The Braque Saint-Germain temperament is known for being devoted, affectionate, and focused on its family.
The Braque Saint-Germain is a beautiful and ancient pointing breed from France.
There is some disagreement about when the breed first appeared, but without a doubt, this breed has been around for many centuries.
The Braque Saint-Germain is a medium-sized pointer that makes an excellent hunting dog and a top-notch family dog.
Many devotees treasure the Braque Saint-Germain temperament; however, it is not the right match for everyone.
This article will provide you with a starting point for learning more about the most common Braque Saint-Germain behaviors and traits.
If you think this could be the perfect dog for you, do your research to find out if the Braque Saint-Germain personality will be a good fit for your household.
5 Braque Saint-Germain Temperament Traits You Need To Know
In this section, we will explore some of the most typical components of the Braque Saint-Germain temperament.
However, please remember that all dogs are individuals.
Therefore, there will be some differences between individual dogs—even within the same breed.
There are always exceptions to the norm, so your Braque Saint-Germain might not display all of these characteristics.
Still, this section will give you a general idea of what to expect from the Braque Saint-Germain temperament.
1. Strong Hunting Drive
The hard-working Braque Saint-Germain temperament makes this breed an outstanding hunting dog.
Like most pointing breeds, the Braque Saint-Germain will “point” out the game for the hunter. They do this by standing very still and pointing with their nose in the direction of the prey animal.
The Braque Saint-Germain is stocky, muscular and hardy. It can work for long hours in rough terrain.
As a true working dog, the Braque Saint-Germain is happiest when it has a job.
If you do not plan to use your Braque Saint-Germain as a hunting dog, you will need to come up with another outlet for its desire to work.
For example, the Braque Saint-Germain makes an excellent competitor in canine sports such as agility, rally obedience, nosework, or tracking.
Another way to keep your dog engaged is to provide him with plenty of mental enrichment.
2. Devoted to Family
The loyal Braque Saint-Germain temperament makes this dog extremely devoted to its family.
The Braque Saint-Germain is a dog that wants to be with its family at all times.
This breed does not do well left alone for long periods of time or relegated to the backyard.
If you choose this breed, make sure you have the time to give them the attention that they need.
If you do not provide enough attention, exercise and interaction, you may start to notice nuisance behaviors such as barking, chewing or digging.
3. Tolerant with Children
The easygoing Braque Saint-Germain temperament makes this breed a good choice for families with children.
Braque Saint-Germains tend to be loving, gentle and playful with young kids.
Of course, it is still important to socialize your Braque Saint-Germain with children.
As with all dogs, you should always supervise interactions between children and your Braque Saint-Germain.
It is important to make sure that the children in the household treat the dog with respect. Never allow children to sit on the dog, ride the dog, or pull the dog’s tail.
With the proper socialization and supervision, the Braque Saint-Germain generally makes a wonderful addition to a household with kids.
4. Can be Susceptible to Separation Anxiety
Because of the sensitive nature of the Braque Saint-Germain temperament, this breed can be prone to developing separation anxiety.
You can try to prevent the development of separation anxiety by training your Braque Saint-Germain to be comfortable in a crate while you are gone.
Use treats and special toys to make the crate a positive and enjoyable place for your dog.
If you work long hours, you can hire a dog walker or bring your dog to doggie daycare during the workday.
If your dog develops severe separation anxiety, consult with your veterinarian as well as a professional trainer.
In some cases, your dog may benefit from medication as well as behavior modification.
5. Athletic
The Braque Saint-Germain temperament is highly athletic and energetic.
After all, these dogs were bred to hunt for hours on end.
If you acquire one of these athletic dogs, it is important that you lead an active lifestyle.
A young Braque Saint-Germain needs at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day.
Some of the best forms of Braque Saint-Germain exercise include hiking, walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or playing with other dogs.
If you are not able to provide this level of exercise, consider adopting an older Braque Saint-Germain.
Older Braques make wonderful pets, and they require less attention, exercise, and training than a puppy or an adolescent.
A Brief Account of Saint-Germain History
The word “Braque” means “pointer” in French.
There are multiple different “Braque” breeds that likely all descended from the Chien D’ Oysel sometime in the 14th or 15th century.
The written records become clearer around 1830. Around this time, hunters in the region of Saint Germain en Laye started refining the breed. This is where the breed gets its name.
The Braque Saint-Germain participated in the first dog show in France in 1863.
The United Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 2006. However, the American Kennel Club does not recognize the Braque Saint-Germain at this time.
Braque Saint-Germain Size and Appearance
The Braque Saint-Germain is described as, “a medium-sized fawn and white pointing breed with relatively heavy bone and strong musculature.”
The average Braque Saint-Germain height is between 21 and 24 inches at the withers.
The average Braque Saint-Germain weight is between 40 lbs and 57 lbs.
Braque Saint-Germain colors are usually white or off white with orange markings.
Their coats are short and fine. Their tails are long and their ears are floppy.
Braque Saint-Germain Training
The intelligent Braque Saint-Germain temperament makes this a relatively easy breed to train.
Braque Saint-Germains are attentive, focused, and eager to please their masters.
If possible, start training your Braque Saint-Germain when it is still a puppy. You can start the training process by signing up for a puppy kindergarten course with a local trainer.
