Gordon Setter Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Gordon Setter colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Gordon Setter Colors Overview

The black and tan pattern is produced by the At allele at the Agouti locus combined with the B and E loci for black eumelanin. No other colors are accepted.. The breed standard defines which colors are acceptable for competition.

Prospective owners should understand that color has no bearing on a dog's temperament or health (with rare exceptions linked to specific color genes). Choose a Gordon Setter based on health, temperament, and breeder quality—not color alone.

Recognized Colors

Black and Tan Standard

Black with Rich Mahogany Standard

Black with Chestnut Markings Standard

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($800–$1500)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$450–$750)

Coat Genetics

The Gordon Setter's coat color is the product of several interacting genes. The black and tan pattern is produced by the At allele at the Agouti locus combined with the B and E loci for black eumelanin. No other colors are accepted..

Modern DNA testing panels can identify a dog's genotype at key color loci, allowing breeders to predict puppy colors and avoid producing colors linked to health issues (such as double merle).

Rare vs Standard Colors

Rarity in Gordon Setter colors typically reflects recessive genetics rather than desirability. The breed offers 3 color varieties, with standard colors including Black and Tan, Black with Rich Mahogany, Black with Chestnut Markings. While unusual colors may be visually striking, they sometimes correlate with health concerns or breeding shortcuts.

A reputable Gordon Setter breeder will never compromise health testing (for Hip Dysplasia and other conditions) to produce trendy colors. Be skeptical of breeders who market 'rare' colors at prices well above the $800–$1500 standard range.

Do Gordon Setter Colors Change with Age?

As your Gordon Setter puppy matures toward its adult weight of 45–80 lbs, expect their coat to change too. Most puppies undergo a coat transition between 4 and 12 months that can alter color depth, pattern visibility, and overall appearance. The breed's long coat may require adjusted grooming during this transition..

Controversial Colors

Some Gordon Setter colors marketed as 'rare' or 'exotic' may not be recognized by the breed standard. The standard palette includes Black and Tan, Black with Rich Mahogany, Black with Chestnut. Be wary of breeders who charge premiums well above $1500 for unusual colors, as this may indicate they prioritize appearance over health testing for Hip Dysplasia and other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Gordon Setter comes in Black and Tan, Black with Rich Mahogany, Black with Chestnut Markings. The black and tan pattern is produced by the At allele at the Agouti locus combined with the B and E loci for black eumelanin. No other colors are accepted..

Among Gordon Setter colors, rarity reflects recessive genetics rather than quality. The black and tan pattern is produced by the At allele at the Agouti locus combined with the B and E loci for black eumelanin. No other colors are accepted..

As a Gordon Setter puppy matures from puppyhood to adulthood (4–12 months), coat color can shift. The black and tan pattern is produced by the At allele at the Agouti locus combined with the B and E loci for black eumelanin. No other colors are accepted.. Since the Gordon Setter comes in 3 recognized color varieties, the extent of change depends on the specific color genetics involved.

For the Gordon Setter, standard colors have no known health associations. Some non-standard colors in certain breeds can be linked to deafness, eye problems, or skin sensitivity. The black and tan pattern is produced by the At allele at the Agouti locus combined with the B and E loci for black eumelanin. No other colors are accepted..

Popularity among Gordon Setter colors tends to track with the breed standard. The standard recognizes Black and Tan, Black with Rich Mahogany, Black with Chestnut Markings as acceptable colors. Color options are limited for this breed, which simplifies the selection process. The black and tan pattern is produced by the At allele at the Agouti locus combined with the B and E loci for black eumelanin. No other colors are accepted..