Braque Saint Germain
The Braque Saint-Germain (FCI No. 115) (translated into English as the St. Germain Pointing Dog) is a medium-large breed of dog, a versatile hunter used for hunting as a gun dog and pointer as well as for hunting other small game. Braque is a term meaning pointing dogs. The breed was created around 1830 by crossing English and French pointing type dogs.
Appearance
The Braque Saint Germain is a medium sized gundog. However this breed is heavy boned, well muscled and noted for its supple gallop. This gives the dog the endurance needed to work the field. This dog has a lightly rounded skull and a stop that is not very prominent. The muzzle has the same length as the skull. The broad nose is pink in color and has well opened nostrils. Large well opened eyes are well set in the eye sockets and golden yellow in color. Eyes have a gentle, kind and candid expression. Medium length ears with rounded tips are set level with the eyes and hangs down slightly apart from the head. The lips that completely envelopes the lower jaw do not have black spots. . The dog has strong jaws and teeth that meet in a scissor bite. The tail that is set rather low has a thick base and tapers to a point. The tail is usually carried horizontally. A Saint Germain Pointer’s neck is rather long, well muscled and a bit arched. The neck can have a slight dewlap. The dog has a horizontal back and a rather short but broad and strong loin. This breed has broad deep chest, well sprung long ribs and a belly that is slightly tucked up. The long and well muscled forelegs and the well positioned hindquarters give the dog a supple and well balanced gallop. The dog’s coat is short, thick, fine and glossy. The predominant dull white coat can have bright orange patches and mottling.
Appearance
The Braque Saint Germain is a medium sized gundog. However this breed is heavy boned, well muscled and noted for its supple gallop. This gives the dog the endurance needed to work the field. This dog has a lightly rounded skull and a stop that is not very prominent. The muzzle has the same length as the skull. The broad nose is pink in color and has well opened nostrils. Large well opened eyes are well set in the eye sockets and golden yellow in color. Eyes have a gentle, kind and candid expression. Medium length ears with rounded tips are set level with the eyes and hangs down slightly apart from the head. The lips that completely envelopes the lower jaw do not have black spots. . The dog has strong jaws and teeth that meet in a scissor bite. The tail that is set rather low has a thick base and tapers to a point. The tail is usually carried horizontally. A Saint Germain Pointer’s neck is rather long, well muscled and a bit arched. The neck can have a slight dewlap. The dog has a horizontal back and a rather short but broad and strong loin. This breed has broad deep chest, well sprung long ribs and a belly that is slightly tucked up. The long and well muscled forelegs and the well positioned hindquarters give the dog a supple and well balanced gallop. The dog’s coat is short, thick, fine and glossy. The predominant dull white coat can have bright orange patches and mottling.
Care
A Braque Saint Germain is a breed of dog that would need very minimal maintenance. Because the coat is short, an occasional brushing and rub down would be sufficient to maintain the good condition of the hair. However the dog’s coat does not provide sufficient insulation. The dog would tolerate hot weather but not extremely wet and cold weather conditions. An owner must ensure that the dog is not taken hunting during extremely cold weather. Just with any other hunting dogs, the ears of the Saint Germain Pointer must be cleaned regularly. |
Temperament
An out-and-out hunter, the Braque-Saint Germain can passionately hunt in any kind of terrain. It is a willing and tireless worker. This dog breed is affectionate, obedient and very loyal to the master. It is capable of showing great affection, once it gets attached to the family. The breed is also tolerant of other dogs and pets. Gently and friendly with children, Braque Saint-Germain is usually reserved with strangers. It can show a stubborn streak sometimes. To develop good manners, socialization and obedience training are very important. This easy-to-train breed can tolerate occasional harsh treatment while training. If living in the city, long walks for the dog are preferred.
An out-and-out hunter, the Braque-Saint Germain can passionately hunt in any kind of terrain. It is a willing and tireless worker. This dog breed is affectionate, obedient and very loyal to the master. It is capable of showing great affection, once it gets attached to the family. The breed is also tolerant of other dogs and pets. Gently and friendly with children, Braque Saint-Germain is usually reserved with strangers. It can show a stubborn streak sometimes. To develop good manners, socialization and obedience training are very important. This easy-to-train breed can tolerate occasional harsh treatment while training. If living in the city, long walks for the dog are preferred.
History
Elegant dogs with white and orange coats and with a fine nose have existed even before the reign of France’s King Charles X (1824-1830). The description that aptly fits the features of the Braque Saint Germain only shows that the breed really existed before King Charles’ time. However, it was commonly believed that the breed originated when Mr. Girardin, the king’s chief huntsman have crossed the native orange and white hunting dogs with the English Pointer that were given by the King of England to the King of France. The two pointers were named Miss and Stop. The progeny of these mating were described to have an elegant form, heightened scenting abilities and distinctive appearance. The middle class revolt in July 1830 caused King Charles to leave the throne. The dogs were given to Baron Laminat. The baron is the chief inspector of the Compiegne forest, north of Paris. Stop died and only Miss was bred with a brown and white Braque Francais. Zamor, one of Miss’ offspring produced white and orange coated puppies with pink noses and lips. Marquis de Cherville described the dogs as large elegant dogs that are fast and with a high nose. Since these dogs were bred in the area of Compiegne, they were named Compiegne Pointer. The breed’s name was changed to Saint Germain Pointer when the kennels was transferred to the forested area of Saint Germain in 1830. From then on Braque Saint Germain became the official name of the breed. The breed was widely accepted and gained tremendous popularity. In 1913 an official club for the breed was formed with the main objective of promoting the use and improvement of the Saint Germain Pointer breed in France as well as in other countries. The club has successfully accomplished the goal. Breeders of the Saint Germain Pointer can be found throughout France. However, the outbreak of World War 1 made a huge impact on the population of the breed. Numbers of Braque Saint Germain was drastically reduced. The breed has not recovered from this set back. Another attempt was made by breeders to revive the breed in 1930s but the 2nd World War that raged throughout Europe again took its toll on the numbers of existing Braque Saint Germain. Presently, the breed’s numbers was increased. The Braque Saint Germain’s popularity is gaining grounds. Because of the breed’s outstanding qualities it has never lost its loyal following of trialers and hunters. The national breed club has again undertaken the task of improving the breed’s field abilities. The aftermath of the two World Wars made this breed quite rare. Up to this day the Braque Saint Germain is still unknown outside of France. However because the breed is a hardworking and versatile gundog as well as an affectionate and loyal home companion and family pet, it is a favorite among French people. The Braque Saint Germain may have a small population but it is far from being extinct. |
Breed Braque Saint Germain
Alternative names Braque Saint-Germain St.Germain-Vorstehhund
Height (male/female)20-24 inches (51-61 cm) / 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
Weight (male/female)40-57 pounds (18-26 kg) / 40-57 pounds (18-26 kg)
Alternative names Braque Saint-Germain St.Germain-Vorstehhund
Height (male/female)20-24 inches (51-61 cm) / 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
Weight (male/female)40-57 pounds (18-26 kg) / 40-57 pounds (18-26 kg)