If you adopt your Braque Saint-Germain as an adult, you can still sign up for a basic obedience class to get started.
Just be cautious when finding a trainer. Make sure you find one that uses positive, force-free methods.
Steer clear of trainers that use outdated, punishment-based methods. Do not use painful training tools such as shock collars, pinch collars or choke chains. These methods are unnecessary and can harm the relationship between you and your dog.
Instead, keep training fun and upbeat. It will be a more pleasant experience for you and your dog.
Helpful Dog Training Resource:
For help with training your Braque Saint-Germain dog, you should take a look at The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan. Doggy Dan is an expert Dog Trainer based in New Zealand. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog.
A Guide to Braque Saint-Germain Grooming
When it comes to grooming, the Braque Saint-Germain is a low-maintenance breed.
The Braque Saint-Germain has a short, sleek coat that is easy to maintain with occasional brushing and bathing.
As with all dogs, you should also trim the nails, brush the teeth, and clean the ears on a regular basis.
Braque Saint-Germain shedding is moderate and easy to handle with regular brushing and vacuuming.
However, the Braque Saint-Germain is not a hypoallergenic breed.
If you suffer from allergies, check out our article on hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Staying Healthy: Braque Saint-Germain Health Issues
The Braque Saint-Germain is a relatively healthy and hardy breed.
However, there are still a few health conditions that you need to know about.
If you acquire your Braque Saint-Germain puppy from a breeder, be sure to discuss these conditions with the breeder and ask about medical records and the results of any genetic testing.
Before you bring home your new dog, talk with your veterinarian about what to expect in terms of your Braque Saint-Germain’s medical needs.
Like other active working breeds, the Braque Saint-Germain can be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
Other possible health conditions include:
As with all pets, your Braque Saint-Germain should visit a veterinarian at least once per year for an annual checkup and vaccinations.
It is extremely important for your Braque Saint-Germain to stay up to date on vaccinations as well as flea prevention, heartworm prevention, and tick prevention at all times.
Unless you plan to get involved in professional dog shows, spaying and neutering are highly recommended for all dogs that are going to be kept as pets.
Talk with your veterinarian about the right time to schedule this procedure.
With quality nutrition and medical care, the Braque Saint-Germain lifespan is generally between 12 and 15 years.
Helpful Dog Health Resource:
Note: Our Health is #1 Priority. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Help your friend make it to 15 yrs+ without pain and suffering.
Braque Saint-Germain Rescue and Adoption
If you believe the Braque Saint-Germain temperament is the perfect match for your lifestyle, your next step is to decide how to go about adding one to your household.
One great option is to find a Braque Saint-Germain for adoption.
There are many benefits to adopting a Braque Saint-Germain rather than purchasing one from a breeder.
The Perks of Rescue Dogs:
- Rescue dogs are usually a little bit older and calmer than puppies. They do not require as much exercise or constant supervision.
- They usually come with some prior training—including housetraining
- Their adoption fees are much more affordable than the Braque Saint-Germain price from a breeder.’
How to Find a Braque Saint Germain for Adoption
You can start your search by visiting your local animal shelter or humane society.
Even though Braque Saint-Germains are uncommon in American animal shelters, most shelters will allow you to fill out an application and leave it on file in case one becomes available.
The staff can also call you about similar breeds with similar physical and behavioral characteristics.
Your local shelter can also refer you to rescue groups that specialize in certain breeds or groups of dogs (such as Pointers).
You can also use online resources such as Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com, Getyourpet.com, and Facebook to connect with Braque communities and find a Braque Saint-Germain available for adoption.
When you adopt through a rescue group, the adoption fee will usually be between $100 and $300 depending on the organization. This fee generally includes basic medical care, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering.
How to Find a Braque Saint-Germain for Sale from a Reputable Breeder
Another option for some people is to purchase a Braque Saint-Germain puppy from a breeder.
Since this is a rare breed, you will need some perseverance and patience to find an available puppy from a high-quality breeder.
There are many unscrupulous breeders out there that will try to take advantage of unsuspecting puppy buyers, so you will need to be vigilant to make sure you do not fall for one of their scams.
Never buy Braque Saint-Germain puppies over the Internet or from pet stores.
Contact a representative from the American Kennel Club or a national breed club for names of responsible Braque Saint-Germain breeders.
Responsible Breeders are devoted to the health and temperament of the breed. They will not overbreed their dogs, so there may be a long waiting list for a puppy.
Once you identify a potential breeder, make an appointment to meet that breeder in person. This will give you an opportunity to see the premises and make sure the resident dogs are happy, healthy, and friendly.
A good breeder will welcome your visit. If a breeder wants to conduct all business by phone or email and does not want you to visit, this is a red flag.
Since this is such a rare breed, be prepared for Braque Saint-Germain puppies to be expensive.
Contact breeders to find out more about the Braque Saint-Germain price.
Conclusion: Why the Braque Saint-Germain?
It is easy to see how people can easily fall in love with the Braque Saint-Germain temperament.
These dogs are loving, loyal, intelligent, and devoted to their families.
They are working dogs, so they also need a substantial amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Make sure you have the proper lifestyle for the Braque Saint-Germain before you welcome one into your home.
Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.