Braque Saint-Germain vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Braque Saint-Germain vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBraque Saint-Germain is originated from France but Bohemian Shepherd is originated from Czech Republic. Braque Saint-Germain may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Bohemian Shepherd. Braque Saint-Germain may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Bohemian Shepherd. Both Braque Saint-Germain and Bohemian Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Braque Saint-Germain and Bohemian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Braque Saint-Germain requires Low maintenance. But Bohemian Shepherd requires Moderate 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.

bohemian shepherd - historyKnown as the Chodský pes or the Chodenhund, the Bohemian Shepherd is native to the Czech Republic and is a herding breed. Like many other old dog breeds, nothing is 100% certain about is history. This is thought to be because the breed was developed centuries before the keeping of records. It is certain however, that the breed developed in the south-western portion of the Kingdom of Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic.

It is believed the Bohemian Shepherd came from herding dogs such as the Pinscher/Schnauzer, Spitzen or even a dog/wolf hybrid. It was in November 1991, that the Bohemian Shepherd Lover’s Club was founded. Many Bohemian Shepherd breeders have been registered and today the breed has earned the reputation for being a superb family dog. The dog has also been granted recognition with the Czech National Kennel Club.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
France
Czech Republic
Height Male:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 28 kg
35 - 62 pounds
14 - 25 kg
30 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
9 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium 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
Chodský pes, Czech Sheepdog, Bohemian Herder
Colors Available:
Dull white with orange (fawn) markings
Black and Tan
Coat:
short not fine
Long, dense and straight
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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

bohemian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe medium sized Bohemian Shepherd looks much like a combination between the Collie and German Shepherd. He is 48-55 cm in height and weighs about 15-25 kg. The Bohemian Shepherd has a thick, long coat which is black and tan in color and with an undercoat, allowing him to cope in icy weather conditions. His well proportioned body is muscular and compact with a long bushy tail and erect ears.

Temperament

The Bohemian Shepherd makes a wonderful family pet, becoming very attached to his human family. He has a good reputation with children too and will get on well with other pets in the home. He is so amicable that he makes a good pet choice for those looking to own a dog for the first time.

He is intelligent and alert and also protective of his family, making him an excellent guard dog. He is easily trainable, and just like with any other dogs, will require training and socialization.

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.

bohemian shepherd dog - characteristicsPlayful by nature, friendly, gentle and co-operative, your Bohemian Shepherd will make a wonderful pet and he is a real social character, loving to spend lots of time with his human family. With minimal health conditions and without requiring much maintenance, he is an adaptable dog and will easily settle into city- or country living, so long as he is given regular exercise and attention.

He is courageous and intelligent and also makes an excellent guard-dog. With so much going for this beautiful dog, he simply makes a loyal, loving and devoted family pet.

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

bohemian shepherd puppies - health problemsBreeding organizations are continually trying to minimize the diseases within limited-gene-pool dog breeds. While the Bohemian Shepherd is a generally health breed, there are diseases that are more common with the Bohemian Shepherd and which you need to be aware of -

Hip Dysplasia

This is a painful disease – a problem with the formation of the hips – where the dog can develop arthritis and even become lame.

Bloat

This is a condition where gas gets trapped in the stomach of your pet, so that he swells up, sometimes causing the stomach to twist. This is an emergency for your pet and it is extremely painful. Nobody really knows the cause, but when the gas is trapped inside the stomach, the bloated stomach of your pet requires you getting to the vet as quickly as you can.

Eye Conditions

Look out for Progressive Retinal Atrophy known as PRA . This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptor cells where the cells deteriorate and can result in blindness with your pet. Fortunately it isn’t a painful condition.

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.

Keep Him Exercised and Busy

bohemian shepherd dogs - caringThe Bohemian Shepherd is an energetic breed and will need to be exercised regularly. He’ll love to run alongside your bike on your cycling trips or you can take him on a long walk. Having said that, he is an easy going dog and can adapt to city- and country life, but if it’s city life, you can’t leave him cooped up in a small yard and think that will suffice. He has a personality that longs to be part of the family.

Grooming

Your Bohemian Shepherd is a moderate shedder in spite of his thick beautiful coat. The coat will certainly need a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of that loose hair. Not only that, your social Bohemian Shepherd will love the closeness to you that the brushing brings.

Keep his nails short and his teeth brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week to ensure there is no plaque build up. There are special toothbrushes and toothpastes made for dogs. Don’t use human toothpaste as the ingredients will be harmful to your pet.

Feeding Time

Your Bohemian Shepherd, after one year of age, will eat one or two bowls of food a day. You’ll be able to tell what suits your dog, because the amount will eat about 2 to 4 cups of a good quality dry dog food a day, split into at least two meals. The amount can vary depending on its health, build, age, activity level and metabolism. Make sure it has access to water at all times and that it is changed as often as possible.

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. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Dutch Shepherd vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. English Shepherd vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Cur vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Queensland Heeler vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. German Coolie vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  38. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Bohemian Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  40. Bohemian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  41. Bohemian Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  42. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  43. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  44. Bohemian Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  45. Bohemian Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  46. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  47. Bohemian Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  48. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  50. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds