Braque Saint Germain
St. Germain Pointing Dog, St. Germain Pointer
The Braque Saint Germain, originally developed as a sporting dog from a blend of English and French pointers, has become increasingly popular in the show ring thanks to its graceful appearance and well-rounded personality. Beyond its show dog status, this breed excels as a hunting partner, showcasing exceptional awareness, strong tracking skills, and a gentle mouth for retrieving game, which contributes to their ease of training. In a home environment, Braque Saint Germains are characterized by their relaxed, friendly, and affectionate demeanor, often expressing their affection through enthusiastic face-licking. Bred to hunt in groups, they are naturally sociable and typically get along well with strangers, other dogs, and children. However, without proper training and socialization, their instinct to chase may be triggered by non-canine animals. Moreover, they can function as decent watchdogs, promptly notifying their owners of new arrivals. However, they are not considered effective protectors, as they tend to bark without displaying aggression. Their energetic puppies can be quite a handful, particularly in homes with infants or toddlers due to their lively antics. Overall, the Braque Saint Germain's balanced temperament and impressive abilities make it an excellent choice for hunting, companionship, or competition in the show ring.
Braque Saint Germain: Breed Origin
Unlike many other hunting breeds in Europe, the Braque Saint Germain has a clearly documented ancestry and a fairly specific origin date. This breed emerged from the royal kennels in Compiégne around 1830, resulting from the crossbreeding of Continental and English Pointers. Its name reflects the area where it first gained prominence, Saint Germain en Laye. Initially bred as a hunting dog, the Braque Saint Germain was developed through selective breeding to combine various desirable traits, making it skilled both in the field and as a family pet. While it was first appreciated for its hunting prowess, it soon became a popular show dog. At the first French dog show in 1863, it stood out as the most frequently showcased breed. A breed club was established in France in 1913, but it wasn't until 1954 that the breed received formal recognition from the Federation Cynologique Internationale. The breed standard was published in 2003, and it was acknowledged by the United Kennel Club in 2006. Today, the Braque Saint Germain continues to be a favored choice for shows, companionship, and hunting in its home region, although it remains relatively rare outside of Europe.
Braque Saint Germain: Breed Appearance
The Braque Saint Germain is distinguished by its striking appearance, featuring a short coat that is primarily white with orange or fawn patches. This breed is both lean and athletic, showcasing a significant amount of muscle. Their skulls are gently rounded and proportionate to their muzzles, which have a pink nose. The eyes are large and mostly round, exhibiting a light golden color, while the ears are positioned high and seem somewhat detached from the head, tapering from a broad base to a rounded tip. They have a long, arched, and muscular neck that transitions into a subtly sloping back, paired with a strong, tapered tail that is held horizontally. Their chests are deep and well-sprung, and while their front legs are slightly angled, they do not lean as much as the hind legs.
Braque Saint Germain: Care Routine
Braque Saint Germain dogs are recognized for their relatively low upkeep. They shed a moderate amount and usually need only a weekly brushing or two with a fine bristle brush to maintain their cleanliness. While an occasional bath may be needed if they pick up any unpleasant smells, they generally do a good job of staying tidy on their own. However, their ears, which are folded, require special attention as this shape can trap moisture and lead to ear infections. It’s recommended to check and clean their ears regularly. Furthermore, their nails should be trimmed only when they become too long, and their teeth should be brushed approximately once a week.
Braque Saint Germain: Behavior & Temperament
The Braque Saint Germains, similar to other hunting breeds that flourish in groups, display a well-rounded temperament both inside the home and outdoors. When hunting, they exhibit sharp awareness and outstanding tracking skills, making them reliable and effective partners in the field. At home, they are loving and friendly, often showing their affection through playful licks and cuddles, which has helped them transition from devoted hunters to cherished companions. Many owners find this breed easy to train and socialize. Their long-standing history as pack animals enhances their natural friendliness towards other dogs and their comfort around strangers and children. However, they do possess a strong prey drive, so it’s wise to supervise them around non-canine pets unless they have been raised together. Due to their sociable disposition, some Braque Saint Germains may suffer from separation anxiety, requiring monitoring to avoid destructive behaviors. Overall, they present few inherent challenges that would impede their potential as wonderful family pets.
Braque Saint Germain: Play & Exercise
Braque Saint Germains are recognized as dogs with a moderate level of energy. Although they don’t demand rigorous exercise, it’s essential for their well-being and good behavior to engage in a reasonable amount of physical activity. With their background as hunters, they flourish in open spaces where they can run freely, such as a large yard, a local dog park, or a field. They particularly enjoy mentally stimulating activities, like chasing a ball or frisbee, which replicate the excitement of a hunt. Typically, this breed requires around 14 miles of walking and running each week, complemented by about 45 minutes of exercise each day.
Have to know about Braque Saint Germain
Cups Per Day
3.0 Cups
Daily Activity
45 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
1830
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Medium
Origin Country
France
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
Register your Braque Saint Germain
Your kids have been begging for a pet forever, and you've recently decided that it's time for your family to get a new addition -- a dog! While everyone is excited for the new arrival, you're wondering if you need to have a dog license. How much does it cost? Is it required? Where do you get one?
Braque Saint Germain Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Gun Dog
UKC
Gun Dog
Braque Saint Germain Height & Weight
Weight
49 lbs (22 kg)Male: 49 lbs (22 kg) , Female: 49 lbs (22 kg)
Height
23 inches (58 sm)Male: 23 inches (58 sm) , Female: 22 inches (56 sm)
6 Months
35 lbs ( m 35 lbs, f 35 lbs )
15 inches ( m 15 inches, f 15 inches )
12 Months
42 lbs ( m 42 lbs, f 42 lbs )
18 inches ( m 18 inches, f 18 inches )
18 Months
49 lbs ( m 49 lbs, f 49 lbs )
22 inches ( m 22 inches, f 22 inches )
Braque Saint Germain Eye Colors
Amber
Braque Saint Germain Nose Colors
Isabella
Braque Saint Germain Coat Colors
Fawn
White
