Sporting gun dog Medium size 18-26 kg
Saint Germain Short Haired Pointer
A gentle, elegant French pointer that is affectionate and biddable - it needs an active owner who can give it real daily exercise and closeness.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Medium
Size
18-26 kg, 54-62 cm tall
Very high
Activity
Field dog needing hard daily exercise
Low
Alone-time tolerance
People-focused; dislikes long solitude
Easy
Handling
Eager and biddable with training
Low
Coat care
Short coat, minimal upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Gentle and friendly with family
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable with other dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Hip, ear and eye issues
The Saint Germain Short Haired Pointer typically weighs 18-26 kg, stands 54-62 cm, and lives 12-14 years.
Consider this breed if…
you are active outdoors daily and want a running or hiking partner,
you hunt, do dog sports, or enjoy long structured walks,
you want an affectionate, biddable dog that lives close to the family,
someone is home for much of the day.
Do not consider this breed if…
the dog would be alone for long workdays on a regular basis,
you want a calm, low-energy companion for short strolls,
you have no time or interest in daily hard exercise,
you want a natural guard dog - this is a friendly, soft breed.
A typical day with a Saint Germain Short Haired Pointer
- 6:30 · Morning45-60 min run, field work or brisk off-leash time
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest near the family after exercise
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk plus scent games in the yard
- 16:00 · AfternoonTraining or retrieve work, 15-20 minutes
- 18:30 · EveningLonger walk or a shared sport session
- 21:00 · NightA worked dog settles calmly indoors
Family and environment
Kids Good
Gentle and friendly; still supervise around very young children.
Dogs Good
Sociable and used to working alongside other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Prey drive means early socialization helps; may chase small pets.
Apartment Conditional
Possible only with heavy daily exercise; not an easy flat dog.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps but does not replace real exercise.
City Manages
Fine with enough activity and access to open space.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run suits this field-bred hunter best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock for hip scores
Chronic ear infections Drop ears trap moisture; check regularly
Progressive retinal atrophy Genetic eye disease; DNA testing available
Allergies and skin issues Can cause recurring itching and infections
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
More available all-round pointing breed
German Short Haired Pointer
A versatile, athletic gundog that shines with a very active owner, but it needs serious daily exercise and company or it grows restless and destructive.
View profile →
Similar field drive and short coat
Pointer
A tireless field pointer that thrives on daily running and birdwork - poorly suited to a quiet apartment or a sedentary owner.
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Smaller, affectionate versatile gun dog
Brittany Spaniel
A bright, tireless bird dog and affectionate family companion for active homes - its high energy quickly overwhelms sedentary owners.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Saint Germain Short Haired Pointer cost in the US?
This is a rare French breed with almost no US breeders, so realistically you would join a waitlist or import from Europe, adding travel and paperwork costs to the purchase price. Once home, food, exercise gear and routine vet care over a 12-14 year life typically add well over $12,000, more if hip or eye problems appear. If you simply want an easy-to-find pointing breed, common alternatives will be far easier to source.
Does this breed need a lot of exercise?
Yes. It is a field-bred pointer with high stamina and needs an hour or more of genuine daily activity plus mental work. A short walk and a yard will not be enough; an underexercised one grows restless and frustrated.
Is the Saint Germain pointer good with families?
Very much so. It is affectionate, gentle and biddable, and does well with children when supervised. The catch is that it wants to be close to its people and dislikes being left alone for long, so it suits an active household with company for much of the day.
Does it make a good guard dog?
No. This is a soft, friendly gun dog bred to work with people, not to guard. It may bark at arrivals but will typically greet strangers warmly rather than protect the home.