Buying or Adopting a Gordon Setter
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Gordon Setter until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Gordon Setter the right breed for you?
Gordon Setter Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Gordon Setter?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No dogs of the same sex in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Gordon Setter stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, field trials); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- Brushing – moderate
- Trimming/clipping – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Gordon Setters are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with moderate shedding
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Gordon to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Gordon Setter, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Gordon Setter?
Gordon Setters are not very common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Gordon Setters rank 104th. It's easier to find an Irish Setter or English Setter than a Gordon.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a Gordon Setter available from a Dog Rescue group. Gordon Setters may be turned over to Rescue because they need too much exercise or perhaps there are dominance issues, or aggression toward other dogs. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking. Other Gordon Setters are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Gordon Setters are seldom found here. Gordon Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Gordon Setter turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Gordon Setter from a show breeder, who breeds Gordon Setters to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring.
Or you can buy a Gordon Setter from a performance breeder, who emphasizes an energetic temperament and strong working drives for hunting or field trials. Some breeders are a combination of show/performance, though how they prioritize those two goals can vary greatly.
You might also be able to buy a Gordon Setter from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Gordon Setter puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal elbows
Also, at least ONE PARENT of a Gordon Setter puppy should have:
- a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a severe hereditary eye disease called rcd4-PRA.
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Gordon Setter ends up blind and crippled.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Gordon Setters are not seen very often in pet shops, but it's possible. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Gordon Setter Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Gordon Setter puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Gordon Setter puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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