Weimaraner vs Gordon Setter: What’s the Difference?

The Weimaraner and Gordon Setter are two popular breeds today. Each of them comes with a rich history and has unique characteristics.

In this Weimaraner vs Gordon Setter article, we will consider interesting facts about the two breeds. Some of what we will consider include their history, training, care, appearance, and temperament. Read on to find out more about these dog breeds. 

The Weimaraner 

The Weimaraner was originally bred as a gundog, to catch large game like bears and deer. A German dog, the Weimaraner was one of the most sought-after dogs of its time.

Today, it is not as popular, but it remains one of the most impressive breeds that you can find. While its hunting days are far behind it, you will find the Weimaraner to make for a fine family canine. 

Origin of the Weimaraner 

These dogs have their earliest known appearance in the early 19th century when they were developed in the area now known as Germany. A dog for the nobility, it was prized for its good scenting ability, speed, stamina, and intelligence. After the hunt was over, the evenings were spent with these dogs lying at the fireside beside their owners. 

This breed’s particular origin is not certain, but it is believed to be a cross between other breeds like the English Pointer, Bloodhound, Great Dane, and the Chicken Dog. 

In 1897, a club was started in Germany to ensure the survival of this breed, and stringent guidelines were made regarding owning and breeding the dog. 

They made their way into the USA in 1929 when Howard Knight was permitted to bring a pair of these dogs to the USA. So, possessive of their prized canines were the Germans that they gave him two desexed dogs. Finally, in 1938, he was able to get fertile dogs. 

Later the Weimaraner Club of America was formed in 1942. The Weimaraner made its biggest influx on the continent when many American servicemen brought them home from Germany, and this breed hit its peak when President Eisenhower brought his Weimaraner to the white house. 

Although the popularity of these dogs fell in the late 1960s these dogs are today among the most popular breeds across the country. 

Weimaraner Appearance 

This breed has a short, smooth coat that is solid in color. You can find dogs with a mouse-gray coat and others with silver-gray coats. However, if the dog has a long coat, that is not a pure Weimaraner according to the standard of the Kennel Club. However, Weimaraners with this long coat are recognized in European territories. 

Away from the coat, this dog’s size is made for hunting. Male dogs stand at up to 27″ at the shoulder and can weigh up to 85 pounds. As with other dog breeds, females are smaller, standing at 25″ tall and weighing a maximum of 70 pounds. 

Weimaraner Temperament and Training 

Some believe that this dog comes trained right from infancy, but that is an erroneous opinion. Contrary to popular belief, the Weimaraner is not built with good behavior programmed into its code. 

The regular Weimaraner is a friendly, obedient, and alert dog, which makes for a cool friend and a watchdog. If not properly monitored and trained, though, this breed might be wilful and restless. If you aren’t assertive about your dominance, this dog is all too happy to take over the reins. He will even engage in destructive behavior unless properly trained. 

As with most other dogs, temperament is affected by factors like training, genetics, and socialization. 

Care of the Weimaraner 

This dog breed is one of the easiest to care for and groom. This is largely due to the short coat.  

Despite playing in the dirt, a light brush should be able to remove most of the dirt and keep the dog clean and his skin healthy. 

You have to do regular things like brushing at least twice weekly, trimming the nails once a month, and checking the ears weekly. 

The better the dog food the better the effect on the dog. How much your dog eats will depend on different factors like size, metabolism, age, and activities. 

Another thing when it comes to caring is to realize that this is not a kennel dog. Therefore, he will behave best when a housedog. This makes him bad for apartment living as he is a very active dog who needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. 

Gordon Setter 

Originally bred to hunt game like the quail and pheasant, Gordon Setters are beautiful dogs that display above-average intelligence and serve as some companions, field trial competitors, and awesome family dogs. These dogs have plenty of love to give to their owners, but if you live in an apartment, you should always keep an eye on them. 

Origin of the Gordon Setter 

The Black and Tan setting dogs, from whom the Gordon Setter originates were first found in Scotland as early as the 1600s. However, these dogs became more popular when they found a home in the kennels of the fourth Duke of Gordon. During this period, they enjoyed impressive prominence.

They were especially prized for their impeccable hunting skills and beauty. While they weren’t the fastest hunting dogs at the time, they displayed tenacity and endurance that other dogs couldn’t keep up with. As a writer of the time said ‘ when they stand, you can be sure that there are birds”. 

Aside from the black and tan color, these dogs could also be found in black, white, red, and a combination of other colors. However, their patron preferred the black and tan breeds, and that is what has endured until today. After the death of the Duke in 1827, the kennels were maintained by his heir. 

Later in the mid-1800s, these dogs were listed in the studbook of England’s Kennel Club. In the very first dog show, it was a Gordon Setter that took first place. The breed was officially named Gordon Setter in 1924. 

This breed found its way to the USA in 1842 when Daniel Webster and George Blunt brought two of them across the sea. Thus was laid the foundation for the breed in the USA. 

Appearance of the Gordon Setter  

The Gordon Setter boasts of one of the most attractive coats on a dog, and the most varied as well. While all Gordon Setter has soft and shiny coats, these might range from straight to slightly wavy coats. There are long hairs on different parts of the body like the chest, the belly, the tail, and the ears. 

These dogs feature a short tail as well. 

The most popular color found in this dog is the black and tan coat. These colors never mix but are always clearly defined on the animal. 

Females reach a height of 58-66 cm while the males are bigger at 61-66 cm. The males also weigh between 55 to 80 pounds while the smaller females weigh between 45 to 70 pounds. 

Gordon Setter Temperament and Training 

These are some of the best family dogs that you can find as they display an intense loyalty to their family while being wary of strangers. Therefore, makes for excellent watchdogs. He is often eager to please a leader but isn’t afraid to take the lead in the absence of a stronger personality. 

He is a very competitive breed as well, displaying capability, intelligence, and fearlessness. While these dogs aren’t fast, they are long-lasting. 

The temperament of this dog is a result of different factors, ranging from genetics to training and social conditioning. Before choosing a puppy, it is best to meet the mother as she is an indicator of the temperament of the dog. 

Training the Gordon Setter is easy, and the best way is through early socialization. 

Care of the Gordon Setter 

These dogs are not lazy, and they will not appreciate a lazy owner. They need exercise daily, so they are excellent companions for joggers. Puppies are very playful and will also benefit from regular exercise. 

Brush the dog two times or more every week to avoid matting and tangling in the hair. You also need to trim the hair on the bottom of the feet and between the toes as these have a propensity for attracting debris. 

You also should bathe the Gordon Setter every two weeks, using a dog shampoo and conditioner. Daily brushing is not needed but it’s recommended you do it twice weekly.

Related Reading: Weimaraner vs Dachshund: What’s the Difference?

Weimaraner vs Gordon Setter: a side-by-side comparison 

	Weimaraner	Gordon Setter
Size	medium to large	Small
Weight	85 pounds in adult males and 70 pounds in adult females	80 pounds in adult males and 70 pounds in adult females
Coat length	short or long-haired	Long coat
Coat colors	silver, deer, or mouse gray	Black or White
Country of origin	Germany	Scotland

Final Verdict 

These are two beautiful dogs that have both been bred for hunting, although they have left their hunting days behind. Today, they are both excellent dogs for the family as they are affectionate and kid-friendly. 

The Weim is easier to groom off the two breeds and has a lower tendency to bark or growl. Consider the features of the two that we have considered above to find which will be the best fit for you or the family.