What Makes Saint Germain Pointers Magnificent? The Saint Germain Pointer is a medium-sized, well-proportioned and well-muscled breed with a dignified personality. They are a hard-working breed making versatile gundogs, passionate hunters able as trackers and retrievers. The Saint Germain Pointer is highly intelligent, quick to learn, and able to retain what he has learned well. This willing worker also makes an excellent companion and family pet as he is very gentle and affectionate towards his family.

The Origins of the Breed The origins of the Saint Germain Pointer can be traced back to the time of the French King Charles X (1824-1830). It is certain that orange and white dogs matching the description of the Saint Germain Pointer existed long before this time, but this specific breed is thought to have been created around that time. Mr. Girardin, King Charles' chief huntsman, is said to have brought the English Pointer to France and crossed it with local orange and white hunting dogs known as 'braques'. The resulting offspring are said to have had a fine nose, great elegance of form and a distinctive appearance. When King Charles X left the throne in 1830 his dogs were given to the Baron Laminat, the chief inspector of the forests of Compiegne, north of Paris. The Saint Germain Pointer was first bred in the royal kennels at Compiegne and was initially named the 'Compiegne Pointer'. Shortly after the breeding began the kennels were moved to the forested areas of Saint Germain, and the breed's name was changed and officially accepted as the Saint Germain Pointer. The History of a Royal Breed The breed quickly became tremendously popular and the official breed club formed in Paris in 1913. The club set about promoting the improvement and use of the breed in France and other countries. By the outbreak of World War I, Saint Germain Pointer breeders were to be found throughout France. Unfortunately, the War had a devastating effect on the breed and its numbers fell dramatically, and the Saint Germain Pointer has not since recovered. Around the 1930s breeders attempted to revive the club and develop the breed, but the outbreak of World War II set back their efforts. Since World War II the breed has been maintained by a loyal following of hunters and trailers who have managed to retain its unique qualities. More recently the breed has seen a slight increase in popularity, hopefully an indication of a promising future for the breed in years yet to come. The national breed club has now turned its attention to the improvement of the breed's field abilities. The Modern Saint Germain Pointer The Saint Germain Pointer is said to be the most elegant of the French Pointers and is a favourite amongst the French. However, the breed is still relatively rare following the two World Wars, and is fairly unknown outside of France. Despite almost becoming extinct, the breed has retained its talents and remains a hard-working, versatile gundog as well as being a gentle, affectionate companion and family pet.

Country of origin: France Height (at withers/shoulder): Males approximately 56 - 62 cm/22 - 24 1/2 inches Females 54-59 cm/21-23 inches (standards may vary) Weight: Approximately 18-27 kgs/40-60 lbs (standards may vary) Coat: Short, not too fine. Colour: Dull white Markings: Orange (fawn) markings; some mottling is tolerated but not sought after. The ears are fawn. Lifespan: Average, 12-14 years A medium-sized, muscular dog of heavy bone with a regular and supple gallop. The skull is slightly rounded with prominent occipital protuberance; the stop is not too pronounced. The muzzle is of equal length to the skull and the nose is broad with open nostrils and pink in colour. The eyes are well-open, large and golden yellow in colour. The ears are set on level with the eyes; they are medium in length and rounded at the tips. The jaws are b and the teeth meet in a regular scissor bite. The back is horizontal and the chest is long, deep and broad. The forelegs are long, b and muscular and the hindquarters are well positioned and also well-muscled and long. The tail is set relatively low, thick at the root but terminating in a point. It is carried horizontally in action and at rest never reaches below the hock.

The Saint Germain Pointer is a gentle, docile and sensitive dog. He is enthusiastic and a very willing worker, as well as cooperative and obedient. He requires consistent and gentle training but does not respond well to any harshness. He can become very attached to his owner, to whom he shows much affection, and loves to be part of the family. Of a gentle temperament, sociable and equable, the Saint Germain Pointer makes a fine family pet though he requires sufficient early socialisation. • Friendliness: Can be somewhat reserved with strangers. • Children: Good with children • Trainability: Easy to train • Independence: Moderate • Dominance: Unlikely to be dominant • Decorum: Generally good with most other pets • Combativeness: Generally good with other dogs • Noise: Occasional barker

+ Makes a wonderful family pet and companion + Extremely versatile and intelligent + Excels as a hunter + Little grooming needed - Prefers warmer climates - Requires sufficient and regular exercise - Not suitable for apartment living - Does best with acreage - Requires daily physical activity and mental stimulation - Can be prone to hip dysplasia The Saint Germain Pointer is a magnificent, versatile hunt, point and retrieving gundog of good strength and muscle, yet elegant in his appearance. A passionate hunter which was originally bred for working in the fields and woodlands, he is a good runner.

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