Bracco Italiano vs Saint-Germain Pointer

Choosing between Bracco Italiano and Saint-Germain Pointer? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Bracco Italiano vs Saint-Germain Pointer: full comparison

TraitBracco ItalianoSaint-Germain Pointer
SizeLargeLarge
Energy levelHighHigh
TrainabilityMediumHigh
FriendlinessHighHigh
Good with childrenHighHigh
Grooming needsLowLow
SheddingMediumMedium
BarkingLowVery Low
ProtectivenessLowLow
AdaptabilityMediumMedium
Typical lifespan12 years13 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

Size and living space

The Bracco Italiano is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Saint-Germain Pointer is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bracco Italiano demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Saint-Germain Pointer demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bracco Italiano needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Saint-Germain Pointer needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bracco Italiano is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Saint-Germain Pointer is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is very quiet and rarely barks and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Bracco Italiano is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Saint-Germain Pointer is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bracco Italiano if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Saint-Germain Pointer on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Saint-Germain Pointer if you want an easier dog to train, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bracco Italiano or the Saint-Germain Pointer better for families with children?
Both the Bracco Italiano and the Saint-Germain Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bracco Italiano or the Saint-Germain Pointer?
The Bracco Italiano and Saint-Germain Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Bracco Italiano or the Saint-Germain Pointer?
The Saint-Germain Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Bracco Italiano or Saint-Germain Pointer bigger?
Bracco Italiano and Saint-Germain Pointer are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Bracco Italiano or Saint-Germain Pointer?
Bracco Italiano tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Saint-Germain Pointer is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Bracco Italiano or Saint-Germain Pointer?
For apartment or apartment living, Saint-Germain Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Related guides