Is the French Pointer (Braque Français) or the Saint-Germain Pointer better for families with children?

Both the French Pointer (Braque Français) and the Saint-Germain Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the French Pointer (Braque Français) or the Saint-Germain Pointer?

The French Pointer (Braque Français) and Saint-Germain Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the French Pointer (Braque Français) or the Saint-Germain Pointer?

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

Is French Pointer (Braque Français) or Saint-Germain Pointer bigger?

French Pointer (Braque Français) and Saint-Germain Pointer are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, French Pointer (Braque Français) or Saint-Germain Pointer?

French Pointer (Braque Français) tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Saint-Germain Pointer is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, French Pointer (Braque Français) or Saint-Germain Pointer?

For apartment or flat living, Saint-Germain Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

French Pointer (Braque Français) vs Saint-Germain Pointer

French Pointer (Braque Français) vs Saint-Germain Pointer: full comparison

Trait	French Pointer (Braque Français)	Saint-Germain Pointer
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Medium	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Very Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The French Pointer (Braque Français) is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Saint-Germain Pointer is a large and powerful breed 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 French Pointer (Braque Français) needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Saint-Germain Pointer needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The French Pointer (Braque Français) asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Saint-Germain Pointer asks for a light 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 French Pointer (Braque Français) is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Saint-Germain Pointer is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is very quiet and rarely barks and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, French Pointer (Braque Français) will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Saint-Germain Pointer is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Saint-Germain Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Saint-Germain Pointer has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Saint-Germain Pointer has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, French Pointer (Braque Français) has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, French Pointer (Braque Français) and Saint-Germain Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the French Pointer (Braque Français) if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Saint-Germain Pointer if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

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