Gordon Setters

[FanGirlX]

I've met a few Gordon Setters whilst on walks recently which I think may be a sign, as I understand they are quite rare 😀.

They are beautiful and seem to have a lovely, playful temperament. I grew up with mostly Labradors but also a Rottie and a Whippet. Gordons seem to be quite similar to Labs.

Are there any Gordon Setter people who can offer any tips or pros and cons?

My mum and sister have quite a collection!!
I’d say they aren’t as mad as English setters but can be quite nervy, I’d say there’s much more “about” a Gordon than there would be a lab, and find they need a lot more stimulation (not necessarily exercise).
They are real clowns and quite clumsy
Also I’ve known ours and a few others are not keen at all on unfamiliar dogs.

I had one as a next door neighbour a few years ago - lovely dog, beautiful to look at but the slobber!!!! it was Horrendous! I would never get one for that reason alone. Also had a lot of skin growths but not sure if this is a breed thing or just an unlucky dog.

Oh yes the slobber is ridiculous!

Off to look up Gordon Setters...

Honestly, Gordon..! 😆

I found recently. It’s a breeder giving lots of info re the breed and their care.

I would love one. The lady that owned the boarding kennels we used for almost 30 years used to breed them - gorgeous dogs. Unfortunately, after a lifetime of mostly large breeds with a few medium ones here and there, I have agreed with dh that I will to stick with smaller breeds from now on. He’s the one with the sensible head in our family!

I think I can put up with a bit of slobber from these beautiful, lovely clowns 😀

They're beautiful but they slobber a LOT.

There was also one on Victoria Stilwelll's show years ago who was obsessed with light/sparkles and would be become truly obsessed with them to the point that nobody could distract it.

Victoria mentioned something about it being a breed trait - I'm not sure how true that is but it might be worth reading up on :)

Thanks for your replies, nothing off putting here 😀. The ones I've met on walks have been really lovely and fun.

I have an English Setter, rather than a Gordon. As I understand, Gordons are a bit madder, but not quite as elegant as Irish or Irish Red and White.

Setters are generally loveable, loyal but have naff recall :D

Lots of shedding, lots of slobber. But great personalities, think they are lapdogs. Less highly strung than most labs I've met. Good with kids.

@Captaincrumpet

Their lollopiness adds to their charm .

Our old dog was a Gordon. She was lovely. She had a great temperament, brilliant with children. She wasn't the most intelligent dog, and didn't really call down until she was 7.

Slobber wasn't a big problem, but the hair was. If you get one make sure you get them used to being groomed when they are a puppy. Ours hated being groomed, but when out on walks was a velcro dog, every leaf, seed pod and twig would stick to her and if not groomed would turn into dreadlocks.

I've seen the dreadlocks,so thank you for the warning.

DH has had three Gordon Setters, the last one he got just before we started seeing each other.
She was beautiful, lovely nature but as she got older not good with other dogs.
Absolutely nuts, Terrible recall and really difficult to train, not obedient at all (V common with this breed). We were heartbroken when we lost her (10yrs) but swore we wouldn't get another one. She didn't calm down EVER either 😂

Having said that there is a man in the village with two redsetters who are absolutely beautiful but they are even more wild than Gordon's!!! I frequently have to shake my head at DH every time we see them 😂

Also completely agree with the dreadlocks comment. And the SHEDDING