Gordon Setter Weight & Calorie Guide

The Gordon Setter is the largest and heaviest of the three setter breeds, originally developed in Scotland to find and point game birds across moorland and field. Striking in their black-and-tan coat at 45–80 lbs, they are powerful, steady workers with remarkable endurance. Gordons are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and excess weight worsens joint deterioration in this large, active breed. They are also susceptible to bloat (GDV), hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy. Their steady temperament makes them excellent family dogs, but they need daily work to stay balanced.

Exercise: Gordon Setters need 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise — long walks, hiking, field work, and retrieving. They are steady trotters with excellent endurance. A Gordon without adequate exercise becomes restless and mouthy. They excel in hunt tests, tracking, and field trials. Mental stimulation through scent work keeps them content at home.

Feeding tips: Feed two measured meals daily using a large-breed formula. Avoid exercising right before or after meals to reduce bloat risk. Gordons are less food-obsessed than some retrievers but still need measured portions. If weight increases without food changes, ask your vet to check thyroid levels. Limit treats to 10% of daily calories.

Keeping your Gordon Setter at a healthy 45–80 lbs (20–36 kg) is essential for joint health and bloat prevention. Use PawScale's calorie calculator for Gordon Setters to set exact daily limits, check body condition with our BCS assessment tool, and build a balanced meal plan with the feeding guide.