Braque Saint-Germain vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison

Braque Saint-Germain vs American English Coonhound - Breed ComparisonBraque Saint-Germain is originated from France but American English Coonhound is originated from United States. Braque Saint-Germain may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than American English Coonhound. Braque Saint-Germain may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than American English Coonhound. Braque Saint-Germain may live 3 years more than American English Coonhound. Braque Saint-Germain may have less litter size than American English Coonhound. Both Braque Saint-Germain and American English Coonhound requires Low maintenance.

History

braque saint germain - historyThe Braque Saint-Germain, also known as the St. Germain Pointing Dog, is a French creation. The French pointing dogs and the English pointing dogs were mixed to develop the Braque Saint-Germain. He is a versatile hunting dog that was both a pointer and a gun dog. They are medium to large in size and went from being bred by royalty in the 1830’s to a popular everyday hunting dog. The ancestry of the breed can be traced back many additional centuries.

As popular as the Braque Saint-Germain was as a hunter, he gained his notoriety in the show ring. The first time a Braque Saint-Germain entered the ring in 1863 it was an acclaimed breed and upstaged all other pointing breeds. The French Braque Saint-Germain club was opened in 1913 and recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique International (FCI) and in 2006 was recognized by the North American United Kennel Club. Their popularity has risen and fallen since World War II. It has flirted with extinction more than once. Today’s Braque Saint-Germain is a highly talented hunting dog with a standard appearance that still does well in the ring.

The English Pointer was a cross between the hound dogs, British gundog, Spanish Pointer and herding breeds. This made the English Pointer a very versatile breed before it was crossed with the Braque Francais Gascogne. The Braque Francais Gascogne itself is believed to have developed from the Chien d-Oysel and Italian and Spanish pointing dogs. The English Pointer was specialized in pointing and the French Braque Francais Gascogne was a very versatile dog. In the Braque Saint-Germain the dog world has a versatile, excellent pointing dog.

In the 1800’s the French Crown was gifted with two English Pointers that were great at hunting. Some considered the English Pointers to be better than any of their Braque Francais. The female of these two pointers was bred many times but the male died without breeding. The female’s first litter was with a brown German Spaniel and were of low quality. Her second litter however was with an outstanding bird dog and produced 7 excellent puppies. Because of this these two dogs were bred several more times. The owner of the adult dogs moved to Saint-Germain, where their appearance attracted many hunters. The breed flourished here and was named the Braque Saint-Germain.

Soon corrupt individuals sold non-purebreds as Braque Saint-Germains and handlers showed these dogs under the Saint-Germain name. There are always dangers when a popular breed’s beginnings comes from only two dogs. In 1913 the new breed club fought over the standard and ended up producing two types. The first type was a sturdy dog with long ears and a round chest. He was larger and slower than his cousin. The second type was a smaller dog with a finer skeleton and short, high set ears. He was a galloper to his cousin’s trot.

The breed found itself facing near extinction in 1914 and during all of World War I. Dogs were not bred and many were not properly cared for. The breed became quite rare. Then as it began to recover, the Second World War intervened and devasted the breed again. By the end of the war, they were once again very rare and on the edge of extinction. It took a dedicated effort from local breeders to bring the breed back. By the 1950’s the two types of Braque Saint-Germain dogs were molded into only one breed. There remained a conflict between those that bred show dogs and those that bred hunting dogs.

Slowly the breed grew in number and in the late 1990’s there were over 100 puppies registered into the club every year. More than 100 were entered into the clubs in 2009. There have also been a few English Pointer crosses allowed to breed with the Braque Saint-Germains in order to grow and improve the gene pool. Still the breed is exceedingly rare outside of France. Through it all the breed has been able to maintain its place in confirmation and still be a versatile hunting dog.

american english coonhound - historyThe American English Coonhound was developed in the Southern part of the United States from the variety of English hunting dogs that came to the States with the early settlers. At one point they were known as the Virginia Hound. This breed is well known for its prowess in hunting raccoons and her endurance and speed. Of course as a hound dog he loves to howl during the hunt and at home with the family. He can be frustrated and destructive if his energy and need for a job are not satisfied.

Description

braque saint germain puppy - descriptionThe Braque Saint-Germain is very much a pointer and yet is a very attractive dog. They have a medium build, drop ears and a long, level tail tapered at the end. They are really distinctive looking with an athletic, lean, muscled look. The skull is round and the muzzle is the same length as the skull. Their nose is pink , their lips cover their lower jaw and their eyes are golden, round and large. The ears are set high on the head and look like they are slightly detached. The neck is long, muscular and arched, while they have deep chest. They are well proportioned, good looking dogs with a friendly facial expression. Their coat is true to the pointing dog group as it is short, smooth and white with orange markings. Dogs of any other color might be great hunting dogs but are not show dogs and should not be bred

american english coonhound puppy - descriptionThe American English Coonhound is an athlete with a deep chest and cute face. They have broad heads, domed skulls, dark eyes and soft, low ears. They are as fast and athletic as they look. These are highly athletic dogs with long legs and a slim but muscular body. They are so well built for their hunting role, that any deficiencies are quickly identified and bred out of the breed.

