Overview
The Braque Saint-Germain descends from a cross between English Pointers and French braques made in the 1830s for the kennels of Charles X, and later refined around Saint-Germain-en-Laye near Paris. It is lighter and more refined than most French pointers, white with pale orange patches and a soft, kind eye. For years it was bred as much for the show ring as for the field.
The character is gentle, sociable and eager, with less stubbornness than some pointing breeds. It is very rare in Britain. Treat it as a fine-coated, people-oriented pointer and ask the owner to fill in the rest.
Exercise and walking needs
Ninety minutes a day with time to run suits most adults. They quarter steadily rather than racing and enjoy open fields, heathland and woodland edges.
A game of fetch or a search for a hidden toy adds mental work and keeps the dog focused on you rather than on the hedgerow.
On the walk
- Recall: Good by pointer standards. The breed is attentive and wants to please. A flushing bird can still take it a hundred metres before it hears you.
- Pulling: Low. A harness protects the thin skin on the neck and chest from rubbing.
- Other dogs: Friendly and gentle. Suits group walks with dogs of similar temperament.
- Weather: The short coat offers almost no insulation. Winter walks should be brisk, and a coat is sensible in sleet.
Tips for professional walkers
- Keep the first few walks on a long line in open country while you learn the dog's range.
- Finish with a few retrieves to bring the dog's attention back to you before the lead goes on.
- Dry the dog thoroughly after rain; it chills quickly standing still.
- Watch for seeds in the ears and between the toes in summer.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog been trained for the gun or for showing, and what cues does it know?
- How does it cope with cold weather, and does it wear a coat?
- Any skin problems where a collar or harness rubs?