Characteristics
Text reproduced here by kind permission of the Gordon Setter Association.
To attempt to define the complicated character of the Gordon Setter is perhaps the most difficult task any Gordoner can be asked to undertake.
While it can be said that if there was a room full of Gordoners from all over the world, the stories they would tell about the exploits of their dogs would be much the same, this is equally true of any breed.
These are perhaps characteristics, but not a reflection of the breed's true character.
Health
On the whole the Gordon Setter is one of the healthier breeds of dog.
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​However sometimes this isn't the case. If you would like to add any health condition(s) to the Gordon Setter Breed Council health database then please fill in this 'Attached Form'.
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Please feel free to contact Carolyn Pearce of the Gordon Setter Club of Scotland or any of the Gordon Setter Club of Scotland's committee in the first instance, who will be more than happy to share information or point you in the right direction regarding any health issues.
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Many live active lives for around 10-12 years of age. However, there are a few health conditions that can affect Gordons including:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited conditions that affect the retina. There is no cure for PRA and the condition may lead to total blindness at some point in the dog's life. Many breeds are known to suffer from PRA; however it is only recently that the condition has been recognised and documented in Gordon Setters.
PRA in Gordons is late onset, meaning that Gordons can suffer from total blindness in their later years. It always affects both eyes, and night vision is the first thing to go; but not all Gordons will suffer from late onset PRA.
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PRA is carried on a recessive gene meaning that both parents must be carriers of the gene for the condition to be inherited. The different genetic mutations of PRA are clear, carrier or affected. Carriers are clinically normal & will not go blind. If both parents are carriers there is a 1 in 4 chance with each pup that it will inherit the disease.
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The mating outcomes from each scenario are:
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Clear x Clear - two clear dogs are mated, both parents being clear of the disease, all the puppies will be genetically clear.
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Clear x Carrier - one parent is clear and the other is a carrier, approximately half of all the puppies will be clear and half will be carrier, meaning 50% of the litter will be carriers.
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Clear x Affected - one parent is clear and the other is affected then all of the puppies will be carriers.
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Carrier x Carrier - both parents are carriers, on average a quarter of their puppies will be clear, a quarter will be genetically affected and half will be carriers. That's 75% of the litter carrying the recessive genes.
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Carrier x Affected - one parent is carrier and the other parent is affected, half the puppies will be carriers and half will be affected.
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Affected x Affected - both parents are affected and all the offspring will be affected.
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Through combined work of the Gordon Setter Clubs in the UK, the Breed Council and the Animal Health Trust (AHT) the gene causing PRA in Gordons has been identified, and a genetic DNA test has been developed to test for PRA (rcd4) . With the DNA test it is possible to know which dogs are affected, carriers or clear without requiring any clinical signs of the disease. DNA test kits are available to order online from the Animal Health Trust. The test is a simple swab from the dogs mouth.
The results where dogs have been tested are published by the Kennel Club and results can be found via the Health Test Results Finder.
Over time with careful breeding we should be able to eliminate the disease. Carriers and affected dogs can still be used for breeding where mated with a DNA tested clear dog.
Life With a Gordon Setter
Quotes from people and members who have had Setters for years. They share some of their experiences and shed light to the pet side of the breed.

Owner: Nina
"What is the Gordon Setter?
An easy one to answer, a black and tan dog with handsome good looks, superb nature, sensitive to your needs, comforting you if you are upset and celebrating with you when you are happy, they will show this with great exuberance , reading your mind when it is “walkie time” no word being spoken. Very vocal when excited especially first thing in the morning, they have the traditional woo woo war cry.
The Gordon can be a little reserved with people they has not met before but totally devoted to their family and extended family, their loyalty have no limits. They are an intelligent dog, but can be stubborn but is usually easy to train because they want to please. They do make the ideal family pet."
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Owner: Diane
"Firstly Gordon Setters are family dogs they are amazing loyal affectionate dogs.
I no longer show them but I have had them for over 37 years. If you would like to meet other Gordon’s then come along to our 2 open shows which are exclusive to the breed. There are also events aimed solely at ‘pets’ like The 'Fochabers Highlands Game fair' in May which is located at Gordon Castle Estate or the 'doggy day' out at 'Glamis Castle' all aimed at meeting and greeting many pet owners for a fun dog day out."
Puppies
Looking to make a Gordon Setter part of the family? Please refer to our Breeder Charter below for a few bullet points in what to look for when searching for a new Gordon-shaped addition to your family.
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These Gordons come from health checked dogs and bitches....
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Contact Us for more information.
