What Are the Traits and Care Tips for a Gordon Setter?

Gordon Setter: flat feathering with a regular grooming routine

The Gordon Setter has a substantial setter outline, black-and-tan hair and long, straight feathering. Keeping the feathered areas free of mats takes regular time. Its exercise plan should also include owner involvement, rather than relying entirely on space in the garden.

A moderate-length frame

Both the FCI and earlier UK guide give shoulder heights of 66 cm for males and 62 cm for females, and weights of 29.5 kg and 25.5 kg respectively. The body is moderate in length with a level topline, wide loin and deep chest that is not excessively broad.

The body coat is flat and as free from curl or wave as possible. Hair is short on the head and fronts of the legs, with long silky feathering on the ears and fine straight hair behind the legs and along the underside.

Prevent mats between appointments

The AKC guide recommends brushing at least weekly, while the UK grooming category is more than once weekly. Include the leg, ear and belly feathering in a thorough session. A smooth-looking back does not tell you whether the finer hair underneath is tangled.

The AKC describes monthly bathing and grooming that includes foot hair, nails, ear-area tidying and checking teeth for plaque. Ask a groomer to demonstrate the tidying and arrange a routine you can keep up between fuller sessions. Coat work and the smaller care jobs can then be planned together.

Plan outings for the actual home

The UK guide recommends a large house and garden in the country, with exercise above two hours daily. The AKC also discusses apartment living when daily exercise is provided, including walking or jogging. That is a difference in the guidance, not a reason to declare one home type automatically suitable or impossible. Assess access to outings and the time you can spend with the dog.

Two other setter routines

The English Setter has slightly wavy silky hair and an AKC bath interval of four to six weeks. The Irish Red and White Setter has a more athletic-than-racy description and natural-looking feathering with weekly all-over grooming. Compare their actual coat handling and own size figures as well as color.