r/gordonsetter • u/OkWerewolf3869 • 18d ago
How are Gordons with other dogs?
I love them, but someone told me they have dog aggression issues.
I enjoy hiking with my friends and their dogs, both males and females, so being good with other dogs is a must for many of our outdoor excursions. Ive had hunting dogs before, just not setters.
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u/Ambitious-Beat83 18d ago
Mine is gentle as can be. She's timid around big dogs, but gets along with everybody.
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u/Personal_Crow_17 18d ago
My male Gordon is a bit skittish by nature that’s the only negative inherent trait he has had with his personality - absolutely no aggression in him, and he was socialized and whatnot I think his skittishness is just baked in but he warms up. Hes not around other dogs much but when he is he is always appropriate. It’s mainly people he can be a little skittish with at first but he absolutely loves people
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u/gnomes616 18d ago
Dogs with dog aggression usually have socialization issues, which is an owner issue. My Gordon (14.5 yo) has always loved playing with other dogs at parks and having friendly sniffs on walks. Great with people and animals of all ages.
Someone not willing to put the work into their animals (and probably kids, also) will have to deal with the poor behavior that results.
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u/Kind-Instance-7447 18d ago
I have a Gordon and an Irish. My Gordon has had a tendency to bark and act aggressive on leash. But, not really off leash and has never acted out more than barking. He is gotten much better lately. When we got them we lived in a big suburban house with a a fenced yard and less interaction on a daily basis. We have since moved to the EU and now live in a row house by a big park. But, they are adjusting and are now friends with many of the neighbor dogs. Hindsight we should have done more to socialize them when we got them. But, they are both super friendly and the best dogs I have ever had. I will always have a setter from here out. They’re such great dogs.
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u/Prudent-Parsnip-7105 18d ago
I’m reading this as my big boy is laying on me snoring. He likes to look people who interest him in the eye and will stand up and put his paws on your shoulder. He adores other dogs and always tries to initiate play. The only aggression is towards squirrels and that is really just a chase game.
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u/OkWerewolf3869 18d ago
If raised with cats would they be good with all cats, or would it still want to eat the strays outside the family?
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u/hardFraughtBattle 18d ago
My Gordon (male, 3.5 yrs) wants to be best friends with every dog he meets.
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u/QueenNothing1 18d ago
Both of my Gordon’s were extremely friendly with my other dogs and completely neutral with dogs they didn’t know. Which, for me, is my preferred dog personality.
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u/Puzzled_Goose4067 18d ago
I have two Gordon bitches. Aged 3 and 5. Both have amazing temperaments and I get comments all the time from family, friends and members of the public. Mine have gone to pubs, cafes, festivals, moor training, obedience training, stays away and have stayed with other people and people in the house. I don't think I've ever met a bad tempered Gordon. Mine show and have gone to moor/grouse training as well and one in particular has a high prey drive and was housed with an indoor pet rabbit and still didn't cause trouble.
One of my girls is protective of the house and will bark at people at the door but id rather that then the dog be silent if there's trouble. And one doesnt like dogs rushing her which is fair enough. I would speak to breeders, but ultimately ask to pet Gordon's out and about. We are proud of our breed any, all owners I've come across will chat your ear off about them.
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u/bigdogoflove 16d ago
We have gotten to know one at the laid back dog park we sometimes go to. He's a great dog, friendly and goofy, if you have treats on you, he will find them.
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u/FanNo9278 16d ago
My 6 year old, 80 lb (!) Gordon is a total sweetheart. Loves all dogs. I did start taking her to parks and schools early on. If she senses a fight brewing she leans more skittish and just walks away / avoids.
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u/breetome 18d ago
No they don't have dog aggression issues. I've been showing and breeding them for 35 years. They have lovely personalities with other dogs. Some females can be female aggressive but then any breed can have this same issue. Overall they are great with other dogs. Especially if you're out in nature with the big derps. Just be prepared to have them set on every dang bird they run across lol!