Characteristics

braque saint germain dog - characteristicsThe Braque Saint-Germain is a working dog and a show dog. They are energetic, competitive and driven. They are generally affectionate, loyal and love to cuddle with their people. They need human companionship companionship and can have severe separation anxiety when left by themselves. They love being a member of the family with children, but they are likely to knock very young children down unintentionally.

The Braque Saint-Germain is a loyal, gentle breed and some might even be shy. They are not guard dogs. They are much too friendly toward strangers. Even though they were bred to point and track small game, they can be socialized to be safe living with smaller pets such as cats. They are intelligent, fast learners who love to learn. They also love to work and work long hours without fatigue. They will love to be a jogging or cycling partner.

They do best with large yards, rural areas or in hunting packs. They are not small apartment, city dwellers. They do get along with strangers and other animals. They will warn of strangers, but they are not aggressive.

american english coonhound dog - characteristicsThe American English Coonhound knows how to relax just as much as he knows how to work. He is mellow after work and tenacious in the chase. This is not the dog for a first-time owner. They are stubborn and hard to train. They howl and bark at home as much as they do on the hunt. They need a strong pack leader, especially when living in the city or neighborhoods.

They are outgoing and friendly and very sensitive. They mature later than most other breeds their size. They are about 2 when they mature.

Health Problems

braque saint germain puppies - health problemsThe breed has very few health issues even with all the cross breeding followed by inbreeding. Due to the small gene pool there might be some genetically inherited problems. Due to the size of the gene pool, they might suffer from “founder’s effect” where if one dog has a certain condition, their descendants could also. Not enough research has been done to know if this is the case with the Braque Saint-Germain of not.

Some of the potential health issues that the3 Braque Saint-Germain might face include:

  • Dysplasia of the hip and elbow.
  • Cleft Palate or Lip.
  • Ear Infections.
  • PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Demodex Mange/Demodectic mange
  • Epilepsy
  • Deafness
  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Acral Mutilation Syndrome

american english coonhound puppies - health problemsIf kept active and happy, the American English Coonhound has very few health problems. The benefit from a large gen pool but do have some health concerns including elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, cataracts, bloat, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. They do have a tendency to gain weight as they age. These issues will be addressed in more detail below. DNA testing is available for the dysplasia and eye issues.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

braque saint germain dogs - caringThis is a working dog that can run and track for miles. She needs good nutrition. Feed about 3 cups per day in one or two meals. Two meals are preferred.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed might be susceptible to many genetic diseases or disorders but there have not been any studies to show this.

Exercise and games

The Braque Saint Germain does not need a high amount of exercise as their energy level is medium. They still need daily exercise. They do best with a fenced off leash area to run. They love frisbee and chasing balls.

Feeding

american english coonhound dogs - caringyour working American English Coonhound needs different food than one who is not working. So, if you hunt with your dog remember he really needs the calories to keep his energy up. However, they can get obese as they age so cut back with less activity and more years. Watch the number of treats when training.

Health issues mentioned earlier include

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia – the joint issues prevent the bones from connecting and functioning properly. Any good breeder of American English Coonhounds will do tests for both.

Eye issues range from cataracts to PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) Again there are tests available for these conditions.

Bloat is a condition many medium to large size dogs can experience when their stomach can become inverted and intestines distended. The is a situational issue and can’t be predicted. Don’t allow your coonhound to wolf down food right before exercise and feed him more than once a day in a smaller meal.

Exercise and games

The American English Coonhound needs a lot of exercise and has an extremely strong work and prey drive.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Hound dog
Origin:
France
United States
Height Male:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
56 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
23 - 65 cm
9 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
25 - 27 kg
55 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 28 kg
35 - 62 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
12 - 13
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Saint-Germain Pointer, French Pointer (Saint-Germain), Saint-Germain Pointing Dog, French Pointing Dog (Saint-Germain) Braque d’Auvergne Pointer, Auvergne Pointer, Braque du Auvergne, Auvergnese Pointer, Auvergne Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointer, Auvergnese Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointing Dog Bleu de Auvergne, Bleu d’Auvergne
Coonhound, English Coonhound
Colors Available:
Dull white with orange (fawn) markings
Black and white ticked, blue ticked, red with black and white tick
Coat:
short not fine
hard, sleek
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. East Siberian Laika vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  2. French Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  3. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  4. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  5. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  6. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  7. Field Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  8. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  9. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  10. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  11. Shikoku vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  12. Slovakian Hound vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  13. Small Munsterlander vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  14. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  15. Kooikerhondje vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  17. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  18. Wetterhoun vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  19. Braque Saint-Germain vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  20. Braque Saint-Germain vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  21. Braque Saint-Germain vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  22. Braque Saint-Germain vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  23. Braque Saint-Germain vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque Saint-Germain vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  26. Bloodhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Greyhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  29. Francais Blanc et Noir vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Saluki vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  31. American Foxhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Borzoi vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Black and Tan Coonhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Mountain Cur vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Black Mouth Cur vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Rajapalayam vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Plott Hound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  39. Otterhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Mudhol Hound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Ibizan Hound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Rampur Greyhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  43. Austrian Black and Tan Hound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Galgo Espanol vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Azawakh vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  46. Hanover Hound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  47. Majestic Tree Hound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  48. Chart Polski vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  49. Polish Hunting Dog vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  50. Grand Bleu de Gascogne vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds