1. What is the difference between a Braque Saint Germain and a Pointer?
The Braque Saint Germain is a close cousin to the Pointer. The breed has received infusions of Pointer blood several times over the course of its developement. However there are some significant differences between the two breeds, especially with regards to character and temperament. Typically BSG's are less independant than Pointers and tend to maintain closer contact with the hunter. Braque Saint Germains are more "continental" in character in that they thrive on human contact and respond best to gentle training methods.

Physically, the Braque Saint Germain is somewhat larger boned than a Pointer and has a thicker skin. Its head is rounder, the ears are longer and attached lower than a Pointer's and the stop is less pronounced. In the field, a good BSG is a very fast and relatively wide running dog but not quite as fast nor wide ranging as a Pointer.

Please note: Pointers in North America typically point with a very high tail. This is not the case in Europe where tails are expected to be held more or less level with the back when the dog is on point. Our BSGs point with a level tail and some lower the tail as they draw on toward the bird. Drawing on" is another differences between the way gundogs work in France and in America. In France pointing dogs are expected to hold point until the handler arrives and then slowly advance toward the bird in a sort of moving point along side the the handler until the bird flushes. They must then remain steady to wing, shot and fall.

2. Is a Braque Saint Germain a versatile gundog?
Yes. The Braque Saint Germain is very much a continental dog in terms of its working ability. Most are natural retrievers that take to water easily. While the tracking instinct may not be as well developed as some of the other versatile breeds a good Braque Saint Germain can easily be trained to track crippled game.

3. Do they have health problems?
BSG breeders have to deal with the same health concerns as breeders of other continental gundogs. However as far as my dogs are concerned, I have been very lucky. I have rarely had to take them to the vet other than for vaccinations. All of the dogs I have raised have been very healthy and typically long lived (11-14 years). Recently breed experts have determined that the very small number of Braque Saint Germains in the world today represent a gene pool unable to sustain long term repeated breeding of closely related individuals. As a result and in order to diversify the breed's genetic base, an official infusion of Pointer blood was authorized in 2002 by "Le Club du Braque Saint Germain". The focus of the program will be to improve genetic health while maintaining the unique character and style of the breed. We are participating in this program and the results so far have been very promising.

4. Are they easily trained?
Braque Saint Germains are usually quite cooperative dogs that become very attached to their master making them rather easy to train. They tend to learn quickly and retain what they have learned. They do however have a softer temperament than some breeds. They do not respond well to forceful training methods.

5. Where can I get a Braque Saint Germain?
The first step to finding a good Braque Saint Germain would be to contact the national breed club "Le Club du Braque Saint Germain". There are a few breeders in the club whose priorities are in line with the needs of the hunter and trialer. Be sure to do the necessary research into the breed and, if at all possible, request a demonstration of the abilities of the breeding stock. Here at our kennels, we breed one or two litters per year. We only place our pups with hunters. We usually have a waiting list, especially for females. We would be more than happy to show you our dogs in action in the field.

Please Note: Enquiries to my kennel or the breed club should be made in French. However, my friend Craig Koshyk of Winnipeg, Canada has agreed to take requests for information in English. You may contact him by e-mail or by telephone at (204) 885-1541. Craig will be happy to facilitate the communication between us.