Braque Saint-Germain
A French pointing gundog descended from crosses of French and English pointers. Gentle, sociable and friendly, it works well in the field and settles calmly at home.
Braque Saint-Germain scorecard
Overview
The Braque Saint-Germain is an elegant French pointing gundog, standing around 54–62 cm and weighing roughly 18–26 kg, with a short white coat marked with orange. Developed from crosses between French and English pointing dogs, it combines Continental steadiness with the lighter outline of the English Pointer, and it works well in the field while settling calmly at home.
Friendly, affectionate and sociable, the Saint-Germain is valued as both a hunting companion and a family dog. Like all true pointers, however, it carries a strong hunting drive and substantial exercise needs, so it is best suited to owners who can give it plenty of activity and engagement.
Good to know — a Braque Saint-Germain needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The breed emerged in 19th-century France, reputedly developed at the royal kennels at Saint-Germain-en-Laye from matings between French braques and imported English Pointers. The aim was a refined, lighter pointing dog, and the resulting breed took its name from the town where it was established, becoming popular in French field and show circles during the 1800s.
The Braque Saint-Germain is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale among the pointing breeds (FCI Group 7) but remains rare, with most of its population concentrated in France. It is not separately recognised by The Kennel Club in the UK, where it is seldom seen, so detailed breed-specific information, breeders and working lines are concentrated on the Continent and prospective UK owners usually look to French enthusiasts.
Temperament & family fit
Saint-Germains are typically gentle, friendly and affectionate, with a sociable outlook that makes them good companions for families, children and, when properly introduced, other dogs. They tend to be calmer and more settled indoors than their field drive might suggest, provided their exercise needs are met.
As a sensitive working breed, the Saint-Germain prefers being part of family life to being kennelled or left alone, and it can become anxious or restless if isolated or under-exercised. Its hunting instinct is strong, so secure boundaries and reliable recall training matter, and a fenced garden is a real asset for an inquisitive dog that will happily follow its nose if given the chance.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
This is a willing, trainable breed that learns readily with positive, reward-based methods, and it particularly benefits from gundog-style training that satisfies its pointing instincts. Recall and steadiness should be prioritised because the breed's nose and chase drive can lead it astray if foundations are weak.
Harsh handling undermines a sensitive dog of this type; calm, consistent and patient training builds confidence and reliability. Mental work alongside physical exercise helps prevent the boredom-related behaviours seen in under-occupied sporting dogs, and short, varied, upbeat sessions tend to get the best from this willing breed.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Braque Saint-Germain typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The short coat is easy to care for, needing only a weekly brush to remove loose hair, with a little extra during moulting periods. The drop ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to reduce infection risk, and routine nail trimming and dental care complete a simple, low-maintenance grooming routine that suits owners wanting an active dog without heavy coat upkeep.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Braque Saint-Germain
Feed a complete, quality diet appropriate for an active medium-sized gundog, divided into two daily meals and tailored to the dog's age, activity level and body condition. Adjust intake up for working dogs in season and down for less active companions to avoid weight gain, and keep vigorous exercise away from mealtimes given the deeper chest. Fresh water should always be available, particularly after long outings.
A large breed
An adult Braque Saint-Germain typically weighs 18–26 kg, so a healthy Braque Saint-Germain eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Braque Saint-Germains sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Braque Saint-Germain weigh?
Adult 18–26 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.1–3 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 3.3–4.8 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 6.7–9.7 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 13.4–19.3 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 18–26 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Braque Saint-Germain
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Braque Saint-Germain's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Braque Saint-Germain health & costs
Before bringing a Braque Saint-Germain home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Braque Saint-Germain is generally considered a healthy, sound breed without an extensive catalogue of inherited diseases, and responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia and attend to the joint, ear and eye health typical of pointing dogs. Its continued use as a working gundog has helped maintain general soundness and functional conformation.
