Gordon Setter
GOR-dun SET-ur
Affectionate, Bold, Confident, Loyal. Originally bred for setting and pointing game birds.
An adult Gordon Setter weighs 55-80 lbs (male) or 45-70 lbs (female), needs 940-2,070 calories daily, and lives 12-13 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Gordon Setter needs 940 to 2,070 calories per day. An average male (68 lbs / 30.6 kg) needs around 1,550 kcal; a female (58 lbs / 26.1 kg) roughly 1,370 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Gordon Setter. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Gordon Setter typically lives 12-13 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and bloat, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. The heaviest of the setter breeds, they have stamina for long days in the field. As a sporting breed, the Gordon Setter was developed for endurance in the field. They excel at activities that engage both body and brain: retrieving, swimming, agility courses, and long hikes on varied terrain. Many sporting breeds develop behavioral problems without adequate outlet for their natural drive. Without sufficient exercise, the Gordon Setter is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Gordon Setters have a long, silky, with feathering (black and tan) coat. Origin: Scotland.
The only setter breed developed in Scotland. Named after the 4th Duke of Gordon who refined the breed. More loyal and reserved than English or Irish Setters; a one-family dog.
Tools for Gordon Setter owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 940 to 2070 calories per day for an adult Gordon Setter. A 68-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Large breeds benefit from two measured meals daily rather than one large meal, which reduces bloat risk. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 55-80 lbs (24.9–36.3 kg). Females run lighter at 45-70 lbs (20.4–31.8 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
Among Gordon Setters, hip dysplasia is the condition most frequently diagnosed. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism. Not every Gordon Setter will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
The Gordon Setter is built for activity and needs 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise. Good activities for this breed include retrieving games, swimming, field work. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised Gordon Setter will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026