Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is described by the AKC as confident, affectionate, bold, a member of the Sporting Group, originally from Scotland.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 24-27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 55-80 pounds (male), 45-70 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Confident / Affectionate / Bold [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Scotland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 104 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Gordons were bred to be personal hunting dogs, and they also served as nannies. They live to cuddling by your side or at your feet, as well as running in a field. Their genetic makeup calls for them to have a drive to run, so they do need exercise. [1]
Grooming
Brushing at least weekly is essential to prevent matting. Shedding is minimal if the dog is brushed regularly. Monthly grooming recommended for health includes trimming the hair on the feet, trimming the nails, trimming inside and around the ears, trimming around the vent/tail area, and checking the teeth for plaque. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Gordons are generally healthy dogs, but there are a few concerns to be aware of bloat, a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition, can occur in the breed. Gordon owners should learn the signs of bloat and what to do should they occur. Cancer is the most common cause of death for elderly dogs'¿in all breeds. There is not one specific type of cancer more prevalent in Gordons; young dogs dying of cancer is unusual. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, CHIC DNA Repository, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Gordon Setter in 1878. [1]
- It ranked No. 104 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 105 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Gordon.” [1]
- The AKC lists Scotland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Neat freaks: AKC rates drooling 4/5
Common questions
How long do Gordon Setters live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-13 years.
How big does a Gordon Setter get?
AKC breed information lists height 24-27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) and weight 55-80 pounds (male), 45-70 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Gordon Setter?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Gordon Setter, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.