Because the breed is rare, breed-specific health statistics are limited and guidance leans on the wider gundog group. Prospective owners should ask breeders about hip scoring and eye testing and maintain routine preventive care, particularly ear hygiene and weight control.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental hip disorder seen across pointing breeds; request hip scores from breeders.
- Ear infections — the pendulous ears need regular cleaning and checking to prevent infection.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — a risk in deeper-chested dogs; manage feeding and exercise carefully.
- Hereditary eye conditions — eye screening of breeding stock is advisable where available.
- Field injuries — active hunting work can cause cuts, strains and footpad damage.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Braque Saint-Germain; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Braque Saint-Germain puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Braque Saint-Germain
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, affectionate and sociable
- Easy-care short coat
Things to consider
- High exercise needs as a working pointer
- Rare breed driven by hunting instinct
Compare the Braque Saint-Germain
See how the Braque Saint-Germain measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Braque Saint-Germain?
The Braque Saint-Germain is an elegant French pointing gundog, developed from crosses between French and English pointing dogs. It carries the lighter outline of the English Pointer combined with Continental steadiness, working keenly in the field while settling calmly at home. It wears a short white coat marked with orange.
How big does a Braque Saint-Germain get?
It is a medium-sized gundog, standing around 54–62 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 18–26 kg. The build is athletic and lightly made rather than heavy, reflecting its pointer heritage and its need for endurance and agility in the field.
How much exercise does a Braque Saint-Germain need?
Plenty. This is a working pointer that typically needs well over an hour of varied daily activity, including the chance to run and use its nose, plus mental stimulation. A mix of brisk walks, free running and scent games suits it far better than a short stroll, and it is unsuited to low-activity lifestyles.
Is the Braque Saint-Germain good with children and other dogs?
Yes. The breed is typically gentle, friendly and sociable, making it a good companion for families and children, and it generally gets on with other dogs when properly introduced. As with any dog, early socialisation and supervised, respectful interactions with young children help bring out the best in it.
How much grooming does a Braque Saint-Germain need?
Very little. The short coat needs only a weekly brush to remove loose hair, with a little extra during moulting. The drop ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to reduce infection risk, and routine nail trimming and dental care complete a simple, low-maintenance routine.
Is the Braque Saint-Germain a healthy breed?
It is generally considered a sound, healthy breed without an extensive catalogue of inherited diseases, and its continued use as a working gundog has helped maintain soundness. Because it is rare, breed-specific data is limited; ask breeders about hip scoring and eye testing, and keep up routine ear care and weight control.
How long do Braque Saint-Germains live?
A typical lifespan is around 12–14 years. As with any dog, a healthy weight, sensible exercise, good preventive veterinary care and choosing a puppy from health-tested parents all help support a long, comfortable life.
Does the Braque Saint-Germain suit a first-time or sedentary owner?
It is best suited to active owners who can give it plenty of exercise and engagement. As a sensitive working breed it prefers being part of family life and can become anxious or restless if isolated or under-exercised, so it is not a good match for sedentary homes, small flats, or long hours left alone.
Are Braque Saint-Germains good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Braque Saint-Germains tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Braque Saint-Germain need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Braque Saint-Germain needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Braque Saint-Germains shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Braque Saint-Germains easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Braque Saint-Germains are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Braque Saint-Germains bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Braque Saint-Germains good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Braque Saint-Germains suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Braque Saint-Germain really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) – breed and health information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard, Braque Saint-Germain: https://www.fci.org/
- PDSA – dog health and care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross – dog ownership guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/
Recommended for your Braque Saint-Germain
Matched to a Braque Saint-Germain's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Corduroy Dog Harness with Bow
A soft corduroy step-in dog harness with breathable mesh lining and gold-tone alloy buckles. The adjustable fit and pretty bow detail make walks comfortable and stylish for small and medium dogs.
From£7.99
Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Sofa Bed
An orthopaedic memory-foam dog bed with supportive bolster sides for head and neck resting. The egg-crate foam core cushions joints and distributes weight, ideal for older or larger dogs needing extra support.
From£39.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.