Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Braque Saint-Germain has a solid health profile for a larger hunting dog and receives a grade of B. Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are the primary focus regarding common joint conditions, but these are well-managed through mandatory health tests within the breeding program. Aside from these standard orthopedic risks, the breed is considered very robust and genetically unremarkable.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
54–62 cm
Weight
18–27 kg
Practical
Typical coat colors
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Braque Saint-Germain, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →The Braque Saint-Germain is an elegant, sensitive Vorstehhund (pointing dog) — bred for enduring, wide-ranging searches and pointing out game birds. A thoroughbred hunter that is a gentle family member at home, but needs a real job when outdoors.
The real vibes check
Indoors, the Braque Saint-Germain lies like a soft, needy cushion on the sofa — but as soon as he sees an open field, he switches on his hunting mode. You won't get a cozy follower, but a highly specialized athlete who wants to work with you at a distance. If you channel this hunting passion instead of suppressing it, you will have the most loyal partner by your side.
The Braque Saint-Germain, also known as the Saint Germain Pointing Dog, is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy but elegant build. His posture is proud and his movements are fluid, highlighting his great energy and vitality. The head is well proportioned with a medium-length, straight nose and medium-sized, oval eyes that are light amber in color. Its ears are medium long and hanging, slightly rounded at the tips. This dog belongs to FCI Group 7, which includes pointers. These dogs are characterized by their exceptional sense of smell and are known for their ability to locate and indicate prey by standing and pointing their noses in the direction of the prey.
The Braque Saint-Germain is a French breed that emerged in the mid-19th century. The breed comes from a cross between English pointer dogs and an Old French pointer breed. King Charles X of France received as a gift two English pointers crossed with his French pointers. These dogs showed excellent hunting skills and the result of this crossing was the birth of the Braque Saint-Germain. The breed was officially recognized in 1913. It is quite common in France and other European countries, particularly among hunters, but remains largely unknown outside of Europe.
The Braque Saint-Germain was bred as a hunting pointer and is known for its elegance and good sense of smell.
France
1800
The Braque Saint-Germain is an energetic and dynamic dog with a strong hunting instinct. He was bred as a hunting dog and his pointing skills are remarkable. He is not a specialized hunting dog, but rather a so-called all-rounder who works in fields, forests and water. Although he is an avid hunter, he is not prone to excessive prey drive, making him easier to manage than some other hunting dogs. He is very people-oriented and loves spending time with his family. Although he is an active breed, he is mostly calm and calm indoors as long as he gets enough exercise and activity. He can easily learn to stay alone as long as it is practiced gradually and with positive reinforcement. The Braque Saint-Germain is an intelligent dog that enjoys learning and mastering new tasks. He is also very playful and enjoys interactive games and activities. He can get along well with other dogs and pets as long as he has been properly socialized. This dog is also known for its alertness. Although he is not a typical guard dog, he will alert his family if he notices anything unusual. However, he is not an aggressive dog and is not prone to barking for no reason. He has good adaptability and can live in different environments as long as his needs are met. He can live well in both an urban and rural environment, although he needs enough space to run and play. His adaptability, combined with his intelligence and desire to please, make him a pleasant companion for both hunters and active families.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Braque Saint-Germain is also known as the "Saint Germain Pointing Dog"? is known and takes its name from the royal French nursery "Saint Germain en Laye" where the breed was developed in the 19th century?
The Braque Saint-Germain is a lively and hardworking pointing dog, specially bred for hunting. It is characterized by its endurance, keen sense of smell, and good trainability. These dogs are friendly and affectionate but require consistent training and sufficient activity. The Braque Saint-Germain is well suited for active families and passionate hunters.
The Braque Saint-Germain is an active and lively dog that needs a lot of exercise and activity. Therefore, he is not necessarily the best choice for indoor-only keeping in the city, unless you are able to provide him with plenty of daily exercise. He gets along well with children and is also compatible with other pets as long as he is properly socialized.
