Braque Saint-Germain
BRAK san jer-MAN
France· Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris
The Braque Saint-Germain is a lightly built, elegant French pointing breed created in the 19th century near Paris.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Minimal, weekly wipe-down
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Flexible with sufficient exercise
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Braque Saint-Germain
Developed near the royal forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, this breed was bred for elegance and speed suited to formal hunting parties, blending French pointing instinct with the lighter build introduced from English Pointer stock.
- Region
- Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate woodland and farmland near Paris
- Original job
- Elegant, fast-working pointer for royal and aristocratic hunts
The long read
About the breed
Its development from a cross between French Braque stock and the English Pointer produced a fast, wide-ranging hunter with a keen nose, suited to formal shooting parties on open ground.
It is a gentle, sensitive dog that bonds closely with its owners and generally does well in a household that can provide plenty of exercise, though its sensitivity means it responds best to calm, positive handling.
Today the Braque Saint-Germain is a relatively rare breed, kept mainly in France by hunters and gundog enthusiasts, with only a small presence abroad.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Braque Saint-Germain greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Braque Saint-Germain is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Braque Saint-Germain's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1830s-40s
Crossbreeding begins
French breeders crossed Braque Francais type dogs with English Pointers to produce a lighter, faster pointer.
1830s
Kennel founded
Dogs of this new type were kept and developed at the royal kennels near Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
1880s
Type stabilised
The breed's distinctive orange-and-white appearance and elegant build became fixed.
1920s
Standard formalised
An official breed standard was adopted by French kennel authorities.
1990s
Continued specialist use
The breed remains popular chiefly among French hunters valuing its speed and style on partridge.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Well-proportioned and athletic, with a deep chest and slightly arched loin.
- coat
- Short, fine and glossy.
- ears
- Set high, fine and slightly folded.
- eyes
- Large, well-open, golden to dark amber.
- head
- Fairly short, with a well-marked stop and square muzzle.
- size
- Dogs 56-62cm, bitches 54-58cm
- colour
- White and orange, evenly speckled.
- temperament
- Lively, gentle, sensitive and affectionate.
- general appearance
- A light, elegant pointing dog, built for speed and grace, showing clear English Pointer influence.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Braque Saint-Germains added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Braque Saint-Germain
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Braque Saint-Germain illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Braque Saint-Germain Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Braque Saint-Germain illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Braque Saint-Germain Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Braque Saint-Germain illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Braque Saint-Germain Mug
Ceramic mug with the Braque Saint-Germain illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Rope Slip Lead
Braided rope lead with a leather stop, 150cm. Good for training walks.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
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Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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