Braque Saint-Germain Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Traits

Hailing from France originally, the Braque Saint-Germain is a hunting dog by trade who also makes a loving, devoted companion. From the start, Braque Saint-Germains were bred to work hard and look good doing it, making their mark in the hunting fields and the show ring alike.

Nowadays, the Braque Saint-Germain is rarely found outside of their native France, which could make locating one to join your family a bit difficult. However, this social, active, easy-to-train breed just might be worth the effort! Read on to learn more about the Braque Saint-Germain and whether they might be a good fit for your lifestyle!

Braque Saint-Germain Characteristics

Braque Saint-Germain Puppies

Braque Saint-Germains are very rare in the United States. You may need to look to Europe, particularly their country of origin, France to find a breeder. While adoption prices are likely to be costly, keep in mind there may be additional costs associated with shipping a puppy from another country if it comes to that. Any time you are purchasing a puppy, no matter the country, be cautious and make sure to choose a responsible breeder. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be sure you feel confident you are getting a healthy puppy. Braque Saint-Germains are generally healthy dogs, but they do have some known health concerns that reputable breeders should screen for.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Braque Saint-Germain 🧠

The Braque Saint-Germain is an intelligent breed overall with a loving and loyal personality. They bond very strongly with their people and are eager to please them, making them very rewarding to train. Because they do become so attached to their families, Braque Saint-Germain will not do well if left to themselves frequently. Anxiety and unwanted behaviors may develop if this is the case.

Are These Dogs Good for Families 👪

The Braque Saint-Germain will fit in well with active families who welcome them to join in the bustle of daily life. This breed usually does very well with children and enjoys playing with them. They also tend to be very tolerant of children’s sometimes rough handling. Because they are so active and boisterous, Braque Saint-Germains should be supervised when interacting with smaller children who may be more easily knocked over. As previously discussed, the Braque Saint-Germain has a strong desire to be close and involved with their families. If your family is not very active or if you prefer to live with a more independent dog, the Braque Saint-Germain is probably not the best choice for you.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets 🐶 😽

Like most hunting breeds, the Braque Saint-Germain was developed to work in tandem with other dogs if necessary. Because of this, they should get along well with other canine members of your household. Care should always be taken to properly introduce and socialize new dogs to existing family dogs. On the flip side of the hunting dog heritage, a Braque Saint-Germain will most likely not be trustworthy with cats or other small pets. It’s possible that a Braque Saint Germain can learn to tolerate these smaller, prey-like pets if socialized with them at a young age. However, you will still want to supervise all interactions in case a hunting instinct should suddenly surface in your Braque Saint-Germain.

Things to Know When Owning a Braque Saint-Germain

Braque Saint-Germains tend to be a pretty low-maintenance breed of dog as a general rule. The most important factor to consider when you are deciding whether to get a Braque Saint-Germain is whether you will be able to meet their exercise and socialization needs. Here is some more information about what to expect when you are expecting a Braque Saint-Germain.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Braque Saint-Germain doesn’t usually require any special food or diet supplements. They should stay happy and healthy if fed any high-quality, age-appropriate diet. One factor to consider is that a working dog will likely have different nutritional needs than a Braque Saint-Germain who serves as a house pet only. Consult your veterinarian as needed to make sure your dog is getting the right mix of nutrients for their age and activity level. The choice to feed a commercial dog food or homemade diet is largely up to you and your motivation level to serve as a personal dog chef. If you do go the homemade diet route, ask your veterinarian for help to ensure the diet is nutritionally balanced.

