Saint Germain Pointer
Other names : Braque Saint-Germain, Saint-Germain Pointing Dog
A versatile working dog that is used for both pointing, hunting, flushing and retrieving game. The Braque Saint-Germain works with various types of game, including pheasants and rabbits. Although generally known as hunting dogs, they are also popular as show dogs, with their very specific and uniform appearance.
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Life expectancy |
The Saint Germain Pointer has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Medium
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Adult size |
Female
Between 21 and 23 in
Male
Between 22 and 24 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 44 and 55 lb
Male
Between 44 and 55 lb
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Coat colour
White and orange. |
White
Red
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Type of coat
The Braque Saint-Germain has a short, sleek coat. |
Short
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Eye colour
Amber to golden. |
Brown
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Purchase price |
The Saint Germain Pointer costs between £400 and £600 |
The Braque Saint-Germain is bigger boned and thicker skinned than his relative, the French Pointer. Likewise, he is also considered to be a faster runner than the French Pointer. However, one point to note is that the Braque Saint-Germain is the only breed of pointing dog that does not have his tail docked.
More details about the Saint Germain Pointer
Saint Germain Pointer: Origins and history
The Braque Saint-Germain breed first began during the 1830s by breeding the Braque Francais and the English Pointer. It is known that King Charles X was gifted 2 Pointer dogs, one of whom, known as Miss, was used for breeding with a Braque Francais male. Initially, the breed was named Compiegne Pointers as a result of the kennel location, but later when they relocated to the Saint-Germain region, the breed took up this name. In 2006, the UK Kennel Club granted full recognition to the breed within their gun dog group.
Physical characteristics of the Saint Germain Pointer
The Braque Saint-Germain is a medium sized dog with an athletic body and heavy bone structure. With a tucked-up tummy, a deep chest, a level backbone and a long, arched neckline. This breed has ears that hang down beside their heads and tapered, low set tails.
FCI classification of the Saint Germain Pointer
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Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
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Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Saint Germain Pointer: Characteristics
As a family dog, the Braque Saint-Germain responds better when living indoors with the company of humans. Once they form a close bond with a person, trust will develop and the dog will be particularly affectionate towards this person.
These affectionate, friendly and easy going dogs are well suited to be in the company of children. They rarely show any aggression, are very playful and are also known to be face-lickers!
Certainly a very calm breed, showing no signs of an aggressive nature at all.
The Braque Saint-Germain is an intelligent dog, who is easy to train. While he excels in the show ring, he is primarily a working dog.
Having an inbuilt prey drive, the Braque Saint-Germain is a hunting dog, often working in packs. The dog should have a “soft mouth” so that he won’t hurt or damage any game birds that he retrieves.
A very sociable breed who will get along fine with strangers and children too.
The Braque Saint-Germain is a very social dog, who also works well in a pack of other sporting dogs. Not the most independent of breeds.
Saint Germain Pointer: Behaviour
This dog much prefers the company of others. If left alone, separation anxiety can arise, leading to destructive behaviours.
This is a very eager and willing dog, who loves the challenge of learning new things. He is happiest when focusing on hunting and retrieving tasks, that come most naturally to the Braque Saint-Germain.
The Braque Saint-Germain will alert you to any new people in the vicinity, with a bark, although he tends not to show any aggression at all.
Although he doesn’t tend to escape from his home situation, when out in the hunting field, the Braque Saint-Germain will give chase to any game birds.
Depending on the situation at home, especially if the Braque Saint-Germain is left alone for long periods, anxieties and destructive habits may arise.
Although he’s an energetic working dog, providing his nutritional needs are met, he’s not a gluttonous breed.
As a calm and gentle dog, who generally doesn’t show any aggressive tendencies, the Braque Saint-Germain will not make a good watchdog.
Training a Saint Germain Pointer
This is a very eager and willing dog, who loves the challenge of learning new things. He is happiest when focusing on hunting and retrieving tasks, that come most naturally to the Braque Saint-Germain.
Saint Germain Pointer: Lifestyle
It is important to realise that this sporting dog isn’t the ideal choice to live in a small flat or apartment. The Braque Saint-Germain needs extensive workout sessions and the ability to run free. He is best suited to a home with a large outdoor space.
The Braque Saint-Germain is certainly a dog that loves exercise. He has amazing stamina when working and is capable of running over long distances without tiring. If he’s not occupied as a working dog, the Braque Saint-Germain needs at least a minimum of 2 hours running exercise daily together with many other games and training routines.
This breed will travel happily in a vehicle, however not as well on public transport, due to his high energy levels.
Breed compatibility Saint Germain Pointer
The Braque Saint-Germain is a hunting and retrieving dog, and because of this it is not best suited to be in a home with cats. However, if they are reared together from a young age, there should be no problems.
As a sociable dog, the Braque Saint-Germain will live and get along happily with other canines in the same household.
The Braque Saint-Germain is a very affectionate dog who will befriend any child he comes across. However, because of his enthusiasm and energetic greetings, care must be taken when around toddlers and young children.
This working dog probably isn’t the first choice for an elderly person, especially because the Braque Saint-Germain needs a minimum of 2 hours daily exercise to prevent any nasty behaviours.
The Braque Saint-Germain is an ideal choice for a first dog, especially in a home where children are present. His calm, eager to please nature makes him a joy to have in the home.
Saint Germain Pointer: Purchase price
Expect an initial purchase price of between £400 to £600 for a Braque Saint-Germain puppy. Add to this the costs of a top quality dog food, veterinary bills, and pet insurance and the monthly cost will be between £80 to £100.
Saint Germain Pointer: Grooming
Once-a-week brushing should suffice to keep the short coat of the Braque Saint-Germain in good condition.
Saint Germain Pointer: Health
Unfortunately there is no recorded data to prove the long-term health conditions of the Braque Saint-Germain. As working dogs, they are known to be quite robust. Their average life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
An energetic, working dog with lots of stamina.
The Braque Saint-Germain copes relatively well in warmer environments.
As this dog has a thin coat, it doesn’t do too well in damp or cold conditions.
The Braque Saint-Germain will tend to gain weight if he isn’t exercised sufficiently.
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Eye/ear problems
- Aortic stenosis
- Demodex mange
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