The Gordon Setter makes a great dog for the farm or suburban living. She needs too much exercise for an apartment. A properly fenced in exercise enclosure or acreage is ideal. She should be under your control at all times as she likes to roam. She can tend to be a one person dog or a one family dog, being suspicious of outsiders. She makes an excellent hunting dog. She can be bossy with other pets but loves children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Gordon Setter is 24 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 55 to 80 pounds. The female ranges from 23 to 26 inches to the withers and 45 to 70 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Gordon Setter is no exception. Be on the look out for Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (common in dogs), bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Gordon Setter has a moderately long coat either straight or slightly wavy. She may need her hair trimmed at the feet and she needs to be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Gordon Setter can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Gordon Setter comes from Scotland. They were first imported to the United States by Daniel Webster and George Blunt. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1878.

Some Registries:

*Gordon Setter Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 7 to 8 Gordon Setter puppies

Category: Sporting Group, Gundog

Terms To Describe: Sturdy, active, stylish, upstanding, gay, interested, fearless, affectionate, loyal, intelligent

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good with children.

Good watch dog.

Pretty good guard dog.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

She does not like to be left alone.

Can be a one person dog.

May not get along with other dogs.

They need plenty of exercise.

Will roam if unleashed.

*Other Names Known By: Black and Tan Setter

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.