Braque Saint-GermainCharacteristics, history, training and care
Braque Saint-Germain. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Braque Saint-Germain is a French pointing dog, white with orange patches, created around 1830 in the royal kennels at Compiègne. It was the most widely exhibited pointing dog at the first dog shows in France. It is sociable, well balanced, affectionate and loves family life.
Quick facts
| Common name | Braque Saint-Germain (Saint-Germain Pointer) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | France |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 16 December 1954 (group 7, pointing dogs, with working trial; standard no. 115); also recognised by the AKC |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Size (males) | 56–62 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | 54–59 cm at the withers |
| Weight | about 18–26 kg |
| Coat type | Short, not too fine |
| Common colours | Dull white with orange (fawn) patches; fawn ears |
| Energy level | Moderate |
| Suited to an apartment? | Not really; it needs exercise several times a day |
| Temperament | Sociable, well balanced, affectionate, close to people |
| Tendency to aggression | Very low |
| Good with children | Very good |
| Good with other animals | Very good with other dogs |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The Braque Saint-Germain descends from dogs produced by crossing an English Pointer with a continental pointer. The breed was created around 1830 in the royal kennels at Compiègne, then at Saint-Germain-en-Laye, from which it takes its name.
It was very fashionable until the early 20th century. At the first dog show in France, in 1863, it was the most widely exhibited pointing breed.
How the breed developed
- Around 1830 – The breed is created in the royal kennels at Compiègne.
- 1863 – It is the most widely exhibited pointing breed at the first dog show in France.
- March 1913 – The French breed club is founded.
- 16 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 2006 – The United Kennel Club recognises it in North America.
- 1 August 2023 – the current FCI standard is published.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★★ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★☆☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★★ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★★ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★☆☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★☆☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★★ |
| Good hunting dog (pointing) | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★★ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
It is a pointing dog of medium proportions, with fairly heavy bones and muscles built for sustained effort. In action, its gallop is regular and supple.
General appearance
The relatively large, golden-yellow eyes have a frank, gentle expression. The ears are not too long and have a lengthwise fold. The tail, thick at the base and tapering to a point, is carried horizontally when working.
| Feature | Braque Saint-Germain |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium to large |
| Height at the withers | males: 56–62 cm; females: 54–59 cm |
| Weight | about 18–26 kg |
| Coat | Short, not too fine |
| Eyes | Relatively large, golden yellow |
| Tail | Does not reach below the hock; horizontal in action |
The coat is dull white with orange (fawn) patches, with no black. The ears are fawn. A little fine ticking is tolerated but not sought after.
Training and socialisation
The standard says it is easy to train, but does not tolerate harsh treatment. It responds best to gentleness.
It hunts pheasant, partridge and woodcock with passion on any ground, and retrieves game with a “soft mouth”, without damaging it.
Tips for effective training
- Be gentle. Harshness makes it withdraw.
- Use rewards. It learns quickly when praised.
- Practise retrieving. It retrieves naturally, with a soft mouth.
- Practise the recall. In the field, scents can lead it a long way.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC recommends play in a fenced yard or walks several times a day. Swimming, hiking and fetching a ball or frisbee are good for it.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | several times a day | Burns off energy |
| Fetching a ball or frisbee | daily | Uses its retrieving instinct |
| Swimming or hiking | weekly | Varied exercise |
Tips for a balanced life
- The yard must be fenced.
- It likes to live indoors, with the family.
- Agility, obedience and rally give it exercise and mental stimulation.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The short coat should be brushed once a week and bathed occasionally. Its nails grow quickly and must be trimmed regularly.
Common health problems
There are no known hereditary diseases specific to the breed. The ears should be checked regularly so that wax and dirt do not build up.
Other care
- Trim the nails regularly so they do not split.
- Check the ears once a week.
- Brush its teeth regularly.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC warns that some dogs put on weight easily. Keep an eye on calories and treats.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 22 kg | 1,140 kcal | 1,280 kcal | 280–370 g |
| 26 kg | 1,290 kcal | 1,450 kcal | 320–410 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Training treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Born in royal kennels. It was created in the royal kennels at Compiègne, around 1830.
- It was first called the “Compiègne Pointer”. The name changed when the kennel moved to Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
- Star of the first shows. At the first dog show in France, in 1863, it was the most widely exhibited pointing breed.
- It has golden eyes. The standard calls for golden-yellow eyes.
- No black at all. The coat is only white and orange, with no black hairs.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the name come from?
From Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where the royal kennel in which the breed was created moved.
How big does it get?
Males measure 56–62 cm and females 54–59 cm; they weigh about 18–26 kg.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It is sociable, well balanced and affectionate, and likes living alongside the family.
How long does it live?
Its life expectancy is 12–15 years.
