Gordon Setter vs Pointer
Compare two breeds
Pick two breeds to see them compared side by side.
Gordon Setter
The breed was developed in late 18th century Scotland by the fourth Duke of Gordon, who gave it his name, aiming for a setter sturdy and enduring enough for rugged, hilly terrain. It is the heaviest of the three setter breeds: a male can reach 36 kilograms, on a considerably heavier frame than its English or Irish cousins. The medium length, flat or slightly wavy coat is always black with rich tan markings, and that combination is so distinctive that similar coloring is often described simply as gordon coloring. Though bred as a gundog, the Gordon Setter matures more slowly than most breeds and can be quite boisterous and clumsy as a youngster. With family it tends to be loyal and protective, sometimes reserved with strangers. Regular brushing is essential to keep the coat from matting. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.
Pointer
Bred in England through the 18th century for one specific task, freezing into a rigid stance the instant it scents game and holding that pose to mark the exact spot for the hunter, which is exactly where the name Pointer comes from. The short, glossy coat needs almost no grooming, but underneath it is a long-legged, aerodynamic frame built to cover open ground for hours at a stretch. An adult male can weigh up to 34 kilograms without carrying an ounce of excess. This is not a dog that settles quietly on a rug all day; without enough exercise it grows restless and vocal about it. Britain's tradition of pointing breeds goes back centuries, and this one's build has changed remarkably little in that time. In the home it tends to be affectionate and even-tempered, provided its outdoor needs are met first. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.
At a glance
| Gordon Setter | Pointer | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 62.0–68.0 cm | 63.0–69.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 25.0–36.0 kg | 25.0–34.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 yrs | 12–14 yrs |
| Coat | medium-long, flat or slightly wavy, black and tan | short, dense, glossy |
Temperament & Family Life
| Gordon Setter | Pointer | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| Gordon Setter | Pointer | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| Gordon Setter | Pointer | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| Gordon Setter | Pointer | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.