The Braque Saint-Germain is a medium-large breed of French pointing dog — a versatile hunter with an attractive fawn and white coat, drop ears, and a long tail held level while working. Bred to work hard and look good doing it, the Saint Germain Pointer made its mark in the hunting fields and the show ring alike.
Created around 1830 by crossing an English Pointer with a Continental pointer, the breed grew in fame in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where it received its name. A hunter above all, it is very sociable, equable, and affectionate, hunts pheasant, partridge, and woodcock on any terrain, and retrieves with a soft mouth. Very close to man, it appreciates living with the family.
A Royal Gift from England
The original Braque Saint-Germains were the result of breeding a local French hunting dog with an English Pointer given as a gift to King Charles X of France in 1830. The breed was created in the royal kennels at Compiègne and was originally named the Braque de Compiègne after the place where the first litter was born — but when the kennel moved to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the name was changed.
This dog was in great vogue until the beginning of the 20th century and was the most shown pointing breed in the first dog shows, notably at the first French dog show of 1863. The French breed club was created in March 1913. However, just as the breed was poised to spread further, Europe entered the age of the World Wars, and the impact on the population was dramatic — the breed has never regained its previous level of popularity and remains rare outside France to this day.
The breed is recognized internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Group 7, Pointing Dogs, and was recognized in North America by the United Kennel Club in 2006. Because there are so few breeding lines in modern times, English Pointers have recently been bred back into the gene pool to help increase the diversity and population of the breed.
Medium, Athletic, and Attractive
The Braque Saint-Germain is a medium-sized pointing breed of medium general proportions, with planes of the head and muzzle parallel or very slightly divergent and a moderately marked stop. Males stand 56 to 62 cm (about 22 to 24 inches) at the withers, females somewhat smaller, weighing 40 to 57 pounds. The bone is relatively heavy, with a muscular system adapted to work requiring endurance.
The coat is short, not too fine, in a dull white with orange (fawn) markings, with the ear fawn and some ticking tolerated but not sought after. The head is slightly rounded and ogival at the rear with a prominent occipital protuberance, and the nose is broad, dark pink in colour. The body has a long, deep, broad chest, a slightly sloping croup, and a tail set relatively low that doesn't reach beyond the point of the hock.
Sociable, Equable, and Affectionate
The Braque Saint-Germain is described in its breed standard as having a soft mouth — for retrieving without damaging game — and being a "hunter above all" that appreciates living with people. It is very sociable, equable, and affectionate, and won't suffer brusque treatment during training.
The breed is a loyal, intelligent, and devoted hunting dog and companion. They take work very seriously and thoroughly enjoy the field, being steady and consistent with endurance, stamina, and powerful hunting instincts — yet they are also calm and engaging companion dogs in the home. Their versatility makes them a favorite among those who know and love them. They should never appear nervous, shy, or fearful.
Exercise and Activity
Braque Saint-Germains were bred to spend all day hunting and running for miles, and their exercise needs reflect that heritage — they may require as much as one to two hours of hard physical exercise every day. This breed is well-suited to families or individuals who enjoy running, hiking, or other similar physical pursuits.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
In addition to pure physical exertion, the breed needs daily engagement and activity with its humans — daily mental as well as physical stimulation is a must for this sociable breed. The Saint Germain Pointer's normal gait is a supple, balanced gallop that can be maintained, and it covers ground well whatever the gait. Because of their activity level, they are not the best choice as apartment or city dogs, and they should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced area lest they follow their noses into trouble. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for exercising an energetic pointing breed.
Training a Braque Saint-Germain
Because they are both intelligent and eager to please, Braque Saint-Germains tend to be relatively easy to train. They respond best to positive-reinforcement training methods and rewards, and they don't like to be rushed — the breed won't suffer brusque treatment.
Getting an early start on socialization and training will help a Braque Saint-Germain puppy grow into a confident, well-mannered adult dog. The breed shows an affinity for learning how to hunt but can also participate in activities such as agility or obedience trials. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Braque Saint-Germain
The Braque Saint-Germain has a short, not-too-fine coat that is low-maintenance — a few brushings a week keep it in good condition, and it is not an excessive shedder.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 1–2 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning (the drop ears need regular checks), and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a short-coated breed.
Feeding a Braque Saint-Germain
As a medium-sized, very active sporting breed, the Braque Saint-Germain needs a high-quality, complete and balanced diet to fuel long hunting days. Feed measured meals, split into two portions, and adjust to the dog's activity level.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Use a large-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 2–3 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1.5–2.5 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Dietary needs change through life, and your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Braque Saint-Germain is a healthy breed overall — probably because it is rarer, there are not many documented inherited health conditions. The typical lifespan is 10 to 14 years. As always, choose a responsible breeder and ask about health certifications for your puppy.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Hip and elbow dysplasia screening | Discuss with your vet | OFA/PennHIP on parents |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 6–7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
As with most sporting breeds, watch for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and ear infections in the drop ears. The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Braque Saint-Germain fits in well with active families who welcome them into the bustle of daily life. The breed usually does very well with children and enjoys playing with them, tending to be very tolerant of children's sometimes rough handling — though because they are so active and boisterous, they should be supervised with smaller children who may be more easily knocked over.
The breed bonds very strongly with its people and will not do well if left to themselves frequently — anxiety and unwanted behaviors may develop. Like most hunting breeds, they get along well with other dogs, but a Braque Saint-Germain will most likely not be trustworthy with cats or other small pets. If you're weighing whether a Braque Saint-Germain fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Braque Saint-Germain means committing to an energetic hunter that needs one to two hours of hard daily exercise and strong daily engagement with its family — dogs that don't get enough exercise or family bonding may develop behavioral issues and separation anxiety. The breed is not trustworthy with cats or small pets, and its strong prey drive means it must be leashed or fenced. Being rare outside France, finding a responsible breeder can take time.
Yet for the right owner, the Braque Saint-Germain is a treasure — a smart, loving, active dog that is completely devoted to its people. From the royal kennels of 1830s France to modern homes, the fawn and white French pointer remains a capable, devoted, and engaging companion.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Loyal, loving, and devoted to family
- Excellent versatile hunter
- Relatively easy to train
- Good with children and other dogs
- Healthy breed with few inherited conditions
- Low-maintenance short coat
Disadvantages
- High exercise needs (1–2 hours daily)
- Not trustworthy with cats/small pets
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Needs daily engagement with family
- Not suited to apartments
- Rare outside France
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Braque Saint-Germains get? Males stand 22–24.5 inches; females 21–23.5 inches, weighing 40–57 pounds.
How long do Braque Saint-Germains live? Typically 10 to 14 years.
Are Braque Saint-Germains good family dogs? Yes — they're loving, devoted, and good with children.
Are Braque Saint-Germains easy to train? Yes — they're intelligent, eager to please, and respond to rewards.
Are Braque Saint-Germains good with other dogs? Yes — they get along well with other dogs.
Are Braque Saint-Germains good with cats? No — their hunting instinct may not be trustworthy with small pets.
Are Braque Saint-Germains good apartment dogs? No — their high activity level suits homes with outdoor access.
Are Braque Saint-Germains good hunting dogs? Excellent — they point and retrieve game birds with a soft mouth.
Are Braque Saint-Germains rare? Yes — especially outside France.
Do Braque Saint-Germains get separation anxiety? They can — they bond strongly and need family engagement.
What colors do Braque Saint-Germains come in? Dull white with orange (fawn) markings.
What health problems do Braque Saint-Germains have? Few documented inherited conditions; watch hips, eyes, ears.