Braque Saint-Germain
- Height at the withers
- 54 to 62 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 26 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
An elegant pointer with a matte white coat marked with orange and fawn ears, the Braque Saint-Germain also stands out for its dark pink nose. A keen hunter of game birds (pheasant, partridge or woodcock), which it retrieves with a soft mouth, it is very sociable, well-balanced and affectionate. Sensitive, it cannot stand rough handling, but it learns easily and enjoys family life.
History and origins
The breed was born around 1830 from crosses between English Pointers and French braques, in the royal kennels of Compiègne and then Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which gave it its name. Very fashionable until the early 20th century, it was the most represented pointing dog at the first French dog show, in Paris in 1863. Its breed club was founded in 1913 and the FCI recognizes it as standard no. 115. It has become rare, with only a few dozen births registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF) each year.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion
- Ear infections
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care. Coat colors: matte white with orange (fawn) markings, fawn ears.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Braque Saint-Germain FAQ
How big does the Braque Saint-Germain get?
The Braque Saint-Germain stands 54 to 62 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 26 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Braque Saint-Germain shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Braque Saint-Germain live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Braque Saint-Germain need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Braque Saint-Germain good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Braque Saint-Germain live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and entropion.
