Dog Breed Guide NZ

Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter, a majestic and bold hunter hailing from Scotland, is instantly recognisable by its striking black-and-tan coat. As the largest of the setter breeds, they possess remarkable stamina and an intelligent, affectionate nature, making them more than just a beautiful face. These loyal companions thrive on activity and close family bonds. In New Zealand, their love for the outdoors makes them an excellent fit for active Kiwis who enjoy tramping, beach walks, or exploring our vast natural landscapes. A Gordon Setter brings both elegance and an adventurous spirit to any home willing to provide the exercise and mental stimulation they crave, adapting well to a lifestyle that embraces our unique environment.

Apartment FriendlyHouse with SectionRural / FarmSouth Island ReadyAuckland Climate Friendly

Breed Snapshot

Size: Male: 25-36 kg; Female: 20-32 kg
Lifespan: 12-13 years
Origin: Being enriched
Temperament: Confident, loyal, affectionate, intelligent, eager to please, alert
NZ Price: $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA
Annual Vet Cost: Estimated annual vet costs for a Gordon Setter in NZ typically range from $600 - $1,200 NZD. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments. Breed-specific health concerns like hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) can incur additional costs for screening, medication, or surgery, potentially adding several thousands if severe. Hypothyroidism is another condition that may require ongoing medication.

Personality Scores

Friendliness4/5

Trainability4/5

Energy3/5

Grooming3/5

Health Risk2/5

Apartment3/5

With Kids5/5

With Pets4/5

NZ Lifestyle Fit

Gordon Setters are generally not suited for apartment living, even in Auckland, due to their size and high energy levels. They need space to move and play. A house with a securely fenced section is far more appropriate, allowing them room to burn off energy. They truly thrive in rural New Zealand settings, such as a farm or lifestyle block, where their natural hunting instincts and stamina can be fully utilised. Regarding climate, their thick coats handle South Island cold winters well, but owners must provide shelter. Auckland's humid summers and New Zealand's high UV index require vigilance; ensure access to shade and fresh water, and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day to prevent overheating. Sunscreen on sensitive areas like noses can be beneficial. There are no specific MPI restrictions on owning Gordon Setters in New Zealand.

Origins & History

The Gordon Setter's lineage traces back to 17th-century Scotland, where they were meticulously bred by the Dukes of Gordon at Gordon Castle. Their primary role was to work as a gundog, specifically trained to 'set' or crouch low when they located game birds, allowing hunters to net the birds. Unlike other setters that were often white with patches, the Gordon Setter was specifically developed for its distinctive black-and-tan coat, which was believed to offer better camouflage in the Scottish moors. The breed's development was focused on creating a dog with exceptional stamina, intelligence, and a keen nose, capable of enduring long days in rugged terrain. Over centuries, they evolved into the elegant yet robust dogs we know today, retaining their strong hunting instincts and dignified presence.

Appearance

The Gordon Setter is a powerful, well-built dog, exuding an air of nobility. Males typically weigh between 25-36 kg and stand 61-69 cm at the shoulder, while females range from 20-32 kg and 58-66 cm. Their most defining feature is their striking black-and-tan coat, which is glossy and sleek on the body, with longer feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. The tan markings are a rich chestnut or mahogany colour, precisely placed above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, throat, chest, and legs. Their expressive, dark brown eyes convey intelligence and a gentle nature. The breed's strong, muscular body is built for endurance and agility, perfectly proportioned to their size.

Temperament & Personality

Beneath their dignified exterior, Gordon Setters are known for a confident, loyal, and deeply affectionate temperament. They form strong bonds with their families and thrive on companionship, often described as 'velcro dogs' dueishing to be close to their people. Intelligent and eager to please, they respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement training, though their independent hunting instincts can sometimes lead to a stubborn streak. They are alert and make good watchdogs, without being overly aggressive. With proper socialisation, they are generally good with children and other pets, displaying a patient and playful nature. Their high energy levels mean they are not content to be couch potatoes; they need regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviours.

Life in New Zealand

Gordon Setters are well-suited to the active, outdoor lifestyle often enjoyed by Kiwis. Their love for exercise makes them ideal companions for tramping, beach runs, or exploring our numerous dog-friendly reserves. While adaptable, they truly flourish in homes with a decent-sized, securely fenced section where they can roam and play. Their thick coats provide good insulation against cooler South Island winters, but owners must be mindful of our strong sun and humid North Island summers, ensuring adequate shade and hydration. With a strong hunting heritage, they excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and scent work, providing excellent outlets for their intelligence and energy. They thrive as part of a family, integrating well into the Kiwi bach lifestyle or daily routines, provided their exercise needs are met.

Is This the Right Breed for You?

Bringing a Gordon Setter into your home is a significant commitment. They require an owner who can dedicate substantial time to their exercise, training, and grooming needs. If you're an active individual or family who enjoys outdoor adventures and can provide at least an hour or two of vigorous activity daily, a Gordon Setter could be your perfect match. They thrive on companionship and are not suited to being left alone for long periods. Prospective owners should be prepared for their intelligent nature, which requires consistent, positive training from a young age. Their loyalty and affectionate nature make them wonderful family pets, but their size and energy mean they are best suited to homes with space, rather than small flats. If you're ready for a devoted, active, and strikingly beautiful companion, the Gordon Setter might just be the ideal addition to your Kiwi household.

Fun Facts

Fact 1

The breed is named after Alexander, the 4th Duke of Gordon, who is credited with refining the breed at Gordon Castle in Scotland.

Fact 2

They are the only setter breed with a distinctive black-and-tan coat, setting them apart from their Irish and English cousins.

Fact 3

Gordon Setters possess an incredibly keen sense of smell and were originally bred for their exceptional ability to locate game birds on the Scottish moors.

Fact 4

Despite their hunting prowess, they are often described as the 'gentleman of the dog world' due to their dignified and loyal temperament.

Fact 5

Gordon Setters mature slowly, often not reaching full mental maturity until they are around three years old, retaining their playful puppy traits longer.

Related Breeds

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a sturdy, monkey-like terrier-type toy breed known for its confidence and playful spirit. Despite its small size, it possesses a courageous heart and a loyal personality, making it a wonderful companion for Kiwi apartment dwellers or those with smaller sections.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is an elegant aristocrat with a dignified and aloof personality. Known for its striking, silky coat, this breed is a high-maintenance beauty that requires ample space to run and an owner dedicated to its complex grooming needs.

Airedale Terrier

The 'King of Terriers', the Airedale is the largest of all terrier breeds. They are brave, hardworking, and highly intelligent, making them excellent partners for active Kiwi families who love tramping and outdoor adventures.

Akbash Dog

Originally a Turkish livestock guardian, the Akbash is a serious, protective, and independent breed. They are not suited for apartment living and thrive on large NZ lifestyle blocks where they can have a 'territory' to watch over.

PetMall Editorial Desk

Reviewed and curated for practical, vet-informed guidance

Every guide is edited into a consistent house style so readers can scan quickly, compare recommendations, and understand where general education stops and personal veterinary advice begins.

Updated: Recently updated
Positioning: Evidence-based pet care for NZ households

Structured Guide

Life Stage Care

Scan the most important priorities for each stage so readers can adapt routine, home setup, and monitoring as this profile matures.

Puppy · 8 weeks to 12 months

Gordon Setter puppies need soft-mouth games, recall, lead manners, ear handling, grooming practice, and calm water or beach introductions.

Use short reward-based sessions for name response, recall, handling, settle, and polite greetings.
Introduce grooming, tooth brushing, nail handling, ear checks, and vet-style body checks early.
Keep exercise age-appropriate and avoid repetitive high-impact activity while the body develops.
Feed a suitable puppy diet and transition foods gradually over 1-2 weeks.
Register and microchip according to local council rules.

Adult · 1 to 8 years

Adult Gordon Setter care should focus on daily exercise, retrieving or scent games, recall, grooming, ear care, and weight control.

Use the current profile notes as a starting point: match exercise to the individual dog's age, fitness, and temperament.
Build a daily rhythm that includes exercise, mental work, rest, and predictable household rules.
Keep grooming realistic: The Gordon Setter's beautiful black-and-tan coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition. Daily or every-other-day brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles, especially in the longer feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and tail. A pin brush, slicker brush, and a metal comb are vital tools. Regular bathing, typically every 4-6 weeks or as needed, helps maintain coat health and cleanliness. Pay close attention to their ears, cleaning them weekly to prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks. While much can be done at home, professional grooming every 2-3 months can help maintain their distinctive outline, trim feathering, and perform hygiene clips, ensuring they look their best and stay comfortable..
Watch body condition and adjust food before weight gain becomes obvious.
Refresh recall, lead manners, visitor routines, and calm greetings throughout adulthood.

Senior · 8 years and older

Senior Gordon Setter dogs need joint comfort, dental care, eye and ear checks, coat or skin monitoring, weight control, and lower-impact enrichment.