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
The Braque Saint-Germain is an intelligent and docile dog that responds well to positive reinforcement. He needs consistent and loving upbringing in order to develop his full potential. Because of his predisposition to hunt, training should begin in puppyhood and topics such as recall and walking on a leash should be given high priority right from the start. It is important to exercise this dog both physically and mentally, otherwise he may develop undesirable behavior. However, this dog also runs the risk of becoming a “ball junkie”. therefore playing with the ball should be controlled and done in moderation. Instead, other activities, such as tracking or playing fetch, could be a good alternative. Good frustration tolerance and impulse control are also important aspects of raising a Braque Saint-Germain. These skills help him deal better with challenges and be a well-balanced dog.
Your Braque Saint-Germain's diet should be balanced and nutritious to support his active lifestyle. High-quality food that contains sufficient protein and healthy fats is ideal. It is important to avoid being overweight as this can put additional stress on the joints and increase the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. When it comes to care, the Braque Saint-Germain is quite easy to care for. He has a short, dense coat with no undercoat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat clean and healthy. This dog does not shed excessively, however, like most dogs, he has a seasonal shedding period in which shedding can be more severe. It is well adapted to the climate in Germany and has no special needs in terms of temperature or humidity.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Robust
The Braque Saint-Germain has a solid health profile for a larger hunting dog and receives a grade of B. Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are the primary focus regarding common joint conditions, but these are well-managed through mandatory health tests within the breeding program. Aside from these standard orthopedic risks, the breed is considered very robust and genetically unremarkable.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
With joint-friendly rearing, a healthy weight, and regular eye and heart check-ups, most of these dogs remain fit and active well into old age.
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals checked and pay attention to genetic tests for neurological disorders to keep the line healthy.
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Als Jäger, der seinen Hund auch im Alltag eng an seiner Seite haben möchte, habe ich in meinem Braque Saint-Germain den perfekten Partner gefunden. Auf der Jagd zeigt er eine beeindruckende, weiträumige Suche im eleganten Galopp und steht absolut zuverlässig vor. Er arbeitet unheimlich gerne für mich und bringt das Wild nach dem Schuss mit einem extrem weichen Maul zurück.
Was diese Rasse so besonders macht, ist ihre Führigkeit. Im Vergleich zu anderen Vorstehhunden wie dem Epagneul Breton zeigt mein Rüde kaum Sturheit. Er ist extrem menschenbezogen und hält beim Jagen von sich aus ständig Kontakt zu mir. Man darf bei der Ausbildung allerdings niemals grob werden – auf harte Worte reagiert er sofort sensibel und zieht sich zurück.
Wir haben uns ganz bewusst für einen Braque Saint-Germain als aktiven Familienhund entschieden, obwohl wir selbst nicht jagen. Für uns war klar, dass wir seine Jagdleidenschaft anders kanalisieren müssen. Wir lasten sie täglich mit intensivem Dummytraining aus, bei dem sie Attrappen apportieren darf. Das fordert ihren Kopf und ihre feine Nase enorm.
Im Haus ist sie ein absoluter Traum – völlig ausgeglichen, ruhig und unglaublich liebevoll zu unseren Kindern. Sie bellt fast nie und ist extrem anhänglich. Allerdings darf man den Bewegungsdrang nicht unterschätzen. Wer glaubt, mit ein paar kurzen Runden um den Block auszukommen, wird dieser eleganten Rasse absolut nicht gerecht. Man braucht Zeit, Konsequenz und viel positive Verstärkung.
Ich schätze an meinem Braque Saint-Germain vor allem sein sanftes, sensibles Wesen. Er lernt unheimlich schnell und will mir immer gefallen. Eine harte Hand oder Druck in der Erziehung verträgt er überhaupt nicht – da macht er sofort dicht. Mit positiver Bestärkung und Leckerlis erreicht man bei ihm dagegen alles.
Gesundheitlich ist er eigentlich sehr robust, aber man muss ein Auge auf seine hängenden Ohren haben. Da sammelt sich schnell Schmutz an, was unbehandelt leicht zu Ohrenentzündungen führt. Auch seine Haut kontrolliere ich regelmäßig beim Bürsten. Wer einen feinfühligen, aber aktiven Begleiter sucht und bereit ist, täglich viel Zeit in Auslauf und Kopfarbeit zu investieren, findet hier einen treuen Freund fürs Leben.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Braque Saint-Germain.
The Braque Saint-Germain is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Braque Saint-Germain is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Braque Saint-Germain grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Braque Saint-Germain can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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