Exercise 🐕

Braque Saint-Germains were bred to spend all day hunting and running for miles, and their exercise needs reflect that heritage. They may require as much as 1-2 hours of hard physical exercise every day. This breed is well-suited to families or individuals who enjoy running, hiking, or other similar physical pursuits. In addition to pure physical exertion, the Braque Saint-Germain needs daily engagement and activity with their humans. Daily mental, as well as physical stimulation, is a must for this sociable breed. Braque Saint-Germains who don’t get enough exercise or family bonding may develop behavioral issues and separation anxiety. Consider your family’s lifestyle and living arrangements when deciding whether the Braque Saint-Germain is a good fit for you. Because of their activity level, they are not the best choice as an apartment or city dog. They also should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced area lest they follow their noses off into trouble!

Training 🎾

Because they are both intelligent and eager to please, Braque Saint-Germains tend to be relatively easy to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and rewards. Getting an early start on socialization and training will help your Braque Saint Germain puppy grow into a confident, well-mannered adult dog. Naturally, Braque Saint-Germains show an affinity for learning how to hunt but they can also participate in other activities such as agility or obedience trials. Again, this breed wants to live with their families and may develop destructive habits if left alone or in the backyard too often.

Grooming ✂️

The coat of the Braque Saint-Germain is short, dense, and doesn't require a lot of upkeep. Weekly brushing with a hound glove or short bristle brush will help control shedding and keep the coat healthy. Make sure to keep your Braque Saint-Germainʻs nails trimmed and brush their teeth regularly. Especially if your Braque Saint-Germain spends time hunting or hiking in the woods, watch them closely for ticks and other parasites. Braque Saint-Germainsʻ can also suffer from ear infections due to their long, hanging ears. Make sure to regularly check and clean their ears with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe to help them avoid problems.

Health and Conditions ❤️ 🏥

Probably because they are a rarer breed, Braque Saint-Germains tend to be quite healthy overall. There are not many documented inherited health conditions in this breed. As always, be sure to choose a responsible breeder and ask about health certifications or health guarantees for your puppy.

Male vs Female

As with many breeds, male Braque Saint-Germains tend to be a bit larger than females. Other than the size difference, there are not any particular distinctions between the two sexes of Braque Saint-Germain dogs.

Choosing between a male or female Braque Saint-Germain will likely depend on what you are looking for in a dog as well as your personal preference. Obviously, with a female dog, you will need to deal with a heat cycle twice a year or so. If you don’t intend to breed, it’s best and easiest to have your female dog spayed. Unneutered male dogs can sometimes be a bit rambunctious and excessive marking can also be an issue. Neutering will usually mellow them somewhat and decrease the marking behavior.

Because it can be so hard to find a Braque Saint-Germain puppy, you may very well find yourself in the situation of having to take whatever puppy is available, male or female.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Braque Saint-Germain

1. The Braque Saint Germain Has a Royal Heritage In France

The original Braque Saint-Germains were the result of breeding a local French hunting dog with an English Pointer given as a gift to King Charles X of France in 1830. From this original pairing, the breed was developed and refined into the beautiful, capable dogs they are today.

2. The Breed Was Almost a Casualty of War

From their original inception up until the formation of the first breed club in 1913, Braque Saint-Germains were very popular as both hunting and show dogs. However, just as the breed was poised to spread further, Europe entered the age of the World Wars. The impact of both World Wars on the population of Braque Saint-Germains was dramatic. Unfortunately, the breed has never regained its previous level of popularity and remains rare outside of France to this day.

3. Braque Saint-Germains Went Back to Their Roots to Survive

Because there are so few Braque Saint-Germain breeding lines in modern times, a bit of new blood was needed. Well, it was some original blood. English Pointers have recently been bred back into the Braque Saint-Germain gene pool to help increase the diversity and population of the breed.

Final Thoughts

While they may be hard to find, the Braque Saint-Germain’s combination of intelligence, energy, and complete devotion to their families can be very appealing. If you did your research on this breed and are convinced it is the one for you, be sure to take the time to find a responsible breeder, even if it takes a little extra. Getting a healthy puppy will be worth it in the long run as you will hopefully enjoy many years with your Braque Saint-Germain.

• Related Read: 15 Best Hunting Dog Breeds (with Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory