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Gordon Setter

Gordon Setter Grooming Guide — Everything You Need to Know

Weight

45-80 lbs

Coat Type

Long, Silky

Difficulty

Frequency

Every 6-8 weeks

Groom Time

60-90 min

Shedding

Moderate

About Gordon Setter Grooming

Temperament

Affectionate, Confident, Bold

Grooming Notes

Black and tan coat with feathering on ears, chest, belly, and legs. Regular brushing prevents tangles in feathering.

Recommended Grooming Services for Gordon Setter

Full Groom
Bath & Blow Dry
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trim
Sanitary Trim

Special Considerations

  • Ear feathering tangles
  • Largest setter breed

Grooming Price Estimate

Get an estimated grooming cost for your Gordon Setter

Post-Groom Care Guide

Keep your Gordon Setter looking great between professional grooming appointments.

Brushing Routine

Brush 3-4 times weekly with a pin brush and medium-toothed comb. Their long, silky black and tan coat with feathering on the ears, chest, belly, legs, and tail requires focused attention on feathered areas. Use a slicker brush for minor tangles and a detangling spray for stubborn areas. The ear feathering mats fastest.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 4-6 weeks with a color-enhancing shampoo for dark coats and a silk conditioner to maintain the glossy sheen. Their black coat shows dandruff and product buildup easily, so rinse extremely thoroughly. A finishing rinse with cool water helps seal the cuticle and enhance shine.

Common Issues

  • Matting in ear, chest, and leg feathering
  • Ear infections from long, heavy, feathered ears
  • Black coat shows flaking and dandruff readily
  • Seasonal shedding more significant than other setters
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia affecting comfort during grooming sessions

Extend Your Grooming Results

Comb through all feathering every other day to catch tangles before they mat. Apply a silk-finish spray to the feathering after brushing for a polished look. Clean inside the ears weekly -- their heavy, feathered ears are a perfect environment for infections. A leave-in conditioner on feathered areas prevents dryness and breakage.

Seasonal Care

Moderate shedding year-round with heavier periods in spring and fall. Houston heat can be uncomfortable for this dark-coated breed -- schedule outdoor activities for early morning and evening. Keep feathering trimmed shorter in summer for comfort. Winter coat is fuller with denser feathering.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 3-4 times weekly, feathering comb-through every other day, ear cleaning weekly, nail trim every 3-4 weeks, sanitary trim as needed. Professional groom every 4-6 weeks.

Grooming Videos

Gordon Setter Grooming - Trimming the Ears and Neck

Gordon Setter Grooming

Gordon Setter Grooming - Trimming the Feathers (Tail, Hock, Underside, Forechest)

Gordon Setter Grooming

Gordon Setter Grooming - Brushing

Gordon Setter Grooming

Frequently Asked Questions

Gordon Setters should be groomed Every 6-8 weeks. Regular grooming is essential for maintaining their Long, Silky coat in optimal condition and preventing matting and tangles.

A full grooming session for a Gordon Setter typically takes 60-90 min. This includes bathing, drying, brushing, and styling. The time may vary depending on the individual dog's temperament and coat condition.

Gordon Setters have a Moderate shedding level. Regular brushing is highly recommended to manage shedding and maintain a healthy coat.

No, Gordon Setters are not hypoallergenic. People with allergies should spend time with the breed before committing, as they may trigger allergic reactions.

Gordon Setters benefit from a comprehensive grooming routine including: Full Groom, Bath & Blow Dry, Ear Cleaning, Nail Trim, Sanitary Trim. Additionally, Black and tan coat with feathering on ears, chest, belly, and legs. Regular brushing prevents tangles in feathering..

Gordon Setter Grooming Articles

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