Braque Saint-Germain

Braque Saint-Germain

Braque Saint-Germain
Other names	Saint Germain Pointer
Country of origin	France
Traits Height Male 56–62 cm (22–24 in) Female 54–59 cm (21–23 in) Coat Short, not too fine. Colour Dull white with orange (fawn) markings
Classification / standards FCI Group 7 Section 1 #115 standard UKC Gundog standard
Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

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

A typical pointer, with a medium build and an attractive fawn and white coat, drop ears, and a long tail which is held level while the dog is working. The Braque Saint-Germain stands 56–62 centimetres (22–24 in) at the withers, females somewhat smaller.

History

Pointer of Saint-Germain circa 1915

Bred first in the royal kennels at Compiègne around 1830 from a mix of English and Continental pointers, the breed grew in fame in Saint Germain en Laye, where it received its name. Although a popular hunting dog, the breed achieved its greatest fame as a showdog. Starting from the first dog show in France in 1863, it was the most shown pointing breed.^[1] The French breed club was established in 1913. The breed is recognised internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Group 7, Pointing Dogs, Section 1.1 Continental Type Pointing Dog. It is also recognised in North America by the United Kennel Club as of 2006.^[2] The breed is also recognized by a number of minor registries, hunting clubs, and internet-based dog registry businesses, and promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet.

Health and temperament

No unusual health problems or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed. Temperament is described in the breed standard as having a soft mouth (for retrieving without damaging the game), handles rough treatment well, and is a "hunter above all" that appreciates living with its human's family.^[1]

See also

• Braque de l'Ariège (Ariege Pointing Dog)
• Braque d'Auvergne (Auvergne Pointing Dog)
• Braque du Bourbonnais (Bourbonnais Pointing Dog)
• Braque Francais, type Gascogne (French Pointing Dog - Gascogne type)
• Braque Francais, type Pyrénées (French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean type)

References

1. Breed Standard
2. United Kennel Club Breed Standard

External links

• Braque Saint-Germain at DMOZ