Saint Germain Pointer
Pointer / FCI Group 7 · Purebred · France's light pointer — a slender, elegant pointer with white and orange coat bred for hunting in French forests
45–59 lbsWeight
22–24 inHeight
12–14 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
Pointer / FCI Group 7 · Purebred · France's light pointer — a slender, elegant pointer with white and orange coat bred for hunting in French forests
The Braque Saint-Germain, or Saint Germain Pointer, is an elegant French pointing breed that took shape in the early 19th century at the royal kennels of Compiègne and later Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Breeders crossed imported English Pointers with the native French Braque type, aiming for a refined, all-purpose gundog with a gentler temperament than the English Pointer of the day.
The result is a medium-large, athletic dog with a clean white coat marked in orange, and the soft, expressive eyes the breed is known for. Once a fashionable dog at French dog shows, it remains a capable pointer and retriever in the field while doubling as a calm, affectionate house companion. It is recognized by the FCI in Group 7 (Pointing Dogs) and is rarely seen outside France.
Real Saint Germain Pointer photos — showcasing their unique appearance and character.
Gentle, sociable, and eager to please, the Saint Germain Pointer bonds closely with its family and is notably good-natured for a hunting breed. It is friendly with people and other dogs, sensitive to harsh handling, and happiest when included in family life. Its pointing instinct and love of the outdoors make it a wonderful companion for an active household.
This is an energetic sporting dog that needs a solid hour or more of activity every day — long walks, running, hunting, or dog sports. Without enough exercise and a job to occupy its keen nose, it can grow restless and bored. A securely fenced area to run is ideal.
The short, fine coat is very low-maintenance: a weekly brush keeps it clean and glossy, with the occasional bath as needed. Pay special attention to the long, drop ears, checking and gently cleaning them regularly to prevent moisture and wax from causing infections.
Highly trainable and biddable, the Saint Germain Pointer responds beautifully to patient, reward-based methods and wilts under heavy-handed correction. Early socialization and consistent, positive obedience work bring out its natural cooperativeness. It excels in gundog work and enjoys the mental engagement of training.
A generally healthy, hardy breed with a typical lifespan of 12–14 years. As with most large, deep-chested sporting dogs, the main concerns worth watching for are hip dysplasia, ear infections (due to the drop ears), and bloat/gastric torsion. Buy from breeders who screen hips, keep the ears dry and clean, and feed measured meals rather than one large one.
The Saint Germain Pointer does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 2½–3¾ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Use a large-breed formula and avoid heavy exercise right after meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 2½–3¾ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener found in some gums and peanut butters), macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a Saint Germain Pointer from a responsible breeder typically costs around $1,000–$2,500, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $110–$200 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $18,000–$28,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.