Is a Gordon Setter the right dog for you?

This text originates from JRTCA and has been adopted for the Gordon Setter. It's published here with the consent of JRTCA.

If you are a prospective Gordon Setter owner, be sure that you understand the unique needs and character of this intelligent, energetic, handsome hunting dog before you purchase or adopt one! Many experienced, as well as inexperienced, dog owners are overwhelmed by the demands of a Gordon Setter, leading to the dog being returned to the breeder, or even being put to sleep before it reach adulthood. Too many people underestimate life with a Gordon Setter! Among Gordon owners you will find two different categories; those who love their dog, but nevertheless admit that one Gordon is already one too much, others get their first Gordon and they would never have another breed. To make sure that you will belong to the second category, please read this page thoughtfully and consider the consequences a purchase of a Gordon would have upon you and your family.

GORDON SETTERS

• are first and foremost hunting dogs. The traits and skills that make them excellent hunting dogs (i.e., determination, stamina, speed and ability to follow scent) are often interpreted as bad habits that cause people to give them up.
• are bred to work. If they do not have an outlet for their natural instincts, they will invent new fun jobs for themselves which include chasing (i.e., cats, birds, butterflies, squirrels, bikes), digging (making the garden look like Grand Canyon) and escaping by digging under or climbing or jumping over fences.
• require firm, consistent discipline. They are extremely intelligent, and they continue to test their limits throughout their life. More often than not, they train their owners before the owner knows what has happened! This ability to train their owners can include challenging you to be the leader of the pack, if they find you unworthy this position. If necessary, they start testing your leadership at the tender age of eight weeks!
• remain active well into their 12-year-plus life span: Their need for activity and desire to hunt continue for their entire lifetime. Untrained, unsupervised dogs rarely meet their life expectancy.
• require at least basic obedience training. The dog�s life may depend on it! Even well trained dogs will be tempted to chase something interesting, or even disappear while you are not looking. Many Gordons have been killed by cars when chasing a cat, a squirrel, etc.
• can be very destructive if left unattended and unemployed. Most behavioral problems are due to lack of companionship, discipline, activity and exercise. If you have only seen perfect, wellbehaved Gordons, they are the ones that were lucky enough to be exercised, well socialized, and trained.
• are country dogs. When made to live in a city or suburban-type environment, their needs and instincts do not change. It would be unreasonable to expect them to be anything other than they are genetically bred to be, i.e., a serious hunting dog. Your lifestyle must be adjusted to meet their needs; they must have jobs to perform, an outlet for their considerable energy and intelligence.
• require a long-term commitment to obedience, activity, exercise, and entertainment. Their unique character, intelligence and high energy level can frustrate you, will undoubtedly entertain you, and can bring you great joy (when they are happy!) or great grief (when they are not). If this type of relationship does not appeal to you, then consider another breed. Gordon Setters are always a work in progress!