Gordon Setter

Feed a high-quality food matched to your Gordon's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Diets formulated for large breeds suit them well, and large-breed puppy formulas help keep growth steady, which may lower the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia later. A diet very high in protein, over 26 percent, is not recommended, since pushing rapid growth can cause problems, and fiber of at least four percent helps ensure firm stool.

You can feed dry food, wet food, or both, and if you like, add small amounts of dog-safe extras such as chicken, salmon, fruits, and cooked fresh vegetables, as long as each is confirmed safe for dogs. Choose no-salt options, since sodium can be dangerous. Gordons should stay lean, with a clearly defined waist.

Bloat (a twisted stomach) is a serious risk in the breed. Never let your Gordon run or exercise within half an hour before feeding, and wait at least an hour after meals before vigorous activity.

To keep your Gordon at a healthy weight, measure each meal and monitor intake to avoid accidental overfeeding. Count treats in the daily total, keeping them to no more than 10 percent of daily calories.

Brush your Gordon Setter at least once a week to prevent matting and keep shedding in check. Trim the hair around the feet, ears, and tail as needed to keep the coat neat, and pay special attention to the fur between the toes. A monthly routine can include trimming the feet and nails, tidying inside and around the ears and around the tail and vent, and checking the teeth for plaque.

Bathe about monthly. Regular bathing and conditioning help keep the skin from getting dry and flaky.

Gordons have long, floppy ears that hang on either side of the face, where moisture and debris trap easily and can lead to infections. Clean the ears regularly with a vet-recommended dog ear cleaner, and clean them every time your dog has been in water, such as after swimming or a bath. Ask your vet how often is right for your dog.

Good dental hygiene supports long-term health, so schedule professional cleanings and build an at-home routine that includes regular teeth brushing.

Some Gordons develop itchy skin from seasonal allergies. Talk to your vet if you notice redness, flaking, or excessive itching. Have your vet check your Gordon's eyes during annual wellness exams for signs of PRA or cataracts.

Gordons are energetic dogs with a built-in drive to run, and they need a lot of daily exercise, at least an hour a day. They can live in an apartment, but only with that activity met through walking, jogging, or biking. Given a fenced yard, they will self-exercise, though a Gordon is always happiest doing something alongside their bonded owner.

They love time with their humans, so they thrive on activities that involve the family, such as long walks, runs in a fenced yard, or fetch. Gordons also enjoy dog sports like field trials, tracking, agility, and competitive obedience, which give both physical exercise and mental stimulation. As a very smart breed, the Gordon needs its mind worked as much as its body.

Though they carry plenty of energy outdoors, Gordons are known to be calm at home. They will bark to alert the family or get attention, and the breed club calls them great talkers, but they are not overly vocal. A bored Gordon, however, may bark excessively and turn destructive, so keep both body and mind engaged.

Gordon Setters are very intelligent and learn quickly, yet they can be stubborn while also being soft and loving, living to please their owner. They do best with a job to do, and the job they value most is time with their person, whether in training or play. They bond closely with family but are fine alone when everyone is away.

Use reward-based training with motivational tools like praise, toys, and treats. Start a few lifesaving commands early: a dog must learn to come when called, respond to their name, and obey the word no. Recall training matters especially here, because a Gordon's strong prey drive can send it after neighborhood birds, so always keep it leashed or in a securely fenced area.

Begin early socialization and puppy classes from day one. Expose your puppy to new people, animals, environments, and sounds consistently so they grow into confident, well-mannered adults.

These friendly dogs can be great with children, especially when introduced during puppyhood. Supervise every interaction between kids and dogs, and teach children how to interact with dogs appropriately.