Breed Standard
Head: Finely chiseled. Broad skull. Prominent occipital peak. Pronounced stop. Nosebridge long and straight or slightly domed. Thin, pink lips. Wide, dark pink nose.
Ears: Pendulous, longer than in the English Pointer, supple, standing well out from the head.
Eyes: Fairly large, golden yellow.
Body: Well-proportioned. Solid, fairly long neck. Broad, deep chest let-down to the elbow. Powerful, fairly short, slightly arched loin.
Tail: Thick at the base, very thin at the tip. Carried level to the ground. This is the only pointer whose tail does not have to be docked.
Hair: Short, not too fine, but never hard.
Coat: Dull white with bright orange spots. Orange may be mixed with some white hairs. Some spotting is tolerated.
Size: Dog: 50 to 62 cm (19.7-24.4 in). Bitch: 54 to 59 cm (21-23 in).
Weight: 18 to 26 kg (40-57,5lb).
History
The Saint Germain Pointing Dog was developed around 1830 from French pointers descended from the royal packs of King Louis XV and the English Pointer, brought to France by Mr. de Girardin, a master huntsman for King Charles X. The products of this cross were bred by the keepers of Saint-Germain-en-Laye Forest, for which the breed was named. This English-French blend is the most elegant of the French pointers. Although very common in the early twentieth century, the breed is now relatively rare because it is not very widespread and it competes with the English Pointer, a dog similar in appearance and aptitudes.
Behavior
The enthusiastic, swift, sometimes obstinate the Saint Germain Pointing Dog excels in the fields and woods and even in swampland, although the cold temperatures should be avoided. More predictable than the English Pointer but faster than the French Pointing Dog, he is a good runner with a wide search range. He is used especially on pheasant and rabbit. Gentle, affectionate, and very attached to his owner, he makes a good pet. He needs firm but gentle training.
If he lives in the city, he needs long, daily walks. He tolerates heat well. He needs regular brushing and attention to the ears.
Function
Hunting Dog, Companion Dog.
Health
No unusual health problems or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed.