Use shorter, lower-impact exercise and add scent games, puzzle feeders, or gentle trick refreshers.
Monitor teeth, eyes, ears, skin, appetite, drinking, weight, stiffness, and behaviour changes.
Keep bedding warm and dry through damp NZ winters.
Maintain grooming so mats, soreness, lumps, or skin changes are noticed early.
Ask your vet about senior checks and pain management if activity changes.

NZ Specific Tips

New Zealand Care Notes

These local notes translate general breed guidance into climate, housing, and routine realities for New Zealand households.

NZ Fit

Verify local availability and fit before committing

Gordon Setter ownership in NZ should start with a realistic check of breeder/rescue availability, council registration, housing rules, and whether the breed's needs fit your household. Do not assume every international breed is easy to find locally.

Lifestyle

Match the breed to the weekly routine

Gordon Setter care should cover retrieving or scent outlets, recall around birds, water and beach hygiene, ear checks, weight control, and gentle training. A good match is about the daily routine, not only the dog's size or appearance.

Training

Start with manners that protect the dog and the household

Prioritise recall, lead walking, settle, polite greetings, food manners, and safe handling. Keep sessions short, reward-based, and repeated across real-life places.

Grooming

Put coat, teeth, nails, ears, and skin on a schedule

The Gordon Setter's beautiful black-and-tan coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition. Daily or every-other-day brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles, especially in the longer feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and tail. A pin brush, slicker brush, and a metal comb are vital tools. Regular bathing, typically every 4-6 weeks or as needed, helps maintain coat health and cleanliness. Pay close attention to their ears, cleaning them weekly to prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks. While much can be done at home, professional grooming every 2-3 months can help maintain their distinctive outline, trim feathering, and perform hygiene clips, ensuring they look their best and stay comfortable.

Health

Use breed risks as vet and breeder questions

Discuss teeth, ears, eyes, joints, skin, weight, and inherited conditions with your vet or breeder. This is an owner-awareness prompt, not a diagnosis checklist.

Owner Questions

Common Questions

Is a Gordon Setter a good dog for New Zealand homes?+

It can be, when the household can meet the breed's needs. A bold, confident hunter from Scotland, the Gordon Setter is known for its striking black-and-tan coat. They are the largest of the setters and possess incredible stamina, making them great companions for active owners. In NZ, also check council registration, housing rules, local availability, and whether daily exercise, grooming, training, and vet costs are realistic.

How much exercise does a Gordon Setter need?+

Exercise needs vary by age, health, and temperament. Add mental work as well as walking, and reduce intensity for puppies, seniors, heat, injury, or poor fitness.

Can a Gordon Setter live in an apartment or townhouse?+

Sometimes, but only when exercise, noise, enrichment, secure toileting, and rest are planned carefully. Larger, louder, high-drive, or guardian breeds usually need a stronger routine.

How much grooming does a Gordon Setter need?+

What health issues should Gordon Setter owners discuss with a vet?+

Discuss breed-specific screening, teeth, ears, eyes, joints, skin, weight, and any behaviour or mobility changes. Use this as a vet conversation prompt rather than a diagnosis checklist.

What should owners prepare before bringing home a Gordon Setter puppy?+

Prepare registration and microchipping tasks, a vet plan, puppy food, safe bedding, confinement or crate options, grooming tools, chew outlets, training rewards, and a gradual socialisation plan. SPCA NZ notes food changes should be transitioned gradually.

How much does a Gordon Setter cost in NZ?+

In New Zealand, a Gordon Setter typically costs $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA from a registered breeder, and usually less through rescue or adoption. Budget for ongoing costs too — food, vet care, parasite prevention and insurance — on top of the purchase price.

How big does a Gordon Setter get and how long do they live?+

The Gordon Setter is a male: 25-36 kg; female: 20-32 kg dog breed, typically living 12-13 years. Size affects food, equipment and exercise needs, so plan space and budget accordingly.

Are Gordon Setters good with children?+

In our breed profile the Gordon Setter scores 5/5 for getting on with children — generally very good with kids. Always supervise young children with any dog and teach gentle, respectful handling.

Are Gordon Setters easy to train?+

The Gordon Setter scores 4/5 for trainability in our profile — a quick, willing learner. Early socialisation and short, positive sessions work best in NZ homes.

Care Guides

Related Care Guides

Useful reading for NZ owners of this species.

NZ Garden Plants Toxic to Dogs & Cats

Tools

Helpful Tools

Free interactive tools for NZ owners.

petmall.co.nz

Shop at PetMall

The products below are practical support items for your pet. PetMall ships across New Zealand.

Important Note

Information on PetMall is for education only and does not replace an in-person assessment by a veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, in pain, rapidly deteriorating, or you are unsure whether something is urgent, contact your local veterinary clinic promptly.