hunting abilities.

Physical Characteristics
  • Size Large breed
  • Height Generally stands at about 24-27 inches (61-69 cm) for males and 23-26 inches (58-66 cm) for females
  • Weight Typically ranges between 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg) for males and 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) for females
  • Life Span Around 10-12 years
  • Coat Soft and shiny with a straight or slightly wavy texture, featuring feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail
  • Color Black with tan markings
  • Grooming Moderate to high; requires regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to maintain coat condition and prevent matting
  • Temperament Known for being loyal, affectionate, and confident
  • Energy Level Moderate to high; requires regular exercise
  • Intelligence High
Health Needs
  • Exercise High; needs daily vigorous exercise like long walks, runs, or hikes
  • Trainability Intelligent but can be willful; responds well to consistent training
  • Socialization Good with families and children; sociable when well-socialized
  • Grooming Moderate to high; requires regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to maintain coat condition and prevent matting
  • Health Issues Prone to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems
Environment
  • Suitability for Families Great with kids, affectionate, protective; ideal for active families looking for a loyal and engaging companion
  • Suitable Living Space Best with a large yard; can adapt to apartments if given sufficient exercise and mental stimulation

About the Breed

The Gordon Setter, originally bred for hunting game birds, is the largest and most robust of the setter breeds. They are known for their excellent scenting ability and stamina in the field.

History of the Breed

Originating in Scotland in the early 19th century, the Fourth Duke of Gordon developed the breed. They were initially bred for hunting in the Scottish Highlands and known for their ability to work in harsh terrain.

Scotland

Fun Facts About the Gordon Setter

What To Expect When Caring For a Gordon Setter

Health

Common health issues include hip dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and certain eye problems. Regular health screenings and genetic testing are recommended.

Grooming

Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing several times a week and occasional professional grooming are necessary.

Exercise

Moderate to high energy levels require daily exercise. Activities like long walks, running, and play sessions are ideal for keeping them physically and mentally stimulated.

Training

Intelligent and sometimes willful, they respond best to consistent, positive training methods. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial.

Nutrition

A balanced diet is important for their size, age, and activity level. Proper nutrition is key to maintaining their health and fitness.

The Gordon Setter is an excellent breed for active families or individuals looking for a loyal, elegant, and capable companion. They can be a delightful and affectionate family member with proper care, training, and nutrition.

Gordon Setter Common Health Issues and Recommended Tests

Description: A heritable condition where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint.

Description: Similar to hip dysplasia, but affects the elbow joints.

Description: A degenerative eye disorder that eventually leads to blindness.

Description: A disorder of the thyroid gland that's thought to cause conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin conditions.

Description: A genetic neurological disorder that affects coordination and movement.

Hip Dysplasia

Description: A heritable condition where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint.

Elbow Dysplasia

Description: Similar to hip dysplasia, but affects the elbow joints.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Description: A degenerative eye disorder that eventually leads to blindness.

Hypothyroidism

Description: A disorder of the thyroid gland that's thought to cause conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin conditions.

Cerebellar Degeneration

Description: A genetic neurological disorder that affects coordination and movement.

Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate some of these health risks. It's also important to obtain Gordon Setters from reputable breeders who perform the necessary health clearances to ensure the healthiest puppies possible.

Prescription Medication Assistance for Gordon Setters

The iHeartDogs Free Rx Discount Card Program is a pet prescription discount card that can help you save money on your furry friend’s medications. The card is free to sign up for, and you can use it at participating pharmacies nationwide. To use the free program, simply show the card to your pharmacist when you pick up your pet’s prescription. The pharmacist will then scan the card, and you will receive a discount on the price of the medication.LEARN MORE

How Much Does It Cost To Care For A Gordon Setter?

The annual cost of caring for a Gordon Setter, or any dog, can vary significantly based on several factors, including location, the dog’s health, and the level of care you choose to provide. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

A purebred Gordon Setter puppy from a reputable breeder can be quite expensive. Always consider adopting from a shelter or rescue.

Initial Cost

$800 - 3000

Potential Additional Costs:

When searching for a reputable breeder, seek online reviews, and advice from vets, groomers, and fellow Gordon Setter enthusiasts.

Initial supplies like a crate, bed, bowls, collar, and leash can really add up.

Initial Cost

$200 - 500

Potential Additional Costs:

You may already have many of these items at home. Costs will vary depending on your purchase choices.

High-quality dog food is essential for a healthy diet. For a large breed like the Gordon Setter.

Estimated Cost

$200 - 600

Potential Additional Costs:

Learn more about the best quality dog food for Gordon Setters.

Gordon Setters has a beautiful, flowing coat that requires regular grooming.

Estimated Cost

$300 - 600

Potential Additional Costs:

If you choose to perform simple grooming tasks at home you will need to invest in high-quality grooming supplies, such as dog-safe shampoos, nail trimmers, and haircutting shears.

Gordon Setters require routine vet visits for check-ups, vaccinations, and flea and tick prevention.

Estimated Cost

$200 - 500

Potential Additional Costs:

The cost of veterinary care can vary widely depending on your geographic location and many other factors. This estimate only represents the cost of wellness care, and does not include any potential illnesses or injuries that may arise.

Pet insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind, ensuring that you can afford necessary veterinary care in the event of an emergency.

Estimated Cost

$200 - 600

Potential Additional Costs:

Insurance premiums vary depending on the coverage you choose as well as your Gordon Setter's age and health. Get a FREE, no-strings quote from the top pet insurers!

Your Gordon Setter will need toys, chews, wellness supplements, car safety equipment, and other supplies throughout their life.

Estimated Cost

$100 - 300

Potential Additional Costs:

Additional supplies can add up depending on the level of care you provide your pup.

Professional training is extremely important, but can add several hundred dollars to the cost of your dog's care.

Estimated Cost

$500 - 1000

Potential Additional Costs:

Online Courses are available and can help you save money.

Setting aside funds for unexpected health issues is always a good idea.

Estimated Cost

Varies based on need

Potential Additional Costs:

Can easily reach into the thousands with surgical costs, IVs, medications and after hours treatment.

If you travel or work long hours, you may need boarding or pet sitting services.

Estimated Cost

Varies based on need

Potential Additional Costs:

Overnight-boarding, day-boarding, and pet-sitting costs vary depending on the area you live, length of stay/frequency of services, and the amenities offered by the boarding facility or pet sitter.

A one-time fee for microchipping and annual local licensing fees.

Estimated Cost

$50 - 100

Total Estimated Annual Cost:

$2550 - $7200

It's important to note that these figures are estimates and can vary. Also, the first year of owning a dog can be more expensive due to one-time costs like spaying/neutering, initial vaccinations, and training. Regular budgeting for your dog's needs and an emergency fund for unforeseen costs are essential for responsible pet ownership.

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