Estonian Hound vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison

Estonian Hound vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed ComparisonEstonian Hound is originated from Estonia but Braque Saint-Germain is originated from France. Estonian Hound may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Braque Saint-Germain. Estonian Hound may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Braque Saint-Germain. Both Estonian Hound and Braque Saint-Germain has same life span. Both Estonian Hound and Braque Saint-Germain has same litter size. Estonian Hound requires Moderate maintenance. But Braque Saint-Germain requires Low maintenance

History

estonian hound - historyIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Estonia
France
Height Male:
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
16 - 28 kg
35 - 62 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
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
Colors Available:
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
Dull white with orange (fawn) markings
Coat:
short, rough coat
short not fine
Shedding:
Constant
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Cheerful, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

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

Characteristics

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

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.

Health Problems

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

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

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

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.

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. Pharaoh Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  33. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Podenco Andaluz vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Podenco Galego vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Estonian Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Estonian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  38. Estonian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Estonian Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Estonian Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Estonian Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Estonian Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  43. Estonian Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Estonian Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Estonian Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  46. Estonian Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  47. Estonian Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  48. Estonian Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  49. Estonian Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  50. Estonian Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds