How much does a Gordon Setter cost per year?

The annual cost of owning a Gordon Setter is approximately $2,844 at a moderate care level. This includes food ($780), veterinary care ($735), grooming ($440), pet insurance ($864), and licensing ($25).

How much does it cost to own a Gordon Setter in the first year?

The first year of owning a Gordon Setter typically costs around $3,564. This is higher than subsequent years because it includes one-time setup costs such as supplies, a grooming kit, and puppy training classes on top of the recurring annual expenses of $2,844.

What is the lifetime cost of owning a Gordon Setter?

The lifetime cost of owning a Gordon Setter is estimated at $32,004 over approximately 11 years (average lifespan). This accounts for first-year setup costs plus recurring annual expenses of $2,844 for each subsequent year.

How much is pet insurance for a Gordon Setter?

Pet insurance for a Gordon Setter typically costs around $72 per month ($864 per year) at a moderate coverage level. Rates vary by your location, the dog's age, and the level of coverage chosen. Gordon Setters can face unexpected vet bills of $2,500 or more for emergencies, making insurance a worthwhile investment.

How much does food cost for a Gordon Setter?

Food for a Gordon Setter costs approximately $65 per month ($780 per year) at a moderate quality level. Budget options can reduce this, while premium raw or prescription diets will increase it.

Is a Gordon Setter expensive to own?

Owning a Gordon Setter costs around $2,844 per year on average, or about $237 per month. The first year runs higher at approximately $3,564 due to one-time setup expenses. Over a lifetime of ~11 years, total ownership costs are roughly $32,004.

What is the temperament of a Gordon Setter?

Gordon Setters are known to be fearless, alert, loyal, confident, gay, eager, brave, dignified, friendly, gentle, independent. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

How much exercise does a Gordon Setter need?

Gordon Setters are high-energy dogs requiring 60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation.

How often should I groom my Gordon Setter?

Gordon Setters require minimal grooming with weekly brushing and occasional baths.

How do I train a Gordon Setter?

Gordon Setters are highly trainable and typically respond well to positive reinforcement methods.

Are Gordon Setters good with children?

Gordon Setters are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

What makes the Gordon Setter unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Gordon Setter stands out from other breeds due to its dignified appearance and bearing, rich heritage from ma Sukosi, specialized abilities for find and point gamebirds. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Gordon Setter?

Before bringing a Gordon Setter into your home, potential owners should consider: They have high exercise requirements (4/5) and need an active owner. Their coat is relatively low-maintenance (2/5). They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). They're typically highly trainable (4/5) and eager to learn. Their large size requires adequate living space. They may be prone to breed-specific health issues including Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Bloat (GDV), Cerebellar Abiotrophy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Gordon Setter. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Gordon Setters originally bred for?

Gordon Setters were originally bred for find and point gamebirds. As part of the Sporting group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Gordon Setter's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Gordon Setters are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Gordon Setters typically live?

The average lifespan of a Gordon Setter is 10 - 12 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Gordon Setters may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

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Gordon Setter

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: May 5, 2026

Temperament

Fearless, Alert, Loyal, Confident, Gay, Eager, Brave, Dignified, Friendly, Gentle, Independent

At a Glance

👶

Good with Kids

Excellent

🐕

Good with Dogs

Very Friendly

🎓

Trainability

Easy to Train

⚡

Energy Level

High Energy

✂️

Grooming

Low Maintenance

Quick Facts

Breed Group:: Sporting
Bred For:: Find and point gamebirds
Origin:: ma Sukosi
Life Span:: 10 - 12 years
Weight:: 45 - 80 lbs
Height:: 23 - 27 in

💰 Gordon Setter Cost Guide

Food · Vet · Grooming · Insurance · Full breakdown

Additional Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability4/5

Energy Level4/5

Grooming Needs2/5

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs4/5

They are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Grooming Requirements2/5

They need regular but basic grooming such as weekly brushing.

Trainability4/5

Highly trainable and quick to learn commands

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

🐕

Gordon Setter

Complete Breed Guide

6 sections

📋Overview

About the Gordon Setter

🐾The Breed

The Gordon Setter is a Scottish breed that originated in the 17th century, primarily developed for hunting game birds. They are characterized by their long, silky black and tan coat, with males standing 24 to 27 inches tall and weighing between 45 to 80 pounds. Known for their fearless and loyal temperament, Gordon Setters are alert and confident, making them excellent companions and hunting partners, particularly in retrieving and pointing tasks. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years.

⚡Personality

Gordon Setters are known for being fearless, alert, loyal, confident, gay, and eager, brave, dignified. As a high-energy breed, they are highly responsive to training and thrive with regular mental and physical activity. They are excellent with children of all ages and friendly with other dogs, making them a popular choice for families and experienced dog owners alike.

🏡Daily Life

Caring for a Gordon Setter means committing to minimal grooming — a quick brush once a week is usually enough, vigorous daily exercise, and consistent training from an early age. Their gentle, social nature makes them a wonderful addition to active families.

At a Glance

👶

Good with Kids

Excellent

🐕

Good with Dogs

Very Friendly

🎓

Trainability

Easy to Train

⚡

Energy Level

High Energy

✂️

Grooming

Low Maintenance

Quick Facts

Breed Group:: Sporting
Bred For:: Find and point gamebirds
Origin:: ma Sukosi
Life Span:: 10 - 12 years
Weight:: 45 - 80 lbs
Height:: 23 - 27 in

Temperament

FearlessAlertLoyalConfidentGayEagerBraveDignifiedFriendlyGentleIndependent

Free Gordon Setter Health Guide

Gordon Setters can be prone to Hip Dysplasia and other conditions. Get our owner's health checklist and monthly vet tips — free.

✓Gordon Setter-specific health warning signs
✓Vet visit checklist & cost tracker
✓Monthly breed health newsletter

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Gordon Setter

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Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Characteristics

Care Requirements

About the Gordon Setter

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Temperament

Free Gordon Setter Health Guide

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