Braque Saint Germain

40-58 lbs
21-23"
France
St. Germain Pointing Dog, St. Germain Pointer
While originally developed to be a sporting dog, a combination of both English and French pointers, the Braque Saint Germain actually became popular as a show dog thanks to its clean look and well-balanced temperament. But that's not to say they aren't great hunting dogs. They posses excellent overall awareness, solid sensory tracking skills, a soft mouth for carrying game, and are relatively easy to train. In the home, they are easy-going, friendly and affectionate, often being known to be excessive face-lickers. Because they were long-raised to hunt in packs, they are highly social and generally get along with strangers, other dogs, and even children, though their prey drive can be triggered around non-canine animals if not properly trained and socialized. They make decent watchdogs as well, as they hesitate little when given the chance to alert their owners of new people in the house but are generally not considered good guardians overall, as although they tend to bark, are not aggressive. Their puppies are particularly boisterous and could be considered a pain to manage if being raised alongside babies or toddlers, given their reckless movement. Otherwise, their even temperament and solid skill set still make them great candidates for hunting dogs, companions or show dogs.
purpose Purpose
Hunting, Showing, Companion
history Date of Origin
1830
ancestry Ancestry
English Pointers and French Pointers

Braque Saint Germain Health

Average Size
Male Braque Saint Germain size stats
Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 40-58 lbs
Female Braque Saint Germain size stats
Height: 21-23 inches Weight: 40-58 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Demodectic Mange
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Deafness
  • Epilepsy
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Ear Examination

Braque Saint Germain Breed History

Unlike a wide variety of other European hunting dogs, the Braque Saint Germain actually has a well-documented history and a reasonable estimated year of origin. It was first bred in the royal kennels of Compiégne sometime around 1830, the resulting offspring of crossbreeding Continental and English Pointers. Its name comes from the region where it first gained considerable recognition, in Saint Germain en Laye. It was initially bred to be a hunting dog, the culmination of numerous desired traits that formed a well-rounded breed that was equally good in the field as it was in the home. As popular as it was for that purpose, it quickly rose in the ranks as a favorite show dog. In 1863, when the first French dog show occurred, it established itself as the most shown breed. Half a decade later, in 1913, a French breed club was established but it would be another 40+ years until it was officially recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1954. A publication of the standard was not released until 2003 and it was not recognized by the United Kennel Club until 2006. In its region of origin, the breed still remains a relatively popular show dog, companion, and hunting dog but is considered somewhat rare outside of Europe.

Braque Saint Germain Breed Appearance

The Braque Saint Germain has a relatively distinct look, having a short coat that is primarily white with orange/fawn patches. They are lean and athletic with a fair amount of muscle. They have slightly rounded skulls the same length as their muzzle which is capped with a pink nose. Their eyes are large and mostly rounded, coming in a light, golden color and their ears are high-set, slightly detached from the head in appearance, with a broad center width that tapers to a rounded point. They have a long, arched and muscular neck that descends into a slightly sloping back and a strong, horizontally-carried tapered tail. Their chests are deep and well-sprung and their front legs are slightly angled, but less so than the hindquarters.
Eye Color Possibilities
amber Braque Saint Germain eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
isabella Braque Saint Germain nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
white Braque Saint Germain coat
White
fawn Braque Saint Germain coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Braque Saint Germain straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Braque Saint Germain Breed Maintenance

Braque Saint Germain are considered very low maintenance dogs. They are only moderate shedders and need only a weekly brushing or two with a fine bristle brush to keep them clean, rarely needing anything else but an occasional bath if they get into something offensive smelling. Otherwise, they generally do a fine job keeping themselves clean. The one small area of concern is their ears, as folded ears tend to collect moisture that can cause ear infections, so they should be checked relatively often and cleaned and dried whenever necessary. Otherwise, their nails need only be trimmed when they grow too long when not wearing down on their own and their teeth brushed once a week or so.
Brushes for Braque Saint Germain
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Braque Saint Germain requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Braque Saint Germain Temperament

Like many hunting dogs that were raised in packs, Braque Saint Germains are well-rounded in terms of temperament both inside the home and out. While on the hunt, they are highly engaged and aware, possessing excellent tracking skills and the obedience to be responsive and efficient hunting partners. In the home, the are very friendly and affectionate, often showering their families with face-licking and cuddling, which is one major reason why they've made such a successful transition from being solely hunters to that of companions. Most accounts written by owners say this breed is easy to train and socialize, which, outside of already being inherently good with other dogs from centuries of being pack animals, also means they're generally good with strangers and children. They do still have a decent prey drive, however, so unless they are raised with non-canine animals, should be monitored closely when the latter are present. Because they are highly social, some dogs may develop some level of separation anxiety and they should be monitored to make sure they don't resort to destructive behavior but otherwise have few inherent issues that keep them from becoming good household pets.

Braque Saint Germain Activity Requirements

Braque Saint Germains are considered medium energy dogs and while they don't need exhaustive exercise, still need a fair amount to keep them healthy and their behavior positive. Because of their hunting background, they do best with open space to run, whether that is a large yard, dog park, or field nearby, and appreciate a good ball or frisbee chase that also engages them mentally, like a hunt would. It's safe to say this breed needs around 14 miles of walking and running per week and around 45 minutes of exercise a day.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Braque Saint Germain Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $2.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$45.00 - $60.00
food bag monthly cost

Braque Saint Germain Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Braque Saint Germain size stats at six months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
Female Braque Saint Germain size stats at six months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Braque Saint Germain size stats at 12 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 42.0 lbs
Female Braque Saint Germain size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 42.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Braque Saint Germain size stats at 18 months
Height: 23.0 inches Weight: 49.0 lbs
Female Braque Saint Germain size stats at 18 months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 49.0 lbs

Braque Saint Germain Owner Experiences

Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd