Gordon Setter
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Gordon Setter. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | The main orthopedic concern; request OFA scores. |
| Bloat (GDV) | moderate | Deep-chested build; feed measured meals and rest after eating. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Common in the breed; diagnosed on routine bloodwork. |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | moderate | Inherited retinal degeneration; DNA testing identifies carriers. |
| Cerebellar abiotrophy | low | Rare inherited coordination disorder; DNA test available. |
Pet insurance for a Gordon Setter
Insurers price a Gordon Setter from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Gordon Setter is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 45–80 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Gordon Setter sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is the largest and heaviest of the setter breeds, developed at Scotland's Gordon Castle as a methodical, close-working bird dog. It is the most protective of the setters — devoted and affectionate with family, more reserved with strangers — and matures slowly, staying puppyish for years. Gordons need an hour-plus of daily exercise and form intense bonds, so they do poorly in isolation. The black-and-tan coat needs regular brushing and ear care. Suits active families wanting a loyal, substantial sporting dog.
Origin: Scotland (Gordon Castle)
Temperament
Related reading for Gordon Setter owners
Gordon Setter FAQ
How long do Gordon Setters live?
The typical Gordon Setter lifespan is 12–13 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Gordon Setter?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Gordon Setter carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Gordon Setter a good apartment dog?
Usually not. At 45–80 lbs with an energy level of 4/5, the Gordon Setter needs more space and daily exercise than most apartments can offer.
What health problems are Gordon Setters prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Bloat (GDV), Hypothyroidism. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.