Gordon Setters are a large breed of dog related to the more common Irish Setters and English Setters. Physically and behaviorally these three breeds are similar. Gordon setters are black with tan features on their feet and near their eyes. (Irish setters are red and English setters are grey).

Setters are often said to be stupid. In reality, however, they are very intelligent in being able to figure out how to get out of enclosures and the like. The perception of stupidity probably relates to their fairly contemptuous attitude towards conventional dog obedience. Gordon Setters are intensely loyal to their owner and tend to be one-person dogs.

They are usually quite passive and seem happy lying around sleeping all day. However, at other times they are frisky and in the countryside seem to be able to run for hours. They are shy and may sometimes snap at people who irritate them and occasionally they will snap at strangers who intrude too much into their territory.

They seem to live about 10-12 years.