Is the English Pointer or the Saint-Germain Pointer better for families with children?

Both the English Pointer and the Saint-Germain Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the English Pointer or the Saint-Germain Pointer?

The English Pointer and Saint-Germain Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the English Pointer or the Saint-Germain Pointer?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is English Pointer or Saint-Germain Pointer bigger?

English Pointer and Saint-Germain Pointer are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, English Pointer or Saint-Germain Pointer?

English Pointer tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Saint-Germain Pointer is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, English Pointer 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.

English Pointer vs Saint-Germain Pointer: Which Is Quieter?

English Pointer vs Saint-Germain Pointer: full comparison

Trait	English Pointer	Saint-Germain Pointer
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Very Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The English Pointer has noticeably higher barking than the Saint-Germain Pointer.

Size and living space

The English Pointer is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Saint-Germain Pointer is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular 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 English Pointer requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Saint-Germain Pointer needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The English Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Saint-Germain Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and suits families with children particularly well. The Saint-Germain Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process, stays notably quiet indoors and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, English Pointer 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…

For apartment or apartment living, Saint-Germain Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, English Pointer and Saint-Germain Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, English Pointer and Saint-Germain Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, English Pointer and Saint-Germain Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, English Pointer and Saint-Germain Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the English Pointer if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Saint-Germain Pointer if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Pointer or the Saint-Germain Pointer better for families with children?: Both the English Pointer and the Saint-Germain Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the English Pointer or the Saint-Germain Pointer?: The English Pointer and Saint-Germain Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the English Pointer or the Saint-Germain Pointer?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is English Pointer or Saint-Germain Pointer bigger?: English Pointer and Saint-Germain Pointer are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, English Pointer or Saint-Germain Pointer?: English Pointer tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Saint-Germain Pointer is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, English Pointer 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.

English Pointer vs Saint-Germain Pointer